Lexical Summary euthetos: Fit, suitable, useful Original Word: εὔθετος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance useful, suitable From eu and a derivative of tithemi; well placed, i.e. (figuratively) appropriate -- fit, meet. see GREEK eu see GREEK tithemi HELPS Word-studies 2111 eúthetos (from 2095 /eú, "good, well" and 5087 /títhēmi, "to place") – properly, well-placed; "fit because well-adapted; hence, ready for use" (A-S). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eu and tithémi Definition well-placed, i.e. ready for use NASB Translation fit (1), useful (1), useless* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2111: εὔθετοςεὔθετος, εὔθετον (from εὖ and θετός), Greek writings from Aeschylus and Hippocrates down; properly, well-placed; a. fit: εἰς τί, Luke 9:62 R G; b. useful: τίνι, Hebrews 6:7 (some would make the dative here depend on the participle); (of time, seasonable, Psalm 31:6 The adjective ἐὔθετος conveys the idea of something or someone that is well-placed, serviceable, suitable, or fit for the purpose intended. Its nuance is not mere adequacy but active usefulness—an instrument or life that accomplishes what its owner desires. Occurrences in Scripture “It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile, and it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” A warning that salt without savor, though it retains the name “salt,” is useless and discarded—an image for the would-be disciple who turns away from whole-hearted allegiance. “For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God.” The productive field exemplifies believers who respond to God’s gracious provision with visible fruit; the unproductive field that follows in verse 8 depicts apostasy. “But Jesus told him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” A farmer focused elsewhere cannot plow a straight furrow; likewise, half-hearted followers prove unqualified for kingdom service. Thematic Significance 1. Wholehearted Discipleship Jesus pairs ἐὔθετος with radical self-denial. Worth is measured by unwavering focus on Him; anything less devolves into uselessness. 2. Fruitfulness as Evidence Hebrews uses the term in an agrarian parable where productivity authenticates the land. In Christian experience, fruit—obedience, good works, perseverance—validates saving faith. 3. Divine Purpose and Human Responsibility God supplies rain; the soil must yield crops. The word thus holds grace and responsibility together: God’s gift empowers, but believers must cooperate to remain “fit.” Historical Background Palestinian salt mixed with impurities could leach out, making it ineffectual for preserving or fertilizing. A wooden plow, guided by one hand while the other drove the oxen, demanded steady eyes. First-century listeners instantly recognized that a distracted farmer ruined both furrow and seed. Fields depended on the early and latter rains; when rain came, expectation of harvest was high. Each scenario sharpened the force of ἐὔθετος: usefulness or rejection. Connections with Old Testament Concepts Salt: Leviticus 2:13 underscores salt’s covenant role; flavorless salt nullifies that symbol (compare Matthew 5:13, Luke 14:35). Fruitfulness: Isaiah 5’s vineyard and Jeremiah 17’s fruitful tree anticipate Hebrews 6, contrasting productive faith with barren religiosity. Readiness for service: Exodus 35–40 repeatedly calls for “skillful” craftsmen whose fitness for tabernacle work mirrors kingdom suitability. Doctrinal Reflections Salvation unites believers to Christ, making them “God’s workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10). The Spirit supplies power, yet believers must guard against divided loyalties that render them unfit. Apostasy passages such as Hebrews 6 caution that persistent barrenness invites judgment; true grace produces enduring fruitfulness. Practical Implications for Ministry • Leadership screening: Seek disciples whose forward gaze mirrors the plowman’s; vacillation signals potential unfitness. Illustrative Applications A pastor likens congregational gifts to tools: sharpened and clean, they build the house; rusty tools harm or slow the work. Similarly, an evangelist cites Luke 9:62 when challenging youth who cling to comfort: reluctance renders them “unfit.” Farmers explaining soil amendments provide vivid parallels of Hebrews 6: good seed and generous rain still require receptive earth. Summary Strong’s Greek 2111 pictures the life God can use. Whether salt, soil, or plowman, the standard is the same: faithful fulfillment of intended purpose. Scripture’s three uses call every believer to examine devotion, bear fruit in keeping with repentance, and press forward without looking back, so that at harvest the Master may find them truly “useful” and bless them accordingly. Englishman's Concordance Luke 9:62 Adj-NMSGRK: τὰ ὀπίσω εὔθετός ἐστιν τῇ NAS: back, is fit for the kingdom KJV: back, is fit for the kingdom INT: the things behind fit is for the Luke 14:35 Adj-NNS Hebrews 6:7 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 2111 |
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