Brief Overview of ἀρέσκω (G700: areskō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: areskō

Root Words:

• ἀρέσκω (areskō): This verb means “to please” or “to be agreeable,” derived from the idea of adapting one’s behavior or actions to meet the desires or expectations of others.

Primary Meanings:

• To Please: The central meaning of ἀρέσκω is to make someone pleased or satisfied.
• To Be Agreeable: It also conveys the sense of being agreeable or fitting to someone’s preferences or requirements.
• To Adapt or Conform: This term can imply adapting one’s behavior to conform to others’ expectations.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀρέσκω as a verb meaning “to please” or “to be agreeable,” with a focus on satisfying others’ wishes or expectations. It is often used in contexts where one is concerned with meeting others’ needs or preferences.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀρέσκω as “to please” in the sense of making someone happy or fulfilling their desires. It is used to indicate an intention to accommodate others’ wishes.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀρέσκω means “to please” or “to be agreeable,” particularly in relation to conforming to what others desire or require.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀρέσκω as involving the action of pleasing or satisfying others, focusing on the relational aspect of meeting others’ expectations.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀρέσκω as “to please” or “to make agreeable,” indicating its use in contexts where satisfaction of others is a goal.

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Bible Verses:

• John 8:29 (KJV): “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”
• This verse reflects Jesus’ commitment to doing what pleases the Father, emphasizing a relationship where actions are directed towards satisfying divine expectations.
• Galatians 1:10 (KJV): “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
• Here, Paul contrasts the idea of pleasing men with serving Christ, highlighting the tension between conforming to human expectations and following divine will.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρέσκω appears in various contexts related to social and ethical behavior:

• Aristotle: Uses the concept in discussions about virtue and ethics, particularly in relation to pleasing others through ethical actions.
• Plato: Mentions ἀρέσκω in dialogues about social harmony and the role of pleasing others in political and personal relationships.
• Sophocles: Refers to the idea of pleasing or being agreeable in the context of character and morality within his tragedies.

4. Summary:

The term ἀρέσκω (G700: areskō) primarily means “to please” or “to be agreeable.” BDAG and other lexicons describe it as involving actions taken to satisfy others’ desires or expectations. The term is used in the New Testament to reflect a concern with aligning actions to meet others’ needs or preferences, particularly in relation to divine or moral expectations. In classical Greek literature, ἀρέσκω is explored in the contexts of virtue, ethics, and social relations, illustrating its importance in understanding human behavior and interactions.