[Greek] πλεονεξία (pleonexia), [Latin] avaritia, [Latin] cupiditas, [Latin] arrogantia: covetousness, greed, advantage, avarice, desire for more; Mk.7:22, Lk.12:15, Rom.1:29, 2Cor.9:5, Eph.4:19, Eph.5:3, Col.3:5, 1Thess.2:5, 2Pet.2:3,14
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means greediness, assumption, arrogance, advantage, a wrong done against someone, hunger for power, and an unfair gain derived from something. Andocides’ Against Alcibiades 4.13 states “They are not using his private life as evidence of his character, in spite of the fact that his greed and his arrogance are plain to them.” Isocrates’ Antidosis 15.275 states “But I do hold that people can become better and worthier if they conceive and ambition to speak well, if they become possessed of the desire to be able to persuade their hearers.” Xenophon’s On Hunting 13.10 states “Envy not those either who recklessly seek their own advantage wheter in private or public,– bear in mind that the best of them, though they are favorably judged, are envied, and the bad are both fare badly are unfavorably judged.”
Old Testament: This term means unlawful (dishonest) gain, covetousness, unjust profit, unrestricted longing for possessions, bribery, and usury. This term never references an honest gain. As a result, relationships are destroyed and God becomes incensed. The Jewish Hellenistic philosopher Philo calls this term as wanting more, the source of an unhappy life, unlawful enrichment, violent self-interest, and ethical lapse. Moses 11 186 states “Covetousness is the most treacherous of passions, and the fountain of all unhappiness.”
Woe to him who pursues an evil gain for his household Hab 2:9). But your eyes and hear are set on nothing except on your own gain (Jer.22:17). But Menealus, thanks to the covetousness of the men in power, remained in office (2Macc.4:50). Stood by him against the greed of the defrauders, and enriched him (Sol.10:11). Direct My heart toward your decrees and away from unjust gain (Psa.118:36). His sons did not follow him but sought illicit gain and accepted bribes (1Kgs.8:3). Unlawful gain takes away the life of him who acquires it (Pro.1:19).
New Testament: This makes reference to greed, immorality, impurity, licentiousness, fabrications, exploitation, wickedness, evil, envy, murder, sin, and gossip. One must guard against greed, for life does not consist of possessions. Paul contrasts new life with Christ with the Gentiles’ licentiousness, moral depravity, and lack of will power. Paul reminds the Colossians that the moral life is their response to Christ. Sin ruins human relationships. God’s indescribable gift and Paul’s preaching are imparted by blessing, not covetousness. In contrast to flattering speech as a pretext for greed, Paul’s preaching is free from self-seeking motive. Some teachers, in their greed, will exploit you with their fabrications. Some teachers, full of adultery and sin, will seduce unstable and vulnerable people.
Scripture:
“Then He said to them, ‘Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.’” Lk.12:15
This scripture provides a warning against striving for riches. Many have acquired a desire for possessions as a means to satisfy needs and feelings for security.
“In their greed they will exploit you with fabrications, but from of old their condemnation has not been idle and their destructiveness not sleep.” 2Pet.2:3
Some teachers and ministers seek to exploit, subvert, and proselytize others for their selfish means.
“Their eyes are full of adultery and insatiable for sin. They seduce unstable people, and their hearts are trained in greed. Accursed children!” 2Pet.2:14
Some teachers and ministers, in their selfish sinful actions, seek to exploit and abuse unstable, vulnerable, and impressionable people.
Early Church: Polycarp, Clement, Barnabas and the Didache spoke to the problems facing the Church. Such issues include sinful presbyters, abortion, love of money, adultery, and other issues. Polycarp’s Epistle to the Philippians 11.2 states “I am greatly grieved for Valens, who was once a presbyter among you, because he so little understands the place that was given him in the Church.”
Conclusion:
Avarice, arrogant, arrogance
It is perhaps not surprising that this term is associated with other vices and immoral behaviors. The focus on ‘sinful’ behavior is not as apparent as with the Old Testament and New Testament cultures. In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was considered an honor to serve the state in some capacity. This becomes a precursor to the notion of the career politician. It was interesting to find the observation of the flawed character of such persons. (This continues to the present time).
In the Old Testament, this term primarily means an unjustified gain (taking advantage of others). This in term ruins the relationships with God and others. This term is never used in a positive sense.
In the New Testament, this term makes reference to a whole range of sins involving covetousness and greed. Jesus warns against excessive reliance on material possessions. The Christian life is contrasted with worldly Gentile life. Paul speaks of the moral failures of teachers (ministers) who deceive and corrupt other for selfish purposes.
(This perhaps gives some insight as to why some priests, bishops, and cardinals seek sexual gratification through their positions of authority. It is perhaps more complicated when church leaders avoid or water down theological teachings when encountering gender issues. Perhaps these leaders do not want to be seen offending such people or groups. However, these leaders are ultimately harming such person by not stating true teachings).
WARNING – USELESS WORDS ALERT
Cupidity: Eager desire to possess something, lust, ambition
As I do not want to further take advantage of your time, I will then end my post.