eks -tor´shun : This particular word occurs twice in King James Version: Ezekiel 22:12 ( עשק , ‛ōsheḳ ), and Matthew 23:25 ( ἁρπαγή , harpagḗ ), and indicates that one who is an extortioner is guilty of snatching away from another by strife, greed and oppression that which does not lawfully belong to him. The element of covetousness and usury is involved in the meaning of this word; for it is greedily gotten gain. The publicans were considered as being specially guilty of this sin; this is clear from the Pharisee's deprecatory remark: "I am not ... an extortioner ..... as this publican" (Luke 18:11 ). Paul classes extortion (pleonexı́a , literally, "over-reaching") among a category of the grossest crimes known to humanity (1 Corinthians 5:10 , 1 Corinthians 5:11 ); indeed, so grievous is it that it closes the door of heaven in the face of the one guilty of it (1 Corinthians 6:10 ).
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
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