Lexical Summary danistés: Lender, creditor Original Word: δανιστής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance creditor. From daneizo; a lender -- creditor. see GREEK daneizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom danizó Definition a moneylender NASB Translation moneylender (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1157: δανειστήςδανειστής (T WH δανιστής (see Iota)), δανειστοῦ, ὁ (δανείζω, which see), a money-lender, creditor: Luke 7:41. (2 Kings 4:1; Psalm 108:11 STRONGS NT 1157: δανιστήςδανιστής, see δανειστής. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Incidence within the New Testament The term appears once in the Greek New Testament (Luke 7:41), referring to a moneylender or creditor who has advanced funds to two debtors. Though singular in occurrence, the concept of a lender extends throughout Scripture, often illustrating the moral and spiritual dynamics of debt, obligation, mercy, and forgiveness. Economic and Social Background In first-century Judea, formal moneylending was common. Loans were usually short-term and secured by personal pledges. Interest could be high, and debt carried serious social consequences, including loss of land, indenture, or imprisonment (compare 2 Kings 4:1). Lenders ranged from large estate holders to small-scale creditors. Luke’s audience, familiar with these realities, would have understood the urgency of debt relief and the precarious status of debtors. Usage in Luke 7:41 and Theological Implications “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.” (Luke 7:41) 1. The moneylender embodies God’s rightful claim over sinners. Related Old Testament Principles • Lending without exploitation: Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37. These passages foreshadow the greater spiritual cancellation accomplished in Christ. Parallels in Jesus’ Teaching Although other passages use different Greek words for “creditor,” the motif of forgiven debt recurs: Applications for Christian Ministry 1. Preaching the Gospel: Emphasize that all stand indebted by sin and that God, in Christ, freely cancels the ledger (Colossians 2:14). Illustrations from Church History Early Christian communities practiced voluntary sharing (Acts 4:34-35), embodying the spirit of debt release. Medieval jubilee customs and modern initiatives like church-funded debt relief programs continue this legacy, highlighting the church’s ongoing call to reflect the moneylender’s gracious character. Summary of Key Themes • Human sin incurs an unpayable debt. Forms and Transliterations δανειστή δανειστής δανειστού δανιστη δανιστῇ daniste danistē danistêi danistē̂iLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |