Gain (2771) (kerdos) refers to a gain, an advantage, a profit. Kerdos is that which is gained or earned, especially the difference between an initial outlay and the subsequent amount earned.
In this verse the KJV translates it as "lucre" which is "filthy".
Kerdos is found 3 times in the Bible...
Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (note)
Philippians 3:7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (note) (Comment: Kerdos describes what is in the profit column; zemia (“loss, disadvantage”) what is in the loss column)
The NLT picks up the tenor translating it as
Such teachers only want your money
The whole motivation for their actions is financial profit. Teachers only after the saint's money is a distinct mark of false teachers for they love money and "suppose that godliness is a means of gain" (1Ti 6:5, cf 1Ti 3:3, 8) When one looks on his teaching simply as a career designed for personal advancement and profit, he is in a perilous condition.
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)