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πλοῦτος

ploûtos

G4149 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The state or quality of possessing material abundance or wealth; that which is considered valuable. Denotes both literal wealth—such as money, possessions, or material resources—and, in figurative contexts, any form of abundance, fullness, or richness (such as moral, spiritual, or intellectual wealth). The primary sense is material wealth, but in extended use can indicate a superabundance or the highest degree of any desirable quality.

Semantic Range

material wealth, riches, possessions, abundance, fullness, valuable resources, spiritual or moral richness, superabundance, that which makes one rich (in any domain)

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root πλε(ω)- (to be full, to abound), specifically connected with the verb πλήθω (to fill, to be full). The morphological formation πλοῦ-τος denotes the state of being filled (with goods, value, or desirable qualities). The root is related to ideas of fullness or abundance in classical Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πλοῦτος primarily referred to material wealth or riches—possessions, property, and fortunes—often personified as a deity (Ploutos) symbolizing wealth. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term's semantic range broadened, allowing for metaphorical uses indicating abundance in non-material spheres (e.g., 'riches' of wisdom, knowledge, or virtue) as seen in philosophical, Jewish, and early Christian writings. In the Septuagint and New Testament, πλοῦτος may denote both tangible wealth and abstract forms of richness (as in 'the riches of God's mercy' or 'riches of glory'), reflecting Hellenistic rhetorical tendencies and Hebraic influences. Standard English translations as 'riches,' 'wealth,' or 'abundance' cover primary senses but sometimes flatten the metaphorical range, which in Greek can include overflowing quality or inexhaustible supply in spiritual or moral contexts.

Translation Consistency

primary "wealth" 22 occurrences

Primary sense of πλοῦτος is material riches; “wealth” is the natural, modern noun that covers literal possessions and easily extends to figurative richness (spiritual/intellectual), while sounding less archaic than “riches” and more concrete than “abundance.” It will render consistently across contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of πλήθω; wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment:--riches.

Root Family

πλοῦτος (ploutos) — wealth, abundance, fullness, riches, valuable resources

Root πλοῦ- to fill, to be abundant, to have plenty

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4149-02 πλοῦτος ploutos N NOM M SG riches abundant wealth abundant wealth 13
G4149-03 πλούτου ploutou N GEN M SG riches of abundance of wealth 6
G4149-01 πλοῦτον plouton N ACC M SG riches being rich wealth 3

Occurrences in Scripture

22 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4149-03 Matthew 13:22 πλούτου ploutou N GEN M SG riches of abundance of wealth
G4149-03 Mark 4:19 πλούτου ploutou N GEN M SG riches of abundance of wealth
G4149-03 Luke 8:14 πλούτου ploutou N GEN M SG riches of abundance of wealth
G4149-03 Romans 2:4 πλούτου ploutou N GEN M SG riches of abundance of wealth
G4149-01 Romans 9:23 πλοῦτον plouton N ACC M SG riches being rich wealth
G4149-02 Romans 11:12 πλοῦτος ploutos N NOM M SG riches abundant wealth abundant wealth
G4149-02 Romans 11:12 πλοῦτος ploutos-2 N NOM M SG riches abundant wealth abundant wealth
G4149-03 Romans 11:33 πλούτου ploutou N GEN M SG of the riches of abundance of wealth
G4149-02 2 Corinthians 8:2 πλοῦτος ploutos N ACC N SG riches abundant wealth abundant wealth
G4149-02 Ephesians 1:7 πλοῦτος ploutos N ACC N SG riches abundant wealth abundant wealth
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