πλουτίζω

I make rich

Definition

The verb πλουτίζω means 'to make rich' or 'to enrich.' In the New Testament, it is used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it can refer to material enrichment, as in 2 Corinthians 9:11, where God enriches believers so they can be generous. More significantly, it is used metaphorically for spiritual enrichment, such as being enriched in speech and knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:5) or paradoxically possessing all things while having nothing (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Biblical Usage

This word appears only three times in the New Testament, all in Paul's letters to the Corinthian church. It is used to describe God's action in enriching believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:5, it refers to enrichment in spiritual gifts like utterance and knowledge. In 2 Corinthians 6:10, it is part of a paradoxical description of apostolic life—'as poor, yet making many rich.' In 2 Corinthians 9:11, it describes material enrichment for the purpose of generosity.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective πλοῦτος (ploutos, G4149), meaning 'wealth' or 'riches.' The verb form πλουτίζω literally means 'to make rich' or 'to cause to abound.' It shares a root with words like πλούσιος (plousios, G4145), meaning 'rich.' The meaning developed from purely material wealth to include abstract and spiritual abundance.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights God as the source of all enrichment—both material and spiritual. It underscores the Pauline theme that true riches come from God's grace, not human effort. In 1 Corinthians 1:5, spiritual enrichment in Christ counters worldly wisdom. The paradox in 2 Corinthians 6:10 illustrates the counterintuitive nature of the gospel, where spiritual wealth transcends material poverty. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing the depth of God's provision for His people.

In the Greco-Roman world, wealth was a primary marker of status and blessing. Paul's use of this term subverts that cultural understanding by redefining 'riches' in spiritual terms. The idea that one could be 'poor, yet making many rich' (2 Corinthians 6:10) would have been paradoxical and countercultural, challenging the typical association of wealth with divine favor.

πλουτέω (plouteō, G4147) — to be rich, focus on state of being; περισσεύω (perisseuō, G4052) — to abound or overflow, often in a quantitative sense; ἐμπιπλάω (empiplaō, G1705) — to fill or satisfy, sometimes with material goods.

Word Details

Scripture References