Lexical Summary alusitelés: Unprofitable, useless Original Word: ἀλυσιτελής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unprofitable. From a (as a negative particle) and the base of lusitelei; gainless, i.e. (by implication) pernicious -- unprofitable. see GREEK a see GREEK lusitelei HELPS Word-studies 255 alysitelḗs (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 3089 /lýō, "to loose") – properly, not able to hold together (cohere), i.e. "not profitable because lacking cohesion"; (figuratively) missing benefit because not complete (especially missing something essential). 255 /alysitelḗs ("unprofitable"), used only in Heb 13:17, describes the lost benefits from making a poor choice. [255 (alysitelḗs) is used in classical Greek (as in Hippocrates) as a technical medical term for "unfavorable" symptoms.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and lusiteleó (to pay dues, be useful) Definition unprofitable NASB Translation unprofitable (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 255: ἀλυσιτελήςἀλυσιτελής, (ές (λυσιτελής, see λυσιτελέω), unprofitable, (Xenophon, vectig. 4, 6); by litotes, hurtful, pernicious: Hebrews 13:17. (From (Hippocrates) Xenophon down.) STRONGS NT 255a: ἄλφαἄλφα, τό, indeclinable: Revelation 1:8; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13. See A. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance ἀλυσιτελές conveys the idea of what brings no benefit and may even prove injurious. Whereas χρήσιμον or ὠφέλιμον depict something “useful” or “profitable,” ἀλυσιτελές stands at the opposite pole: a course of action or attitude that yields no spiritual gain and can undermine well-being. Biblical Context (Hebrews 13:17) “Obey your leaders and submit to them. For they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Berean Standard Bible) Here the word describes the outcome for believers who resist godly oversight. The writer to the Hebrews is not safeguarding clerical privilege; he is guarding the flock’s welfare. Spiritual obstinacy renders pastoral labor heavy-hearted, and such grief rebounds upon the congregation. The single New Testament use therefore ties “unprofitableness” to relational, covenantal dynamics within the church. Intertextual Resonance In Wisdom literature, the “profit” (ὠφέλεια, συμφέρον) of listening to instruction is a recurring theme (for example Proverbs 12:1; 19:20). Hebrews applies the mirror image: disregard for divinely appointed guidance is ἀλυσιτελές. Paul likewise urges that believers pursue what is “helpful” (Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 10:23), reinforcing the polarity between profitable and unprofitable conduct. Theological Implications 1. Accountability under Christ. Shepherds must “give an account,” echoing Ezekiel 34:10 and underscoring Christ’s ultimate headship. Ministerial Application • Churches should cultivate transparent structures where leaders watch “over souls” rather than merely administrate. Historical and Cultural Notes First-century assemblies often met in homes and relied on itinerant exhorters. Resistance to such leaders could splinter fragile communities already under social pressure (Hebrews 10:32-34). The author counters potential factionalism by warning that non-submission would prove “unprofitable,” thwarting the very endurance Hebrews urges. Practical Wisdom for Today Believers weigh every attitude toward authority by its spiritual yield. Grumbling may appear harmless, yet Scripture labels it ἀλυσιτελές—void of benefit. Pursuing what edifies, what “profits,” aligns the church with Christ’s intention that His people “bear much fruit” (John 15:8). Forms and Transliterations αλυσιτελες αλυσιτελές ἀλυσιτελὲς αλφϊτα άλφιτον αλφίτου αλφίτων άλφος αλώθ alusiteles alysiteles alysitelèsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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