Definition and Context
Extortion, in biblical terms, refers to the act of obtaining something, especially money, through force, threats, or abuse of authority. It is considered a grave sin and is often associated with greed, corruption, and injustice. The Bible condemns extortion as it violates the principles of fairness, honesty, and love for one's neighbor.

Old Testament References
The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of extortion, particularly in the context of social justice and the treatment of the poor and vulnerable. In Ezekiel 22:12, the prophet condemns the leaders of Israel for their corrupt practices: "In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten Me, declares the Lord GOD." This passage highlights how extortion is linked to a broader pattern of moral decay and neglect of God's commandments.

The Psalms also speak against extortion, emphasizing the righteous character of those who reject such practices. Psalm 62:10 warns, "Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Here, the psalmist advises against relying on ill-gotten gains, urging trust in God rather than in wealth acquired through unjust means.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, extortion is similarly condemned as contrary to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. John the Baptist, in his call to repentance, specifically instructs tax collectors to "collect no more than you are authorized" (Luke 3:13), addressing the common practice of extortion among those in positions of power.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, includes extortion among the sins that are incompatible with the Kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, he writes, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." The term "swindlers" in this context can be understood to include those who engage in extortion.

Moral and Ethical Implications
The biblical condemnation of extortion underscores the importance of integrity and justice in personal and communal relationships. Extortion is seen as a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). It reflects a heart that prioritizes personal gain over the well-being of others, contrary to the selfless love exemplified by Christ.

The Bible calls believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This includes rejecting any form of extortion and instead promoting fairness, generosity, and honesty in all dealings. The teachings of Scripture encourage believers to trust in God's provision and to seek wealth through righteous means, rather than through exploitation or coercion.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive legal definition of extortion, its teachings clearly denounce the practice as sinful and contrary to the character of God. Believers are called to uphold justice and righteousness, reflecting God's love and integrity in their interactions with others.(imp. & p. p.) of Extort.6231. ashaq -- to oppress, wrong, extort
... root Definition to oppress, wrong, extort NASB Word Usage crushed (1), defrauded
(2), extorted (1), got (1), laden (1), oppress (11), oppressed (9), oppresses ...
/hebrew/6231.htm - 6k

Letter xxiv (Circa AD 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
... that you have laid down with regret the burden of your pastoral charge, permission
having been obtained with great difficulty, or rather, extorted by your ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xxiv circa a d 1126.htm

Whether a Man is Bound to Restore Whatever Profits He Has Made Out ...
... Cum tu sicut asseris'): "Property accruing from usury must be sold, and the price
repaid to the persons from whom the usury was extorted." Therefore, likewise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man is bound 5.htm

The Calling Together of a Synod not Always Necessary to the ...
... What is it, then, that they say, that "subscription was extorted from simple bishops
sitting in their places without any Synodal congregation"? ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 34 the calling together of.htm

Letter cxxvi. (AD 411. )
... a flame driven back for a moment by the wind, began to be much more warmly excited,
imagining that possibly a violation of my promise might be extorted from me ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxvi a d 411.htm

The Traitor
... upon them, that the arrest was accomplished while they still had to seek false
witnesses, and to consult how a sentence might best be extorted from the Governor ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 10-16 the traitor.htm

The Prophet of the Highest.
... Thus the pressure of the burden increased on him till he was forced to give utterance
to the cry it extorted from his soul: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/iv the prophet of the.htm

Letter Lxxxviii. (AD 406. )
... in force against your party than that decision of the elder Constantine, to which
your forefathers of their own choice appealed, which they extorted from him ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxviii a d 406.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... the surrounding strongholds, which were the haunts of robbers who lurked in the
mountains; then turning to the northeast, he took Tunipa and extorted the usual ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Peter Stood Up.
... that the emperor might plainly see how, in that matter, the sentence of the Apostolic
See had not proceeded from pride, but rather had been extorted by zeal ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iii peter stood up.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... And I have frequently extorted from them confessions, that there are several such
in their respective parishes, yet have always found them so obstinately bent ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

Extorted (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Extort. Multi-Version Concordance
Extorted (3 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 9:5 I have thought ...
/e/extorted.htm - 7k

Extort (2 Occurrences)
... extortion. See Extortion. 3. (vi) To practice extortion. 4. (pp & a.) Extorted.
Multi-Version Concordance Extort (2 Occurrences). ...
/e/extort.htm - 7k

Extortiofn (1 Occurrence)

/e/extortiofn.htm - 6k

Extortion (14 Occurrences)
... before it is due. 3. (n.) That which is extorted or exacted by force. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EXTORTION. eks-tor'-shun: This ...
/e/extortion.htm - 12k

Absolutely (6 Occurrences)
... that the gift of love which you have already promised may be ready as a gift of
love, and may not seem to have been something which I have extorted from you. ...
/a/absolutely.htm - 8k

Visit (97 Occurrences)
... that the gift of love which you have already promised may be ready as a gift of
love, and may not seem to have been something which I have extorted from you. ...
/v/visit.htm - 36k

Trade (33 Occurrences)
... Grain, the chief article of value, was extorted from the poor (Isaiah 5:11), and
the grain-dealers were notoriously dishonest (Isaiah 8:4-6); Isaiah 8:6 c in ...
/t/trade.htm - 40k

Already (171 Occurrences)
... that the gift of love which you have already promised may be ready as a gift of
love, and may not seem to have been something which I have extorted from you. ...
/a/already.htm - 36k

Myself (395 Occurrences)
... that the gift of love which you have already promised may be ready as a gift of
love, and may not seem to have been something which I have extorted from you. ...
/m/myself.htm - 37k

Who were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Extorted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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