πωλέω
pōleō
to sell
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word πωλέω (pōleō) is defined as "to sell." This verb is used 22 times in the Bible, indicating its significance in various contexts. The meaning of πωλέω is straightforward, referring to the act of exchanging goods or services for money or other forms of compensation. The range of usage for πωλέω is broad, encompassing different settings and situations. It is used to describe commercial transactions, such as buying and selling goods (e.g., Matthew 13:45), as well as the exchange of people, like slaves or servants (e.g., Acts 8:27). Additionally, πωλέω is used metaphorically to describe spiritual transactions, such as the sale of one's soul to sin (e.g., Matthew 16:26). The significance of πωλέω lies in its representation of the economic and social dynamics of ancient societies. It highlights the importance of trade, commerce, and exchange in everyday life, as well as the complexities of power and ownership. By examining the uses of πωλέω, we can gain insight into the cultural and economic contexts of the time, and better understand the biblical authors' perspectives on these issues.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
22 total occurrences across the text
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will,
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.
Matthew 19:21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Matthew 21:12Jesus entered into the temple of God, and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.
Matthew 21:12Jesus entered into the temple of God, and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.
Matthew 25:9But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’
Mark 10:21Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”
Mark 11:15They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables, and the seats of those who sold the doves.
Mark 11:15They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables, and the seats of those who sold the doves.
Luke 12:6“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.
Luke 12:33Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys.
Luke 17:28Likewise, even as it was in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
Luke 18:22When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
Luke 19:45He entered into the temple, and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it,
Luke 22:36Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
John 2:14He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.
John 2:16To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!”
Acts 4:34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
Acts 4:37having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,
1 Corinthians 10:25Whatever is sold in the butcher shop, eat, asking no question for the sake of conscience,
Revelation 13:17and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.