Understanding ἀρεστός (arestos) Strong’s G701: The Divine Standard of What is Pleasing and Acceptable to God

Pronunciation Guide: ah-res-tos’ (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G701: ἀρεστός describes what is pleasing, satisfactory, or acceptable, particularly in relation to divine approval. In biblical usage, it primarily denotes that which meets God’s standard of approval and satisfaction. The word carries the weighty implication that the person or action being described aligns with divine will and purpose.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verbal adjective
• Root Word: ἀρέσκω (areskō, “to please”)
• Primary Usage: Teaching passages and narrative sections
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Grammatical Form: Verbal adjective derived from ἀρέσκω

ἀρεστός Morphology:

• ἀρεστός (nominative singular masculine) – pleasing
• ἀρεστή (nominative singular feminine) – pleasing
• ἀρεστόν (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – pleasing thing
• ἀρεστοί (nominative plural masculine) – pleasing ones
• ἀρεστῷ (dative singular masculine/neuter) – to/for the pleasing one

Origin & History

The word ἀρεστός emerged from classical Greek literature where it was commonly used to describe actions or attitudes that won favor or approval from others, particularly those in authority. In Xenophon’s “Memorabilia” (4.3.16), the term appears in discussions about what is pleasing to the gods, establishing its early connection to divine approval.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀρεστός took on deeper theological significance, often translating the Hebrew רָצוֹן (ratson) and טוֹב (tov) when describing actions pleasing to God. This translation choice in the LXX significantly influenced its New Testament usage, where it became particularly associated with divine approval and God’s standards.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata” (VII.7), employed ἀρεστός when discussing the characteristics of the true Christian life that pleases God, emphasizing both ethical behavior and proper worship.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which meets divine standards and approval
• Actions or attitudes that align with God’s will
• Conduct that satisfies righteous requirements
• That which is acceptable in God’s sight

ἀρεστός Translation Options:

• “Pleasing” – Best captures the sense of meeting someone’s approval
• “Acceptable” – Emphasizes the standard being met
• “Well-pleasing” – Highlights the superlative nature of the approval
• “Satisfactory” – Focuses on meeting requirements
• “Agreeable” – Suggests harmony with expectations

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀρεστός appears in contexts that primarily deal with what pleases God or meets His standards. The word’s first appearance in John 8:29 is particularly significant, where Jesus declares that He always does what is pleasing to the Father, establishing the ultimate standard of divine approval.

The term occurs in both personal and corporate contexts, describing individual conduct and community responsibilities. It’s often used to express the ideal of Christian behavior and service that truly satisfies God’s requirements.

Key verses include:

• “I always do the things that are pleasing [ἀρεστός] to Him.” John 8:29
• “For it is not pleasing [ἀρεστός] to God that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.” Acts 6:2
• “For this is well-pleasing [ἀρεστός] in the sight of God.” 1 Timothy 2:3
• “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing [ἀρεστός] to the Lord.” Colossians 3:20

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of pleasing God was deeply rooted in the covenant relationship. The Hebrew mindset understood ἀρεστός through the lens of covenant faithfulness, where pleasing God wasn’t merely about following rules but about maintaining proper relationship with Him. This understanding was shaped by the Temple service where offerings had to be “acceptable” before יהוה (Yahweh).

The Greek world of the first century was familiar with the concept of pleasing deity through various religious and philosophical practices. However, the biblical usage of ἀρεστός transformed this understanding by emphasizing that true divine pleasure comes through faith, obedience, and relationship with the one true God through His Son, the Messiah Jesus.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀρεστός in Scripture reveals crucial aspects of God’s character and His relationship with His people. It shows that God is not an impersonal force but a personal Being who can be pleased or displeased by human actions and attitudes. This understanding challenges both the Greek philosophical concept of an impassive deity and modern notions of a distant or indifferent god.

Moreover, ἀρεστός points to the perfect standard of pleasing God demonstrated by the Messiah Jesus. His declaration in John 8:29 reveals that complete alignment with God’s will is possible through Him. This truth offers hope to believers who, through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, can live lives that are truly pleasing to God.

The word also emphasizes that God’s pleasure in His people is not based on mere external conformity to rules but on heart attitudes and actions that flow from genuine faith and love for Him.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀρεστός challenges believers to examine their motivations and actions in light of God’s standards rather than human approval. It calls us to ask, “Is this pleasing to God?” rather than “Is this acceptable to others?” This shift in perspective can transform our decision-making and daily conduct.

The word encourages us to seek God’s pleasure above all else, knowing that His standards are perfect and His approval brings true fulfillment. When we align our lives with what is ἀρεστός to God, we experience the joy and peace that comes from walking in harmony with His will.

Related Words

• εὐάρεστος (euarestos) – well-pleasing, fully acceptable (emphasizes complete approval) – See G2101
• ἀρέσκω (areskō) – to please, accommodate oneself to (the verb form) – See G700
• δόκιμος (dokimos) – approved, acceptable after testing – See G1384
• εὐδοκέω (eudokeō) – to be well-pleased, take delight in – See G2106

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀρεστός in ancient Greek athletics referred to performers who pleased the crowd with their excellence, showing how the word naturally connected pleasure with meeting high standards.
• In modern Greek, ἀρεστός is still used today to describe food that is satisfying or pleasing to the taste, maintaining its connection to satisfaction and approval.
• The rabbinical concept of “nachat ruach” (spiritual satisfaction) closely parallels the New Testament usage of ἀρεστός, describing actions that bring satisfaction to God.

Remember This

ἀρεστός reminds us that living to please God is not about rigid rule-following but about joyful alignment with His perfect will through the empowering presence of His Spirit.