plunder, plundered, spoil, spoils

Definition

The terms “spoil” and “plunder,” when used as a noun, refer to things that are taken by force from a person or place, normally during a time of war. The verb “plunder” means to take things from a person or place, normally by force and during a time of war.

• When translating the verb “plunder” in the context of war you should use a different word than “steal” as “to steal” normally implies wrong doing and to “plunder”” something in war is not necessarily sinful.
• You could translate the verb “plunder” with a word such as “pillage” or with a descriptive phrase “take the goods of.”
• You could translate the term “spoil” with a descriptive phrase such as “plundered goods” or “plundered things.”
• Depending on context, you could translate the term “plunder” with a descriptive phrase such as “captured goods” or with some other descriptive phrase or with a term such as “spoil” or “spoils.”
• Your language may have a word for things that are taken by force and/or in a time of war.

Bible References

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0957, H0962, H7998