Abarim Publications' online Biblical Greek Dictionary
κερδος
The noun κερδος (kerdos) means gain, profit or advantage and is the antonym of ζεμια (zemia), loss or damage. It apparently stems from a Proto-Indo-European root "kerd-", meaning craft or skill. Our word in plural may, somewhat negatively, denote cunning tricks. In the New Testament, this noun occurs in Philippians 1:21, 3:7 and Titus 1:11 only, but from it derive:
- Together with the adjective αισχρος (aischros), meaning shame-causing: the adjective αισχροκερδης (aischrokerdes), meaning shamefully pursuant of gain, or prone to use shame for gain: getting ahead by shaming obvious victims (1 Timothy 3:3, 3:8 and Titus 1:7 only). From this word comes:
- The adverb αισχροκερδως (aischrokerdos), meaning shamefully pursuant of gain or by using shame to get ahead (1 Peter 5:2 only).
- The verb κερδαινω (kerdaino), meaning to gain or derive profit. This verb is used 16 times; see full concordance.