Understanding ἀρέσκω (areskō) Strong’s G700: The Divine Art of Pleasing God and the Profound Path to Spiritual Satisfaction

Pronunciation Guide: ah-RES-kō (ᾰρέσκω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G700: ἀρέσκω (areskō) fundamentally means “to please, to be pleasing to, to seek to please, to accommodate oneself to.” It carries the notion of making oneself agreeable or rendering service that brings satisfaction to another. The word implies both the action of pleasing and the resulting state of satisfaction or approval.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: Derived from ἄρω (arō, “to fit”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative and epistolary literature
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future, Aorist

ἀρέσκω Morphology:

• ἀρέσκω (present active indicative) – I please
• ἀρέσας (aorist active participle) – having pleased
• ἀρέσκοντες (present active participle) – pleasing
• ἤρεσεν (aorist active indicative) – pleased
• ἀρέσῃ (aorist subjunctive) – might please

Origin & History

The term ἀρέσκω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally carried the meaning of “to make good, to make up for.” In Herodotus’ “Histories,” the word frequently appears in contexts of political accommodation and diplomatic relations. The historian uses it to describe actions taken to satisfy or appease others, particularly in matters of state.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀρέσκω takes on additional spiritual significance, often translating the Hebrew רָצָה (ratsah) and חָפֵץ (chaphets). It appears notably in Psalms and Proverbs, where it describes both divine pleasure in righteous conduct and the human aspiration to please God. The early church father Clement of Rome, in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, employs ἀρέσκω extensively when discussing the believer’s duty to please God through faithful service.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To actively seek to please or accommodate oneself to another
• To be pleasing or satisfactory in nature
• To render service that brings satisfaction
• To gain favor or approval

ἀρέσκω Translation Options:

• “to please” – Best for contexts involving direct service or actions meant to satisfy
• “to be pleasing” – Appropriate when describing a state of being acceptable
• “to accommodate” – Useful in contexts of social or relational adjustment
• “to satisfy” – Effective when emphasizing the result of pleasing actions
• “to serve” – Particularly fitting in contexts of ministry or divine service

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀρέσκω appears 17 times, with particularly significant usage in Paul’s epistles. The word carries a dual emphasis: the appropriate desire to please God and the cautionary note about seeking to please men at the expense of divine approval. The first appearance in Matthew 14:6 presents a negative example where pleasing men (Herod) led to tragic consequences.

Notable appearances include:

• “And her dancing pleased [ἤρεσεν] Herod.” Matthew 14:6
• “For even the Messiah did not please [ἤρεσεν] Himself.” Romans 15:3
• “For we speak not as pleasing [ἀρέσκοντες] men but God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4
• “Those who are in the flesh cannot please [ἀρέσαι] God.” Romans 8:8
• “How he may please [ἀρέσῃ] the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:32

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of pleasing others was deeply embedded in the patron-client relationship system. The term ἀρέσκω often appeared in honorary inscriptions where clients publicly acknowledged their patrons’ benefaction. This cultural background illuminates Paul’s careful distinction between appropriate pleasing of others for their good (Romans 15:2) and the dangerous practice of mere people-pleasing (Galatians 1:10).

The Jewish concept of ratson (divine pleasure or favor) provides essential background for understanding ἀρέσκω in its biblical context. In rabbinic literature, the phrase “may it be pleasing before You” (יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ) was a common prayer formula, showing the deep desire to align with divine will.

Theological Significance

The usage of ἀρέσκω in the New Testament reveals a profound theological tension between pleasing God and pleasing men. This tension reaches its resolution in the perfect example of the Messiah Jesus, Who always did what pleased the Father (John 8:29).

The word challenges our understanding of true spirituality. Rather than mere rule-following, it points to a relationship where the believer’s greatest joy is found in bringing pleasure to God. This aligns with the Hebrew concept of walking before יהוה (Yahweh) in truth and with a perfect heart, as exemplified by King David.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀρέσκω challenges believers to examine their motivations in service and worship. Are we seeking to please God or merely to impress others? The word calls us to develop a God-centered approach to life where our primary concern is bringing joy to our Heavenly Father.

This understanding can transform our daily decisions, relationships, and ministry approaches. When we grasp that pleasing God is not about perfectionism but about heart attitude, it liberates us to serve with authentic love rather than fear-based compliance.

Related Words

• ἀρεστός (arestos, ah-res-TOS) – pleasing, acceptable; closely related adjective form of ἀρέσκω. Used for what is pleasing in God’s sight See G701
• εὐάρεστος (euarestos, yoo-AR-es-tos) – well-pleasing, acceptable; intensified form indicating complete satisfaction See G2101
• εὐδοκέω (eudokeō, yoo-dok-EH-o) – to be well-pleased, to delight in; similar concept but emphasizes joy in the pleasing See G2106
• χαρίζομαι (charizomai, khar-ID-zom-ahee) – to show favor, to give freely; related to pleasing through gracious giving See G5483

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek diplomatic letters, ἀρέσκω was often used to describe successful negotiations where both parties were satisfied with the outcome, showing its importance in relationship-building and conflict resolution.
• The word appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe treatments that were “pleasing” or beneficial to patients, suggesting its connection to both satisfaction and well-being.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀρέσκω (in its contemporary form αρέσω) to express preferences and likes, maintaining its core meaning of pleasure and satisfaction after over two millennia of usage.

Remember This

ἀρέσκω reminds us that true spiritual satisfaction comes not from pleasing ourselves or others, but from aligning our hearts with what brings pleasure to God.