G0146 Eager for Gain 3c3
αἰσχροκερδής aischrokerdes (G0146)
1 Timothy 3:3
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
“Greedy of filthy lucre” comes from the Greek word αἰσχροκερδής aischrokerdes (G0146). It is in the Bible 3 times. αἰσχροκερδής aischrokerdes (G0146) is translated greedy of filthy lucre 2 times and given to filthy lucre 1 time. It literally means eager gain. However, the literal definition does not bring out the true intent. Many equate this with monetary gain; however, it is far more than that. One should never be in any position of leadership or responsibility in the body of believers that does anything for gain. This includes both tangible and intangible gain. Eagerness for any gain contradicts the instructions that Yeshua gave His Apostles in Matthew 20:25-28.
25 But Yeshua called them and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you. But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.
When gain refers to more than just money, this now includes a wide variety of concept. We should not even do things to be seen as a servant. One should serve naturally because it is their nature. It should never be done to be seen by others.
One who is in the ministry for income in any way should step down or repentant immediately and permanently. Whether or not an individual ministers to help others, there should not be the slightest desire for their own needs. Freely we are to give and freely we are to receive. It is true that Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 9:9-11.
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Does God take care for oxen? 10 Or says He altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, is written. That he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown to you spiritual things, a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
There is nothing wrong with one who ministers to accept tithe to meet their needs. However, there is always the question; if there is no tithe, does it affect how they minister to others? Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 9:16-19.
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of. For necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is to me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward. But if against my will, a dispensation is committed to me. 18 What is my reward then? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Messiah without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19 For though I be free from all, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.
Paul never ministered to meet his needs. He did it to gain more for Messiah, as we all should do. As such, 1 Timothy 3:3 should have been translated:
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not eager for gain; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
This affects the following scriptures, the former word is in parenthesis.
1 Timothy 3:8
8 Likewise the deacons grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not eager for gain (greedy of filthy lucre);
Titus 1:7
7 For a overseer must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not eager for gain (given to filthy lucre);
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