Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, the careful examination of Greek words can reveal layers of meaning that deepen our understanding of the scriptures. The word λυσιτελέω (lysiteleō) appears in Luke 17:2, where Jesus uses it in a statement about causing others to stumble. This word, meaning “to be better” or “to be advantageous,” is significant because it speaks to the idea of what is more beneficial or profitable in the moral or spiritual realm. Understanding this term provides insight into the cultural context of weighing outcomes, especially when considering actions that affect others, a crucial theme in the teachings of Jesus.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λυσιτελέω (lysiteleō) [loo-see-teh-LEH-oh].
Etymology: The word is derived from two components: λύσις (lysis), meaning “release” or “loosing,” and τέλος (telos), meaning “end” or “goal.” Together, λυσιτελέω conveys the idea of something that leads to a favorable or advantageous outcome. The verb reflects an evaluation of what is beneficial in a given situation.
Part of Speech: Verb. λυσιτελέω is an action word that refers to the act of bringing about an advantageous result or being more profitable.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Be Better or Advantageous: The primary meaning of λυσιτελέω is to indicate that something is better, more advantageous, or more profitable. In Luke 17:2, Jesus says it would be better (λυσιτελέω) for a person to have a millstone hung around their neck and be cast into the sea than to cause someone to stumble. This use suggests a comparison of outcomes, one being more desirable than the other.
2. To Be Profitable: The word also carries the connotation of something being profitable or beneficial, particularly in terms of moral decisions or actions that have long-term implications.
3. To Be Useful: In some contexts, λυσιτελέω can mean “useful,” emphasizing the practical benefits of an action or choice.

Exploring Similar Words

1. συμφέρω (sympherō) [soom-FEH-roh]: This word means “to be useful” or “to bring together,” and it similarly conveys the idea of something being beneficial. However, συμφέρω often emphasizes collective benefit rather than individual advantage, unlike λυσιτελέω, which can apply to personal or moral gain.
2. ὠφελέω (opheleō) [oh-feh-LEH-oh]: Meaning “to profit” or “to help,” this verb is also related to benefiting or helping someone. However, ὠφελέω is more directly tied to the idea of providing aid or assistance, while λυσιτελέω focuses more on the outcome being advantageous.
3. κερδαίνω (kerdainō) [ker-DYE-noh]: This word means “to gain” or “to win.” It is often used in contexts of material or personal gain, whereas λυσιτελέω emphasizes moral or spiritual advantage rather than physical gain.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, λυσιτελέω follows the regular conjugation patterns of Greek verbs.

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Tense: In Luke 17:2, λυσιτελέω appears in the imperfect indicative active, ἐλυσιτέλει, indicating a past continuous action.
• Voice: Active, meaning that the subject performs the action of being advantageous.
• Mood: Indicative, stating a factual comparison about what is more advantageous in a given situation.

Person and Number:

• Third person singular, referring to an impersonal subject (“it would be better”).

Aspect: The imperfect tense emphasizes the ongoing nature of the evaluation or comparison, suggesting that it would continually be more advantageous to avoid causing someone to stumble.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The verb λυσιτελέω appears in Luke 17:2, where it conveys the sense of something being more advantageous or beneficial. Jesus uses this term to express the gravity of causing others to stumble in their faith, stating that it would be more advantageous for someone to suffer a severe consequence than to harm a believer spiritually. Theologically, this word reflects the moral calculus that Jesus often employed, comparing different actions to emphasize the weight of sin and the importance of caring for others.

In classical Greek usage, λυσιτελέω was often used to evaluate decisions or actions based on their beneficial outcomes, whether in philosophical debates, legal decisions, or everyday matters. The term frequently appears in discussions about what is advantageous for an individual or society, reflecting the ancient Greek focus on rational decision-making and the pursuit of what is best.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 17:2: “It would be better (λυσιτελέω) for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
2. No other occurrences of λυσιτελέω are listed in the New Testament.

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, λυσιτελέω was used to describe actions or choices that were deemed beneficial or advantageous. It was often employed in legal or philosophical contexts to evaluate what would lead to the best outcome.

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb λυσιτελέω (lysiteleō) captures the concept of being advantageous or better, a term Jesus uses in Luke 17:2 to illustrate the severity of causing spiritual harm to others. This word, though rare in the New Testament, provides valuable insight into the moral teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of considering the consequences of one’s actions. In classical literature, λυσιτελέω frequently appears in discussions about what is beneficial or useful, whether in personal, legal, or societal contexts.

Did You Know?

1. λυσιτελέω combines the concepts of release (λύσις) and end or goal (τέλος), highlighting actions that lead to a favorable outcome.
2. This word is only used once in the New Testament, making it a unique term in biblical vocabulary.
3. The usage of λυσιτελέω in both classical and biblical contexts reflects the Greek philosophical tradition of evaluating actions based on their ultimate benefits or harms.