Bible Dictionary
EXTORTION
The greedy or oppressive seizure of what belongs to another, often through force, fraud, or excessive demands. Scripture condemns extortion as a serious form of covetous wrongdoing.
Definition
Extortion is the greedy or oppressive seizure of what does not lawfully belong to another. It involves snatching away through strife, greed, oppression, covetousness, or usurious gain.
Biblical Usage
Scripture condemns extortion as serious wrongdoing. Publicans were regarded as especially associated with it; Paul places extortion among grave crimes and says that the extortioner has no inheritance in the kingdom of God.
Historical Background
The biblical terms include ideas of oppression, seizure, and overreaching. The word appears in passages concerning the condemnation of oppressive gain and the reputation of publicans.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>eks-tor'-shun:</p><p>This particular word occurs twice in King James Version: Eze 22:12 (`osheq), and Mt 23:25 (harpage), 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" (Lu 18:11). Paul classes extortion (pleonexia, literally, "over-reaching") among a category of the grossest crimes known to humanity (1Co 5:10,11); indeed, so grievous is it that it closes the door of heaven in the face of the one guilty of it (1Co 6:10).</p><p>William Evans</p>