Profitable Service: ὠφελέω (Strong’s G5623: ōpheleō) Empowers Through Benefit

Strong’s G5623: From the base ὄφελος (benefit, advantage); to be useful or beneficial, to help, do good, or profit someone/something. A practical term denoting tangible assistance or advantage given, used in both material and spiritual contexts in the New Testament.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ὠφελέω represents the active concept of bringing benefit or advantage to someone or something. In New Testament usage, it carries significant theological weight when discussing spiritual profit versus worldly gain. The term appears in crucial teachings about true value and eternal benefit, particularly in Jesus’ teachings about what truly profits the soul. Its usage extends to early church discussions about the practical benefits of faith and good works. Today, it remains relevant in discussions about authentic spiritual growth and the true measure of profit in Christian life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὠφελέω, ōpheleō, o-fel-eh’-o
• Detailed pronunciation: oh-fel-EH-oh (with emphasis on “EH”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Derived from ὄφελος (ophelos), meaning “advantage” or “benefit”
• Root carries the basic idea of increase or advantage

D – Defining Meanings

• To help, benefit, or do good to someone
• To be useful or advantageous
• To bring profit or gain

Translation Options:

1. “To benefit” – Most direct equivalent capturing the core meaning
2. “To be of advantage” – Emphasizes the resultant state of usefulness
3. “To profit” – Highlights the tangible gains produced

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμφέρω (sympherō, soom-fer’-o) – means “to bring together, be profitable” but emphasizes collective benefit See G4851
• λυσιτελέω (lysiteleō, loo-sit-el-eh’-o) – means “to pay the taxes, be profitable” with focus on worth See G3081

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• ὠφελῶ (I benefit)
• ὠφελήσω (I will benefit)
• ὠφέλησα (I benefited)
• Related words: ὠφέλεια (noun, benefit), ὠφέλιμος (adjective, beneficial)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide a comprehensive view of ὠφελέω’s semantic range. BDAG emphasizes its practical application in both material and spiritual contexts. Thayer’s highlights its use in classical Greek as bringing advantage or aid. LSJ traces its development from material profit to spiritual benefit. Vine’s notes its frequent use in negative constructions to emphasize what does not truly profit. Strong’s connects it to the concrete idea of increase or gain. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in papyri for business transactions and personal benefit. LEH adds insight from Septuagint usage, showing continuity between classical and biblical Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be [ὠφελέω] profited by me;

Additional References:
Matthew 16:26, Mark 7:11, John 6:63, Romans 2:25, 1 Corinthians 13:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ὠφελέω embodies a crucial concept in biblical teaching about true profit and benefit. Its usage challenges materialistic views of gain, particularly in Jesus’ teachings about spiritual profit versus worldly advantage. The term bridges practical and spiritual realms, showing that true benefit often transcends material gain. This connects directly to the gospel message, where Christ’s sacrifice represents the ultimate beneficial act, offering eternal profit for our souls over temporary worldly gain.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in one of Jesus’ most profound questions about profit and the soul
2. It’s often used in negative constructions to emphasize what does not truly benefit
3. Classical Greek literature frequently used it in philosophical discussions about virtue and justice

Strong’s G5623: From the base ὄφελος (benefit, advantage); to be useful or beneficial, to help, do good, or profit someone/something. A practical term denoting tangible assistance or advantage given, used in both material and spiritual contexts in the New Testament.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: benefit, profit, advantage, help, usefulness, gain, spiritual profit, material benefit, aid, assistance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​