Extortion
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament [1]
Extortion ( ἁρπαγή).—The word is used by Christ in His terrible arraignment of the scribes and Pharisees, on account of the way in which, by their methods of plunder, they openly violated the Scriptures they knew so well ( Matthew 23:25, Luke 11:39). Isaiah ( Isaiah 16:4) had predicted the cessation of the extortioner as one of the signs of the Messianic reign. Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 22:12) had inveighed against this sin as one of the transgressions of Israel which called forth the Divine wrath. Yet they, who claimed to keep the Law to the letter, and who professed to be the teachers of the Law, fattened themselves on extortion and filled their cups by it. For the methods of extortion practised by the publicans see art. Publican.
Henry E. Dosker.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): ( n.) The offense committed by an officer who corruptly claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it is due.
(2): ( n.) That which is extorted or exacted by force.
(3): ( n.) The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge.
King James Dictionary [3]
EXTOR'TION, n. The act of extorting the act or practice of wresting any thing from a person by force,duress, menaces, authority,or by any undue exercise of power illegal exaction illegal compulsion to pay money, or to do some other act. Extortion is an offense punishable at common law.
1. Force or illegal compulsion by which any thing is taken from a person.
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [4]
The act or practice of gaining or acquiring any thing by force. Extortioners are included in the list of those who are excluded from the kingdom of heaven, 1 Corinthians 10:6 .
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
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 ).
