κτάομαι

I win, get, buy, possess

Definition

The verb κτάομαι primarily means to acquire, obtain, or get something. In the New Testament, it carries two main senses. First, it refers to the act of acquiring or purchasing something, as seen when Peter tells Simon he cannot 'buy' the gift of God with money (Acts 8:20). Second, it can mean to possess or gain mastery over something, such as gaining 'possession' of a field (Acts 1:18) or one's own body (1 Thessalonians 4:4). In Luke 21:19, it uniquely describes 'gaining' or 'winning' one's own life through endurance.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only seven times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Acts, and one Epistle. It is often used in contexts of financial or material acquisition, like purchasing items (Matthew 10:9) or a field (Acts 1:18). It also appears in moral and spiritual contexts, such as acquiring one's life through patience (Luke 21:19) or mastering one's own body (1 Thessalonians 4:4). The usage in Acts 22:28, regarding obtaining Roman citizenship, highlights its secular legal sense.

Etymology

The word κτάομαι is a primary verb in Greek, meaning to procure for oneself, get, or acquire. It is related to the noun κτῆμα (ktēma, G2933), meaning a possession or property. The root sense involves the idea of bringing something into one's own possession or control, a concept that extends from physical goods to abstract qualities.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on themes of true possession and discipleship. In Luke 21:19, Jesus teaches that one 'gains' or 'wins' their life not through self-preservation but through patient endurance in faith, contrasting worldly and spiritual acquisition. In 1 Thessalonians 4:4, it relates to sanctification, instructing believers to 'possess' or 'control' their own bodies in holiness. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the biblical tension between acquiring earthly things (Matthew 10:9, Acts 8:20) and the imperative to seek spiritual mastery and eternal life.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of acquisition (κτάομαι) was central to social status, which was often based on property and wealth. Roman citizenship, as mentioned in Acts 22:28, was a highly prized legal possession that could be inherited or purchased at great cost. This cultural backdrop makes the New Testament's spiritual redefinition of 'acquisition'—such as gaining one's life through endurance (Luke 21:19) or possessing one's body in holiness—a counter-cultural challenge to materialistic values.

ἀγοράζω (agorazō, G59) — specifically to buy in the marketplace; emphasizes the commercial transaction. κτῆμα (ktēma, G2933) — a noun meaning a possession or piece of property; the thing acquired. περιποιέω (peripoieō, G4046) — to gain or acquire for oneself, often with a sense of preserving or saving.

Word Details

Scripture References