Definition and Meaning:
The term "lucre" generally refers to monetary gain or profit, often with a negative connotation implying greed or unethical means of acquisition. In biblical contexts, it is frequently associated with dishonest or immoral gain, contrasting with the righteous pursuit of provision and stewardship.

Biblical References:
The concept of lucre is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, often warning against the pursuit of wealth through dishonest or unethical means. The Berean Standard Bible provides clarity on these teachings.

1. 1 Timothy 3:3 :
"not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money."
Here, the Apostle Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers in the church, emphasizing that they should not be lovers of money, which can be understood as a warning against the pursuit of lucre.

2. 1 Timothy 6:10 :
"For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."
This verse highlights the dangers of loving money, which can lead to various forms of evil and spiritual downfall, illustrating the peril of seeking lucre.

3. Titus 1:7 :
"As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money."
Paul instructs Titus on the qualities of church leaders, again warning against greed for money, which aligns with the negative implications of lucre.

4. 1 Peter 5:2 :
"Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness."
Peter advises church elders to serve willingly and eagerly, not motivated by greed, which can be seen as a caution against seeking lucre.

Theological Implications:
The Bible consistently warns against the pursuit of lucre, emphasizing that the love of money can lead to spiritual corruption and moral compromise. The pursuit of wealth for its own sake, especially through dishonest means, is portrayed as contrary to the values of the Kingdom of God. Instead, believers are encouraged to seek contentment, generosity, and trust in God's provision.

Practical Application:
Christians are called to examine their motives and attitudes towards money and wealth. The pursuit of lucre, characterized by greed and unethical behavior, should be avoided. Instead, believers are encouraged to practice stewardship, using their resources to honor God and serve others. This includes being generous, fair in business dealings, and prioritizing spiritual wealth over material gain.

Historical Context:
In the ancient world, as in today, the temptation to acquire wealth through dishonest means was prevalent. The early church faced challenges with leaders and members who were tempted by financial gain, prompting the apostles to address these issues directly in their letters. The warnings against lucre served to protect the integrity and witness of the Christian community.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the necessity of money for daily living, it consistently warns against the love of money and the pursuit of lucre. Believers are called to a higher standard, one that values integrity, generosity, and trust in God's provision over the fleeting and often corrupting allure of wealth.From the Lat. lucrum, "gain." 1 Timothy 3:3, "not given to filthy lucre." Some MSS. have not the word so rendered, and the expression has been omitted in the Revised Version. (n.) Gain in money or goods; profit; riches; -- often in an ill sense.LUCRE

lu'-ker, loo'-ker (betsa'>; kerdos): Literally, "gain" (1 Samuel 8:3 Titus 1:7), hence, in the New Testament always qualified by "filthy" (1 Timothy 3:8, "not greedy of filthy lucre" aischrokerdes; so Titus 1:7). The adverb is found in 1 Peter 5:2 (see also Titus 1:11). In 1 Timothy 3:3, the Revised Version (British and American) changes the King James Version to "no lover of money" (aphilarguros).

2771. kerdos -- gain
... word Definition gain NASB Word Usage gain (3). gain, lucre. Of uncertain affinity;
gain (pecuniary or genitive case) -- gain, lucre. (kerde) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2771.htm - 6k

146. aischrokerdes -- greedy of base gain
... greedy, given to filthy lucre. From aischros and kerdos (gain); sordid --
given to (greedy of) filthy lucre. see GREEK aischros. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/146.htm - 6k

147. aischrokerdos -- from eagerness for base gain
... for the sake of dishonest gain. Adverb from aischrokerdes; sordidly -- for filthy
lucre's sake. see GREEK aischrokerdes. (aischrokerdos) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/147.htm - 6k

866. aphilarguros -- without love of money
... without covetousness, not greedy. From a (as a negative particle) and philarguros;
unavaricious -- without covetousness, not greedy of filthy lucre. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/866.htm - 7k

1215. betsa -- gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit
... covetousness, dishonest gain, lucre, profit. From batsa'; plunder; by extension,
gain (usually unjust) -- covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. ...
/hebrew/1215.htm - 6k

That Bishops are to Abstain from all Receiving of Gifts.
... Therefore we being taught by him do decree, that under no circumstances, shall a
Bishop for the sake of filthy lucre invent feigned excuses for sins, and exact ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iv that bishops are.htm

Of the Mass.
... for a long time this also has been the public and most grievous complaint of all
good men that Masses have been basely profaned and applied to purposes of lucre ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxiv of the mass.htm

That a Clerk Ought not to be Set Over Two Churches.
... From henceforth no clergyman shall be appointed over two churches, for this savours
of merchandise and filthy lucre, and is altogether alien from ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xv that a clerk.htm

Whether one May Give Alms Out of Ill-Gotten Goods?
... Objection 2: Further, all filthy lucre seems to be ill-gotten. But the
profits from whoredom are filthy lucre; wherefore it was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one may give alms.htm

Titus i. 5, 6
... "Not given to filthy lucre.". ... You see what intensity of virtue he required. "Not
given to filthy lucre," that is, showing great contempt for money. ...
/.../homily ii titus i 5.htm

On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop.
... That a Bishop Must Not Be Given to Filthy Lucre, Nor Be a Surety Nor an Advocate.
VI. Let not a bishop be given to filthy lucre, especially ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the character and.htm

Of the Modes of Supplementing Satisfaction --viz. Indulgences and ...
... Confutation by Leo and Augustine. Answer to two objections urged in support of them,
sec.3, 4. A profane love of filthy lucre on the part of the Pope. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 of the modes.htm

1 Timothy iii. 10-Aug
... 1 Timothy iii. 8-10. 1 Timothy iii.8-10 "Likewise must the Deacons be grave, not
doubletongued, not given much to wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the ...
/.../homily xi 1 timothy iii.htm

Forasmuch as Many Enrolled among the Clergy, Following ...
... it by secret transaction or otherwise, as by demanding the whole and one half, or
by using any other contrivance whatever for filthy lucre's sake, he shall be ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xvii forasmuch as many.htm

1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not ...
/.../homily x 1 timothy iii.htm

Lucre (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary From the Lat. lucrum, "gain." 1 Timothy 3:3, "not given
to filthy lucre." Some MSS. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LUCRE. ...
/l/lucre.htm - 9k

Lucre's (1 Occurrence)
...Lucre's (1 Occurrence). Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole
houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. ...
/l/lucre's.htm - 6k

Filthy (22 Occurrences)
... American) "as a polluted garment"; compare Ezekiel 36:17; aischros, "ugly," tropical
for unbecoming, shameful (Titus 1:11, "for filthy lucre's sake"; compare ...
/f/filthy.htm - 16k

Brawler (3 Occurrences)
... Brawler (3 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy
of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/b/brawler.htm - 8k

Striker (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but
patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/s/striker.htm - 7k

Lucius (2 Occurrences)

/l/lucius.htm - 9k

Lud (10 Occurrences)

/l/lud.htm - 13k

Behoveth (75 Occurrences)
... it behoveth the overseer to be blameless, as God's steward, not self-pleased, nor
irascible, not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre; (YLT). ...
/b/behoveth.htm - 27k

Overbearing (7 Occurrences)
... behoveth the overseer to be blameless, as God's steward, not self-pleased, nor
irascible, not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre; (See NIV ...
/o/overbearing.htm - 8k

Overseers (47 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:2 feed the flock of God that 'is' among you, overseeing not constrainedly,
but willingly, neither for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, (See NIV). ...
/o/overseers.htm - 22k

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