πλοῦτος (ploutos)
ploutos
riches
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun ploutos primarily denotes riches or wealth, encompassing both material possessions and spiritual abundance. In the Gospels, it frequently describes literal money or property that can become a hindrance to faith, as seen in Jesus’ warning that the “care of this world” chokes the seed in Matthew 13:22. This concrete usage is reinforced in passages like Luke 8:14 and James 5:2, where earthly wealth is portrayed as temporary or dangerous.
However, the New Testament significantly expands this meaning into the spiritual realm. Paul uses ploutos to describe the inexhaustible resources of God’s grace, mercy, and glory. In Ephesians 2:7, he speaks of the “immeasurable riches of his grace,” while Romans 9:23 refers to the “riches of his glory.” This figurative usage suggests that divine blessings are not merely small gifts but a vast, overflowing storehouse available to believers.
The word’s versatility allows it to bridge the gap between economic reality and theological depth. While it can refer to the gold of Babylon in Revelation 18:16, it also describes the “riches of Christ” in Colossians 1:27. This dual capacity highlights a central biblical theme: true wealth is found not in accumulation, but in the generous outpouring of God’s character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ploutos often brings to mind bank accounts or property, but Scripture uses it to describe something far more enduring. In passages like Matthew 13:22, Jesus warns that the deceitfulness of earthly riches can choke spiritual growth. This reminds us that material wealth is temporary and can easily distract us from what truly matters. When we place our security in money, we risk losing the fruit of a life rooted in faith.
Yet the New Testament reveals a deeper treasure. Paul speaks of the riches of God’s grace in Ephesians 1:7 and the unsearchable riches of Christ in Ephesians 3:8. These are not limited by inflation or loss. They represent an inexhaustible supply of mercy, wisdom, and hope available to every believer. This spiritual abundance is what sustains us through hardship and fills the gaps in our lives.
True wealth, therefore, is found in Christ alone. As Philippians 4:19 assures us, God supplies our needs according to His riches in glory. This promise invites you to rest in His provision rather than chasing after uncertain treasures. May you find your heart anchored in the eternal riches that never fade.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- riches14×
- of riches3×
- wealth.1×
- wealth1×
- richness1×
- [is] riches1×
- [is the] riches1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλοῦτος12×
- πλούτου6×
- πλοῦτον3×
- πλοῦτος.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:22
What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
This verse illustrates how earthly wealth can actively choke spiritual life, serving as a warning against letting material concerns dominate our hearts.
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Ephesians 1:7
In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
Here the word shifts from material to spiritual, describing forgiveness and redemption as flowing from the boundless grace of God rather than human effort.
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Ephesians 3:8
To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Paul uses this term to describe the infinite nature of Christ’s glory, emphasizing that the gospel message contains treasures beyond human comprehension.
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Philippians 4:19
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
This promise connects God's personal care for our daily needs directly to His own glorious riches, offering assurance rather than anxiety about provision.
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James 5:2
Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten.
The warning that riches can become corrupted and garments moth-eaten highlights the fragility of material wealth compared to eternal spiritual realities.