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πλούσιος (plousios)

plousios

rich

G4145 · Greek · New Testament · 28 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
28 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The Greek word plousios describes someone who possesses abundant material resources, translating directly to "rich" or "wealthy." In the New Testament, it appears twenty-eight times, frequently referring to individuals whose financial standing defines their social position. Jesus uses this term in parables and direct teachings, such as when he notes the difficulty for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23) or when describing the lavish lifestyle of the man in Luke 16:19.

While its primary sense is economic, the word extends metaphorically to spiritual states. The apostle Paul calls God "rich in mercy" (Ephesians 2:4), and James addresses believers as "rich in faith" (James 2:5). This shift highlights a theological contrast: earthly wealth often distracts from divine reliance, whereas spiritual richness is portrayed as the true source of security. The term thus serves to critique the dangers of materialism while affirming the abundance found in Christ.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word plousios describes someone with abundant resources, whether in material wealth or spiritual depth. In the New Testament, it often highlights a tension: earthly riches can become a heavy burden that distracts from God, as Jesus noted when speaking of the difficulty for a rich man to enter the Kingdom. Yet the same term is used to describe God’s nature and our standing in Him. We see this shift when Paul calls God 'rich in mercy' or James addresses believers as 'rich in faith.' This contrast invites us to examine where we place our trust.

For your daily life, this word offers a gentle correction. It reminds us that true security does not come from bank accounts or social status, which are fleeting like the grass that withers in the sun. Instead, it points to a lasting abundance found in Christ’s grace. When we recognize our spiritual wealth, we are freed from anxiety and empowered to live generously, mirroring the One who became poor so that we might become rich in hope.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • rich15×
  • a rich man4×
  • rich,2×
  • rich;1×
  • rich.1×
  • rich man;1×
  • rich man1×
  • rich [man]1×
  • [to be] rich1×
  • Rich1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • πλούσιος11×
  • πλούσιον3×
  • πλούσιοι3×
  • πλουσίους3×
  • πλούσιός1×
  • πλούσιος·1×
  • πλούσιοι,1×
  • πλουσίους.1×
  • πλουσίου·1×
  • πλουσίου1×
  • πλουσίοις,1×
  • πλουσίοις1×

Key Verses

  • II Corinthians 8:9
    For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

    This verse redefines richness by showing how Jesus’ voluntary poverty created spiritual wealth for believers, shifting the focus from material gain to grace.

  • Ephesians 2:4
    But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,

    Here plousios describes God’s character, specifically His mercy, indicating that divine abundance is measured in compassion rather than currency.

  • James 2:5
    Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him?

    James contrasts worldly poverty with spiritual richness, showing that God chooses those the world overlooks to be heirs of His Kingdom through faith.

  • Luke 16:19
    “Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.

    The rich man in this parable is defined entirely by his luxury and indifference, illustrating how material comfort can blind one to eternal realities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does plousios mean in the Bible?

Plousios translates to 'rich' or 'wealthy.' While it primarily describes material abundance, the New Testament frequently uses it metaphorically to describe spiritual states, such as being 'rich in faith' or God being 'rich in mercy.'

Is wealth considered bad in the New Testament?

Wealth itself is not condemned, but its danger is highlighted. Jesus taught that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom because material security can distract from reliance on God. The issue lies in where one places their hope.

How is plousios different from ploutos?

Plousios is an adjective describing a person who is rich, while ploutos is the noun for wealth or riches. They are closely related, but plousios focuses on the state of the individual, whereas ploutos refers to the resources themselves.

Every Occurrence (28 verses across 8 books)

Matthew 3 verses
Matthew 19:23

Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with…

Matthew 19:24

Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s…

Matthew 27:57

When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came.

Mark 2 verses
Luke 11 verses
II Corinthians 1 verse
Ephesians 1 verse
I Timothy 1 verse
James 5 verses
Revelation of John 4 verses