συκοφαντέω (sukophanteō)
sukophanteō
to extort
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sukophanteō describes the act of extorting money or accusing someone wrongfully to gain advantage. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Gospel of Luke, where it captures a specific kind of social and economic aggression. John the Baptist uses it when instructing soldiers not to intimidate anyone or make false accusations (Luke 3:14). Later, Zacchaeus promises to repay those he has defrauded fourfold, using this term to acknowledge his past misconduct (Luke 19:8).
Etymologically, the word combines sykon ("fig") and phainein ("to show"). While ancient commentators debated its precise origin, it likely referred to a false accusation that someone was stealing figs from sacred trees. This background highlights how the term evolved from a specific legal charge into a general description of malicious extortion or slander. Translators often render it as "extort" or "defraud," emphasizing the wrongful taking of property rather than just verbal abuse.
The sources note that this word carries significant weight in Luke’s narrative, pointing to the tangible harm caused by greed and deceit. By including it in Jesus’ teachings on repentance, Luke underscores that true change involves repairing specific injustices against others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sukophanteō describes more than simple dishonesty; it captures the active abuse of power to take what does not belong to you. Whether through threats or false legal charges, this behavior harms others for personal gain. In Luke’s Gospel, John the Baptist warns soldiers against using their authority to intimidate people, showing that true integrity requires resisting the urge to exploit those weaker than yourself.
True repentance is visible in how we treat our neighbors. Zacchaeus demonstrates this by offering fourfold repayment for what he had extorted. This goes beyond a simple apology; it involves tangible restitution and a commitment to fairness. When we acknowledge our wrongs and make things right, we reflect the healing power of the Gospel in our daily interactions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- may accuse falsely1×
- I have defrauded,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐσυκοφάντησα,1×
- συκοφαντήσητε1×
Key Verses
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Luke 3:14
Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.”
John the Baptist explicitly links this word to the abuse of military authority, warning soldiers against using violence or false accusations to gain advantage.
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Luke 19:8
Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.”
Zacchaeus uses this term to confess his past financial exploitation, promising extraordinary restitution as evidence of his transformed heart.