The meaning of Harpax in 1 Cor 5:10: An exegetical study

Abstract

Different renderings of Paul’s use of harpax in 1 Cor 5:10 by biblical interpreters have suggested different meanings. Through lexico-semantic analysis, this paper contends that this word should be understood as an act of taking forcibly what is not one’s own. Harpax and pleonektes are syntactically and semantically related. By syntax, they are modified by a definite article and conjoined by a conjunction kai; hence, they describe a class of people, sharing the same values. By semantics, both pleonektes and harpax essentially denote the attitude of greed. It is argued that once greed (pleonektes) is cultivated, the act of taking forcibly what is not one’s own (harpax) becomes a natural development. In these syntactical and semantic relationships, pleonektes may describe a feeling of wanting what is not one’s own while harpax expresses how this feeling forcibly is realized. Since harpax is listed among certain vices practiced by unbelievers and Corinthian believers are to dissociate themselves from such people, Ghanaian believers are urged to actively and passively dissociate themselves from those who forcibly take what is not theirs.