Brief Overview of ἀρεστός (G701: arestos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: arestos

Root Words:

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• ἀρεστός (arestos): This adjective is derived from the verb ἀρέσκω (areskō), meaning “to please.” It implies qualities related to being pleasing or acceptable.

Primary Meanings:

• Pleasing: The main meaning of ἀρεστός is “pleasing” or “agreeable,” referring to someone or something that meets approval or satisfaction.
• Acceptable: It can also mean “acceptable,” indicating that something is well-regarded or meets the desired standards.
• Beneficial: In some contexts, it can imply that something is beneficial or advantageous due to its pleasing nature.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀρεστός as an adjective meaning “pleasing” or “agreeable.” It is used to characterize things or actions that are well-accepted or satisfactory, particularly in contexts where approval or pleasure is a factor.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀρεστός as “pleasing” or “acceptable,” highlighting its use to describe things that meet the criteria for being liked or appreciated.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀρεστός is used to denote something that is “pleasing” or “acceptable,” focusing on its quality of meeting approval.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀρεστός as “pleasing” or “acceptable,” reflecting its role in describing objects or actions that fulfill expectations or standards.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀρεστός as “pleasing” or “acceptable,” indicating its use in contexts where something is regarded as satisfactory or agreeable.

Bible Verses:

• Philippians 4:18 (KJV): “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”
• This verse describes offerings that are “acceptable” and “pleasing” to God, highlighting the idea of meeting divine approval.
• Romans 12:1 (KJV): “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
• The term “acceptable” here denotes actions or sacrifices that are pleasing to God, in line with the meaning of ἀρεστός.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρεστός appears in various contexts related to social and moral approval:

• Aristotle: Uses ἀρεστός to describe traits or actions that are pleasing or morally acceptable, especially in the context of ethics and virtue.
• Plato: Refers to ἀρεστός in discussions about what is considered acceptable or pleasing in society, particularly in moral and political philosophy.
• Sophocles: Employs the term in his plays to describe characters or actions that are deemed acceptable or pleasing within the context of the story.

4. Summary:

The term ἀρεστός (G701: arestos) means “pleasing” or “acceptable.” It is derived from the verb ἀρέσκω (areskō), emphasizing qualities of being agreeable or meeting approval. BDAG and other lexicons describe it as relating to what is satisfactory or well-regarded. The term is used in the New Testament to denote things that are pleasing or acceptable, particularly in relation to God. In classical Greek literature, ἀρεστός is associated with moral and social approval, reflecting its importance in discussions about virtue and ethics.