Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for capturing the nuances and depth of scripture. The Greek word εὔχρηστος (euchrēstos, Strong’s G2173) is particularly significant as it embodies the concepts of usefulness and serviceability. This word appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight a person’s worth or value in ministry or in daily life. By examining εὔχρηστος, readers gain insight into the qualities valued in early Christian communities and the broader ancient Greek culture, where being “useful” was often synonymous with being virtuous or beneficial to others.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὔχρηστος (euchrēstos) [YOO-khray-stos]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “good” or “well”) and χρηστός (chrēstos, meaning “useful” or “serviceable”), together implying “well useful” or “very serviceable.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective. First and second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Useful, serviceable: Describes something or someone that is highly beneficial, efficient, or effective in function or purpose.
- Profitable: Indicates being of great advantage or value, particularly in terms of moral, spiritual, or practical worth.
Similar Words: χρηστός (chrēstos) [KHRAY-stos], which means “kind” or “good” but can also mean “useful” or “serviceable.” While χρηστός focuses more on the inherent goodness or kindness of a person or thing, εὔχρηστος (euchrēstos) emphasizes a heightened state of usefulness or being well-suited for a specific purpose.
Further Insights: As an adjective, εὔχρηστος follows the first and second declension patterns in Greek. Below is the full declension table for εὔχρηστος:
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὔχρηστος | εὔχρηστος | εὔχρηστον |
| Genitive | εὐχρήστου | εὐχρήστου | εὐχρήστου |
| Dative | εὐχρήστῳ | εὐχρήστῃ | εὐχρήστῳ |
| Accusative | εὔχρηστον | εὔχρηστον | εὔχρηστον |
| Vocative | εὔχρηστε | εὔχρηστε | εὔχρηστον |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines εὔχρηστος as “useful, profitable, beneficial,” often in the context of service to others, particularly in ministry or communal living. The term emphasizes a practical and functional kind of goodness.
- Thayer’s: Describes εὔχρηστος as “very useful, serviceable, helpful,” focusing on its use in both secular and spiritual contexts where an individual’s value is determined by their utility or service.
- Vine’s: Notes that εὔχρηστος means “profitable, fit for use,” often used in the New Testament to describe persons who are valuable to a community or for a specific task. Vine’s underscores its application in describing spiritual usefulness.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὔχρηστος was used in classical Greek literature to mean “very useful,” “excellent,” or “fitting,” often in the context of describing tools, individuals, or ideas that are especially beneficial or advantageous.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὔχρηστος as “useful, profitable,” highlighting its use in expressing value or worth, particularly in terms of spiritual or practical benefit.
Related Scripture References
- 2 Timothy 2:21 – “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful [εὔχρηστος] to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
- Philemon 1:11 – “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful [εὔχρηστος] to you and to me.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | “Nicomachean Ethics” | “A virtuous person is εὔχρηστος (very useful) to society through their actions.” |
| Plato | “Republic” | “The ruler must be εὔχρηστος (serviceable) for the good of the city.” |
| Epictetus | “Discourses” | “An individual who is εὔχρηστος (useful) serves both their family and the gods.” |
| Septuagint | “Proverbs 12:14” | “From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him as εὔχρηστος (useful).” |
| Septuagint | “Ecclesiastes 10:10” | “If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom is εὔχρηστος (profitable) to direct.” |
| Septuagint | “Sirach 6:14” | “A faithful friend is a strong shelter; whoever finds one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his εὔχρηστος (usefulness).” |
Summary of εὔχρηστος (G2173: euchrēstos)
The Greek word εὔχρηστος (euchrēstos, Strong’s G2173) is an adjective meaning “useful” or “profitable.” It is used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe someone or something that is highly valuable, beneficial, or serviceable. Understanding εὔχρηστος in biblical studies is crucial for grasping the emphasis on practical worth and service in early Christian communities. Its use in classical and biblical literature reflects a broader cultural appreciation for usefulness as a core value in both spiritual and practical contexts.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the concept of being εὔχρηστος (useful) was not only a practical virtue in ancient Greek thought but also a spiritual one? In early Christianity, being useful or profitable to the community and to God was considered a key indicator of one’s spiritual health and dedication. This idea is reflected in the New Testament’s frequent use of terms that emphasize service, utility, and the readiness to perform good works.
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