πιπράσκω

I sell

Definition

The verb πιπράσκω means 'to sell' or 'to exchange for money.' In its active voice, it straightforwardly describes the act of selling goods, as when the disciples suggest selling expensive perfume (Matthew 26:9, Mark 14:5, John 12:5). In the passive voice, it takes on a metaphorical sense of being 'sold under' or 'enslaved to' something, depicting a state of bondage, as seen in the parable of the unforgiving servant who was 'sold' with his family (Matthew 18:25). This dual usage highlights both a commercial transaction and a powerful image of subjugation.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used nine times in the New Testament, primarily in narratives. It appears in the Gospels in contexts of selling possessions (Matthew 13:46, 26:9) and in Acts describing the early church's practice of selling property to support the community (Acts 2:45, 4:34, 5:4). The metaphorical, passive usage is less common but significant, found in Matthew 18:25 to illustrate the severity of spiritual debt and slavery to sin.

Etymology

Πιπράσκω is a classical Greek verb meaning 'to sell.' It is related to the noun πιπράσκω itself, with cognates like πέρνημι (pernēmi), another verb for selling. It belongs to a common semantic field of commerce and exchange in the ancient world.

Semantic Range

This word carries theological weight, especially in its passive sense. It vividly portrays the concept of being 'sold into slavery,' which Paul uses elsewhere to describe humanity's bondage to sin (cf. Romans 7:14). In Acts, the voluntary selling of possessions for the common good (Acts 2:45, 4:34) models radical Christian generosity and stewardship, contrasting with the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira who 'sold' property but withheld part (Acts 5:4). Understanding this Greek term enriches parables about value (Matthew 13:46) and the serious consequences of spiritual debt.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, selling was a common economic activity, but being 'sold' into slavery was a devastating reality. Slavery was a widespread social institution, and the passive use of πιπράσκω would immediately evoke this harsh condition. The voluntary selling in Acts reflects a communal ethic in the early church, where liquidating assets to care for members stood in contrast to typical Greco-Roman patronage systems focused on social prestige.

ἀποδίδομι (apodidōmi, G591) — to give back, pay, or sell; often implies a transaction fulfilling an obligation. πωλέω (pōleō, G4453) — a more general term for selling or trading, used interchangeably in some contexts.

Word Details

Scripture References