πλουτίζω

From the study of 1 Corinthians 1:5

Range of meaning

To make rich, enrich. It can mean literal material wealth, but in the NT (here, 2 Cor 6:10; 9:11) it is used figuratively for being given an abundance of something, often spiritual goods. It is related to ploutos (wealth) and plouteō (to be rich).

Against the English

'Enriched' is accurate. KJV's present tense 'ye are enriched' loses the past-event force of the Greek aorist (a single completed act). Modern versions ('you were / have been enriched') are closer.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in classical and Hellenistic Greek for making someone wealthy (e.g., Xenophon). In the LXX it is used of God making people rich (e.g., Gen 14:23; 1 Sam 2:7, 'the LORD makes poor and makes rich'). Philo uses wealth language for spiritual virtues. Paul uses the same root ironically in 1 Cor 4:8: 'Already you have become rich (eploutēsate)!'

From the study of 2 Corinthians 6:10

Range of meaning

To make rich, enrich. It can be literal (wealth) or figurative (enriched in knowledge, gifts, generosity).

Against the English

"Making many rich" is accurate in all the main versions. NLT spells out "spiritual riches", which is probably right but closes off the wider sense.

Used elsewhere in the period

LXX Gen 14:23 ("lest you say, 'I made Abram rich'"). LXX 1 Kgdms 2:7: "The Lord makes poor (πτωχίζει) and makes rich (πλουτίζει)", the same pairing as here, though there God is the one acting. 1 Cor 1:5 ("in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge"). 2 Cor 9:11 ("enriched in every way for all generosity").

From the study of 2 Corinthians 9:11

Range of meaning

'To make rich, enrich.' Used of material wealth in Greek generally, but often figuratively of being made rich in non-material goods. In the NT it occurs only in Paul: 1 Cor 1:5 ('in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge'), 2 Cor 6:10 ('as poor, yet making many rich') and here.

Against the English

All major versions say 'enriched'. The English word is accurate, but modern readers tend to hear 'enriched' as 'made financially wealthy'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Greek Old Testament: Gen 14:23 (Abram refusing that the king of Sodom should 'enrich' him), 1 Sam 2:7 ('the LORD makes poor and makes rich'). Paul's own usage leans figurative: 1 Cor 1:5 uses the same phrase en panti eploutisthēte for spiritual gifts, and 2 Cor 8:9 builds the collection on Christ who 'became poor so that you might become rich'.