πωλέω (pōleō)
pōleō
to sell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pōleō means to sell or barter, describing the straightforward exchange of goods for money. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from daily commerce to significant spiritual decisions. Jesus uses this common term when instructing a rich man to part with his possessions (Matthew 19:21) and when cleansing the temple by driving out those conducting business there (Mark 11:15).
Its etymology likely traces back to a root meaning "to be busy" or "trade," suggesting an active engagement in commerce. This background helps explain its usage in passages like Luke 17:28, where it describes the ordinary buying and selling that characterized life before the flood. The word carries no inherent moral judgment; it simply denotes the transaction itself, whether for everyday items or, as in Acts 4:37, for property held by believers.
Translators consistently render pōleō as "sell," capturing its direct and unembellished nature. Unlike words that might imply deception or exploitation, pōleō focuses on the act of transfer. This neutrality allows Scripture to use it in diverse settings, from the simple sale of sparrows (Matthew 10:29) to the profound selling of all one has for the kingdom of heaven.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pōleō simply means to sell, covering everyday trades like buying sparrows or selling land. In daily life, these transactions are neutral acts of exchange. Yet Scripture uses this common term to highlight profound spiritual choices. It reminds us that what we hold is temporary, while the treasures of God’s kingdom endure forever.
Jesus used this word in two striking ways: first, inviting a rich young man to sell everything and follow Him (Matthew 19:21), and second, cleansing the temple by driving out those who sold animals there (Mark 11:15). These moments show that selling can be an act of radical devotion or a sign of misplaced priorities. The word invites you to consider what you are willing to let go of for the sake of something greater.
Whether it is Barnabas selling a field to support the early church (Acts 4:37) or believers trading in the temple courts, pōleō grounds us in reality. It asks us to weigh our possessions against our faith. May you find peace in knowing that your true security lies not in what you keep, but in who holds you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- selling8×
- do sell4×
- to sell1×
- they were selling,1×
- sold1×
- selling [them]1×
- he should sell1×
- he sells1×
- having sold [it]1×
- being sold1×
- are sold?1×
- are being sold for1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πωλοῦντας5×
- πώλησον2×
- πωλούντων2×
- ἐπώλουν,1×
- ἐπώλησεν1×
- πώλησόν1×
- πωλῆσαι1×
- πωλήσατε1×
- πωλήσας1×
- πωλοῦσιν1×
- πωλοῦντες1×
- πωλοῦνται1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:21
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Jesus uses the word to define the cost of discipleship for the rich young ruler, linking the act of selling directly to following Him.
-
Mark 11:15
They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.
The term describes the commercial activity Jesus disrupted in the temple, showing how commerce can invade sacred space.
-
Acts 4:37
having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Barnabas sells his field to provide for the community, illustrating how selling possessions can be an act of generous stewardship.
-
Matthew 10:29
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
The mention of sparrows being sold highlights God’s care for even the smallest details of creation and daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pōleō mean in the New Testament?
Is selling things considered sinful in the Bible?
Why does Jesus tell people to sell their possessions?
How is pōleō different from other words for trade?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 5 verses
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 19:21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure…
Matthew 21:12Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the…
Matthew 25:9But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for…