Pronunciation Guide: al-oo-si-tel-ace’

Basic Definition

Strong’s G255: A compound adjective meaning “unprofitable, disadvantageous, or bringing no gain.” In its biblical context, it specifically refers to something that brings loss or detriment rather than merely lacking profit. This rare word appears only once in the New Testament, emphasizing the serious spiritual consequences of certain actions or attitudes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Compound word from ἀ- (negative prefix) + λύω (to loose, release) + τέλος (end, outcome, profit)
• Used in didactic/teaching passages
• Appears in prose contexts rather than poetry
• Classical Greek origin

ἀλυσιτελής Morphology:

• ἀλυσιτελής (nominative singular) – unprofitable
• ἀλυσιτελοῦς (genitive singular) – of unprofitableness
• ἀλυσιτελεῖ (dative singular) – in/with unprofitableness
• ἀλυσιτελές (accusative singular) – unprofitable

Origin & History

The word ἀλυσιτελής emerged in classical Greek literature as a technical term in financial and philosophical discourse. Xenophon employed it in his “Oeconomicus” when discussing unprofitable farming practices, while Plato used it in “Republic” to describe actions that brought harm rather than benefit to the soul.

The compound structure reveals deep insights into Greek thought patterns. The combination of the negative prefix (ἀ-) with words relating to loosing (λύω) and outcome (τέλος) suggests that the Greeks saw profitability not just as financial gain, but as something that brings freedom and achieves its intended purpose.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Something that brings actual loss or detriment rather than mere lack of profit
• An action or attitude that works against one’s best interests
• A situation that produces harmful rather than beneficial outcomes

ἀλυσιτελής Translation Options:

• “Unprofitable” – Captures the basic meaning but misses the active sense of bringing harm
• “Detrimental” – Emphasizes the negative consequences more strongly
• “Disadvantageous” – Highlights the strategic foolishness of the action
• “Counter-productive” – Modern equivalent that captures the self-defeating nature implied

Biblical Usage

The sole New Testament occurrence of ἀλυσιτελής appears in Hebrews 13:17, where it describes the negative consequences of making spiritual leadership difficult: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

This singular usage in a pastoral context about church leadership suggests the word was chosen deliberately to emphasize that resistant attitudes toward spiritual authority don’t merely fail to bring benefit – they actively work against the believer’s spiritual wellbeing.

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of authority and submission operated within an honor-shame cultural framework. The author of Hebrews employs ἀλυσιτελής to tap into this cultural understanding – suggesting that resistance to legitimate spiritual authority not only brings practical loss but also disrupts the divine order of honor relationships established by God.

Additionally, the word carries echoes of ancient Greek business practices where investments were expected to yield returns. Using this term in a spiritual context would have resonated with first-century readers familiar with both Temple economics and marketplace dynamics.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀλυσιτελής in Hebrews 13:17 reveals profound insights about divine authority structures. The word choice suggests that God has designed spiritual authority for our benefit, and working against it is as foolish as deliberately making poor financial investments.

This concept connects to broader biblical themes about authority, submission, and spiritual growth. Just as the Messiah Jesus submitted to the Father’s authority for our benefit, our submission to godly leadership participates in this divine pattern. The word choice implies that resistance doesn’t just stunt growth – it actively works against God’s design for spiritual flourishing.

Personal Application

When we understand the full weight of ἀλυσιτελής, it challenges us to examine our attitudes toward spiritual authority. Are we making things grievous for our leaders through resistance or criticism? The word reminds us that such attitudes don’t just affect our leaders – they work against our own spiritual wellbeing.

This understanding calls us to cultivate attitudes of humility and submission, recognizing that God’s authority structures are designed for our growth and benefit. When we align ourselves with His design, we position ourselves for spiritual prosperity rather than loss.

Related Words

• ζημία (zemia, dzay-mee’-ah) – damage, loss, detriment; emphasizes actual damage rather than just lack of profit – See G2209
• ἀνωφελής (anopheles, an-o-fel’-ace) – unprofitable, useless; focuses on futility rather than active harm – See G512
• ἄκαρπος (akarpos, ak’-ar-pos) – unfruitful, barren; emphasizes lack of positive result – See G175
• κενός (kenos, ken-os’) – empty, vain; focuses on emptiness rather than negative consequences – See G2756

Did you Know?

• The word ἀλυσιτελής appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe treatments that harm rather than heal the patient, showing how it denotes active detriment rather than mere ineffectiveness.
• Modern Greek still uses this word in financial contexts to describe investments that result in losses rather than merely failing to profit, preserving its ancient sense of active harm.
• The component τέλος in ἀλυσιτελής shares its root with modern English words like “teleology” and “telescope,” connecting to the idea of end goals and purpose.

Remember This

ἀλυσιτελής isn’t just about missing out on profit – it’s about the active harm we bring upon ourselves when we resist God’s designed authority structures.