Understanding ἀρεσκεία (areskeia) Strong’s G699: The Divine Art of God-Pleasing Service and Devotion

Pronunciation Guide: ah-res-ki’-ah (ἀρεσκεία)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G699: ἀρεσκεία describes a desire and active effort to please others, particularly in service and devotion. In biblical usage, it carries the profound meaning of seeking to please God through wholehearted service and dedication. When directed toward God, it represents a beautiful expression of devoted service that stems from a heart aligned with His will.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀρέσκω (areskō, “to please”)
• Common in Hellenistic Greek literature
• Used primarily in epistolary and teaching contexts
• Found in both secular and religious writings

ἀρεσκεία Morphology:

• ἀρεσκεία (nominative singular) – pleasing, desire to please
• ἀρεσκείας (genitive singular) – of pleasing
• ἀρεσκείᾳ (dative singular) – in/with pleasing

Origin & History

The word ἀρεσκεία has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it initially carried both positive and negative connotations. In secular usage, particularly in works like Polybius’ Histories, it often described flattery or excessive people-pleasing behavior that bordered on insincerity.

However, in the Septuagint and early Jewish literature, the word underwent a semantic transformation. The Jewish philosopher Philo used ἀρεσκεία in his work “On the Life of Moses” to describe genuine devotion to God, helping bridge the word’s meaning from potentially negative connotations to the noble concept of God-pleasing service.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A conscious effort to please others through service and attention
• Devotion expressed through actions aimed at bringing pleasure to the one served
• The practice of seeking another’s satisfaction through dedicated service

ἀρεσκεία Translation Options:

• “Desire to please” – Emphasizes the motivational aspect
• “Pleasing service” – Highlights the active demonstration of the desire
• “Devotion” – Captures the heart attitude behind the actions
• “Earnest dedication” – Reflects the sincere commitment involved

Biblical Usage

The term ἀρεσκεία appears most notably in Colossians 1:10, where Paul prays for believers to walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way. This usage perfectly encapsulates the word’s transformation from its classical meaning to its elevated spiritual significance in Christian context.

While the noun form appears only once in the New Testament, the related verb ἀρέσκω occurs frequently, painting a fuller picture of this concept throughout Scripture. The consistency of usage suggests a developed theological concept rather than merely an incidental term.

Significant appearances of related forms:

• “to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing [ἀρεσκείᾳ] to Him” Colossians 1:10
• “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please [ἀρέσκειν] men?” Galatians 1:10
• “For even the Messiah did not please [ἤρεσεν] Himself” Romans 15:3

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of pleasing others was deeply embedded in the patron-client relationship system. Clients would seek to please their patrons through various forms of service and loyalty. This cultural background illuminates why Paul chose ἀρεσκεία to describe the believer’s relationship with God – not as mere flattery or self-serving behavior, but as genuine, devoted service to our Divine Patron.

The word also carried significant meaning in Jewish synagogue worship, where the concept of “pleasing service” (avodah retzuyah in Hebrew) was central to understanding proper worship. This Jewish background helps explain why Paul could confidently repurpose a word that sometimes carried negative connotations in secular usage.

Theological Significance

ἀρεσκεία represents a beautiful theological paradox in Christian spirituality. While the word could denote mere people-pleasing in secular contexts, in relation to God it describes the highest form of authentic service. This transformation of meaning mirrors the Christian understanding of true freedom found in complete devotion to God.

The word’s appearance in Colossians 1:10 is particularly significant as it occurs within Paul’s prayer for spiritual growth. This suggests that the capacity for God-pleasing service is itself a gift from God, developed through spiritual maturity rather than mere human effort.

The concept also points to the Messiah Jesus as the perfect example of ἀρεσκεία, as He consistently pleased the Father in all things (John 8:29). His life demonstrates that true God-pleasing service flows from perfect alignment with God’s will.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀρεσκεία challenges believers to examine their motivations in service. Are we serving to be seen by others, or are we truly seeking to please God? This word reminds us that authentic Christian service flows from a heart devoted to pleasing God rather than impressing people.

The word also encourages us to view our daily activities through the lens of pleasing God. Every task, whether seemingly spiritual or mundane, becomes an opportunity to express devotion to Him. This transforms our understanding of service from obligation to privilege.

Related Words

• εὐαρεστέω (euaresteō) – to please well, be well-pleasing – Adds the prefix εὐ- (well) to intensify the concept of pleasing See G2100
• δουλεύω (douleuō) – to serve as a slave – Emphasizes the action of service rather than the motivation See G1398
• λατρεύω (latreuō) – to serve, especially in worship – Focuses specifically on religious service See G3000
• θεραπεύω (therapeuō) – to serve, care for – Highlights the nurturing aspect of service See G2323

Did you Know?

• The word ἀρεσκεία actually appears in modern Greek, where it has maintained its meaning of “pleasing” but is now often used in the context of customer satisfaction and service quality.
• In ancient Greek diplomatic correspondence, ἀρεσκεία was sometimes used to describe the careful attention ambassadors paid to maintaining good relations between city-states, showing its importance in international relations.
• The concept behind ἀρεσκεία influenced early Christian monasticism, where monks would strive to please God through dedicated service, though they were careful to distinguish this from mere people-pleasing.

Remember This

ἀρεσκεία represents the beautiful transformation that occurs when human service is elevated from mere people-pleasing to authentic, God-honoring devotion that flows from a heart aligned with His will.