Brief Overview of ἀχρεῖος (G888: Achreios)

Transliteration: Achreios

Root Words: Derived from the prefix α- (a-, a negation) and χρεία (chreia, meaning “need” or “use”).

Primary Meanings: The term ἀχρεῖος primarily means “useless,” “unprofitable,” or “worthless,” conveying a lack of utility or value.

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Detailed Lexical Insights

BDAG: According to BDAG, ἀχρεῖος signifies something or someone that is “without use or value.” This is often in a moral or qualitative sense rather than purely economic.

Other Lexicons:

•   Thayer’s: Aligns closely with BDAG, emphasizing the lack of virtue or worth.
•   Vine’s: Discusses the word in the context of moral unprofitability, as something that fails to meet a required standard of value.
•   LSJ: Reflects on classical uses, often denoting something not fit for use.
•   Strong’s Exhaustive: Focuses on the inherent lack of merit or utility, tagging it as something or someone that does not fulfill its intended function.

Biblical Usage

•   Luke 17:10: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” This verse employs ἀχρεῖος to describe servants who acknowledge their services as merely fulfilling their duty, thus rendering any extra recognition as unwarranted.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

•   Example 1: In early philosophical texts, ἀχρεῖος is used to describe concepts or practices that are considered ineffective or void of practical merit.
•   Example 2: Hellenistic writings use it to critique political figures or policies lacking in beneficial qualities.
•   Example 3: In medical literature up to the 1st century AD, ἀχρεῖος could describe remedies that are ineffective.

Summary

The word ἀχρεῖος encapsulates the idea of ineffectiveness and worthlessness, primarily in moral or functional contexts. It is a powerful term used in the New Testament to convey the humble self-assessment of one’s own efforts as merely dutiful rather than meritorious. The classical usage also underscores its application in evaluating the utility and moral standing of individuals, practices, or objects.