[Greek] πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō), [Latin] circumvenire, [French] contourner, [German] verhinder: to have more, to take more, to over-reach, to take advantage, to exploit; 2Cor.2:11, 2Cor.7:2, 2Cor.12:17-18, 1Thess.4:6
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to have more, to be greedy, to gain an advantage, to overreach, to defraud, and to excel.
Xenophon’s On Hunting 13.10: “Envy not those who either recklessly seek their advantage. The best of them is favorably judged and envied. The bad are unfavorably judged and fare badly.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 8.112: “It was for giving this answer and refusing to give what was asked of them that they were besieged.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 7.149: “They decided that the Spartans’ covetousness was past all bearing and that it was better to be ruled by the foreigners than give way to the Lacedaemonians”
Xenophon’s Hellenica 6.3.9: “But when you had seized the Cadmea, you did not permit even the Thebeans themselves to be independent.”
Plato’s Republic 344a: “And this tyranny, which by both stealth and by force takes away what belongs to others, not little by little but at one swoop.”
Old Testament: This term means to seek unlawful gain, to take advantage, to plunder, to be covetous, and to cut off. This term is never used in the honest gaining of a possession.
New Testament: This term means to take advantage, to exploit, and to get the better of. Paul states that the offending person must be forgiven, so that this person will not be driven to despair or recklessness, falling into the control of Satan. The Corinthians may have had some concerns about Paul. Paul did not engage in any improper activity. Paul rejects any notion of self-enrichment. Paul cautions against taking advantage or exploiting (lust and covetousness) pertaining to marriage.
Scripture:
“So that we might not be taken advantage of by Satan, for we are not unware of his purposes.” 2Cor.2:11
Paul cautions one to not let the offending person be driven to despair, being vulnerable to the devil’s influence. One must show forgiveness to that person.
“Not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed.” 1Thess.4:6
Paul calls others to be chaste and not be covetous in matters relating to marriage.
Etymology: The Latin verb circumvenire essentially means to venire (come) around (circum-). The Latin past participle praeventus is related to the Latin verb praevenire, which means to come before, anticipate, and hinder. The German verb verhinder essentially means to prevent.
Conclusion:
Circumvent, prevent, turn, hinder, hindrance
God gives each of us free will. Each of us may take advantage of it and avail ourselves of this opportunity (for good or bad) in our own way.
It is perhaps not surprising that these Greek quotes are related to geopolitics. (I will get around later to show how they related to current events). ☺
In the Old Testament, it is interesting to note that this term only has a negative sense in terms of possessing or acquiring. This term does not apply to normal (appropriate) gaining.
Paul points out the need for forgiveness for the sake of the eternal soul of the offending person. The devil can exert his influence on vulnerable people in both active and subtle ways.
Update: Social activists are upset and offended that parents should have the right to instruct their young children about sex and gender as they see fit. (How dare these parents have this right!)
Social media platforms taking upon themselves in determining whether or not someone’s facts or opinions are offensive and hateful. (I could go on and on with further examples but I don’t want to take advantage of your valuable time.) ☺
We now have several nations circumventing (or attempting to circumvent) sanctions (Iran, North Korea, Russia, etc.).
Putin is recklessly seeking advantage in his attempt to restore the former Russian/Soviet union.
President Zelenskyy is also seeking a dangerous but necessary path in leading his nation against the Russian forces.
Ukraine, rightfully refusing to accept Russian demands, was later invaded by the Russian forces.
Ukraine refuses to accept Russia’s claim to Crimea.
Russia invaded and occupied the former Soviet republic Georgia.
One of the challenges in understanding this war (and other news events) is what is being done, said and reported. Some of these actions go beyond the bounds of human decency, go beyond the definition of truth, and sometimes go so far, bordering on the absurd.
Next post: defining and setting boundaries