Profitable Living: ὠφέλιμος (Strong’s G5624: ophelimos) – Ancient Wisdom for Today

Strong’s G5624: From ὠφέλεω (to help, benefit); serviceable, profitable, beneficial, especially in matters of spiritual and moral advancement. Used to describe things that bring genuine advantage or usefulness, particularly in the context of godliness and spiritual disciplines.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὠφέλιμος carries the fundamental meaning of that which brings genuine benefit or advantage. It describes something that proves truly useful and valuable, not merely in a superficial sense, but in terms of lasting impact. In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul employs this term to contrast physical exercise with godliness, emphasizing that spiritual discipline yields benefits both for the present life and the life to come. The early church fathers frequently used this word to describe the profitable nature of Scripture study and spiritual exercises. Today, this concept remains vital in discussions about prioritizing activities that bring lasting spiritual benefit over temporary gains.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὠφέλιμος, ophelimos, /ō-fel’-i-mos/
• Phonetic Guide: Long ‘o’ as in “hope,” ‘fel’ as in “fell,” ‘i’ as in “it,” ‘mos’ as in “moss”
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• ὠφέλ- (ōphel-): root meaning “to help, benefit”
• -ιμος (-imos): adjectival suffix indicating capability or tendency

D – Defining Meanings

• Profitable
• Beneficial
• Advantageous
• Useful

For compound words:
The root ὠφέλ- carries the core meaning of benefit or help, while the suffix -ιμος transforms it into an adjective denoting capability.

Translation Options:

• “Profitable” – Best captures both material and spiritual benefit
• “Beneficial” – Emphasizes positive outcome or advantage
• “Useful” – Highlights practical application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χρήσιμος (chresimos) /khrē’-si-mos/ – useful, but more focused on practical utility rather than spiritual benefit. See G5543
• συμφέρον (sympheron) /sym-fe’-ron/ – advantageous, but emphasizes collective benefit. See G4851

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Masculine nominative singular: ὠφέλιμος
• Feminine nominative singular: ὠφέλιμη
• Neuter nominative singular: ὠφέλιμον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently emphasize ὠφέλιμος as denoting genuine usefulness and advantage, particularly in spiritual matters. BDAG highlights its usage in contexts of moral and spiritual benefit, while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to practical advantage. LSJ provides evidence of secular usage meaning “helpful” or “serviceable.” Vine’s notes its particular application to godliness and spiritual discipline. The word appears in contexts where the benefit described is not merely temporal but has lasting value, especially in relation to spiritual growth and divine truth.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is [ὠφέλιμος] profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

Additional References:
2 Timothy 3:16
Titus 3:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὠφέλιμος represents more than mere utility; it embodies the concept of lasting benefit, particularly in spiritual matters. Paul’s strategic use of this term emphasizes that true profit lies not in temporary gains but in eternal values. This word challenges us to evaluate our activities and pursuits through the lens of lasting spiritual benefit. It points to Jesus Christ as the source of ultimate profit, reminding us that in Him we find advantages that extend beyond this life into eternity.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears only three times in the New Testament, each time in the Pastoral Epistles
2. Classical Greek authors often used it to describe educational and philosophical pursuits
3. Early Christian writers adopted it to describe the beneficial nature of Scripture study

Strong’s G5624: A term signifying genuine usefulness and benefit, particularly in spiritual matters. Derived from ὠφέλεω, it describes something that brings real advantage, especially in contexts of godliness and spiritual growth. Used strategically in the Pastoral Epistles to emphasize lasting spiritual benefit.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: benefit, profit, advantage, usefulness, spiritual growth, pastoral epistles, godliness, discipline, edification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​