Lexical Summary lusiteleó: To be profitable, to be advantageous, to benefit Original Word: λυσιτελέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance it is better. Third person singular present indicative active of a derivative of a compound of lusis and telos; impersonally, it answers the purpose, i.e. Is advantageous -- it is better. see GREEK lusis see GREEK telos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom luó (in the sense of paying expenses, etc.) and telos Definition to be advantageous, profitable NASB Translation better (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3081: λυσιτελέωλυσιτελέω, λυσιτέλω; (from λυσιτελής, and this from λύω to pay, and τά τέλη (cf. τέλος, 2)); (from Herodotus down); properly, to pay the taxes; to return expenses, hence, to be useful, advantageous; impersonally, λυσιτελεῖ, it profits; followed by ἤ (see ἤ, 3 f.), it is better: τίνι; followed by εἰ, Luke 17:2. Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Biblical Significance The verb translated “it would be better” expresses the idea of something proving advantageous when weighed against an alternative. In Luke 17:2, Jesus employs it to impress the incomparable seriousness of leading believers—especially the spiritually “little ones”—into sin. The Lord’s imagery of a millstone and drowning is not hyperbole for effect; it is a sober declaration that divine justice counts the spiritual welfare of His people more precious than temporal life itself. New Testament Usage • Single occurrence: Luke 17:2. Although unique in form to Luke, the thought parallels Jesus’ warnings in Matthew 18:6 and Mark 9:42. Together these passages create a triune witness highlighting the gravity of causing spiritual harm. Luke alone chooses this verb, underscoring benefit versus loss rather than mere comparison of outcomes. Immediate Context in Luke 17 Luke 17:1–4 threads three themes: inevitable stumbling blocks, the dire cost of promoting them, and the call to perpetual forgiveness. The verb in verse 2 anchors the passage between proclamation of woe (verse 1) and exhortation to grace (verses 3–4). Thus, Jesus frames disciplinary sobriety and forgiving compassion as inseparable elements of discipleship. “‘It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.’” (Luke 17:2) Historical and Cultural Background Large millstones (Greek: mythos onikos) were turned by donkeys, far heavier than hand-stones used by women (Judges 9:53). To the first-century listener, being cast into the sea with such a stone guaranteed swift, irreversible death. Roman law occasionally prescribed drowning for certain crimes, so Jesus’ audience would grasp His reference as capital-level severity. Relationship to Old Testament Thought While the exact term is absent from the Septuagint, the notion of a chosen course being “better” before God pervades Proverbs (for example, Proverbs 15:16; 16:8). Ezekiel 3:17–21 and 33:1–9 likewise declare accountability for causing or ignoring spiritual ruin. Jesus’ word in Luke 17:2 gathers these streams, making explicit the covenant responsibility of leaders and peers alike. Parallel Teachings and Theological Emphases 1. Protection of the vulnerable: God calls Himself “Father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5). Jesus’ warning advances that protective heart. Ministry and Pastoral Applications • Child and youth ministry: The verse compels churches to implement stringent safeguards—moral, doctrinal, and physical—around minors. Practical Reflection When evaluating any action—teaching, entertainment, business practice—the disciple asks, “Will this trip another believer?” If the answer is yes, Scripture declares that forfeiting the action altogether is the truly “better” path. Related Greek and Hebrew Concepts • συμφέρει (sympherei, “it is advantageous”) appears in Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42. While similar in sense, Luke’s verb leans into the element of paying a cost to secure greater benefit. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3081 stands as a stark reminder that spiritual benefit outweighs every earthly consideration. Jesus elevates the protection of the “little ones” to the highest priority, declaring that even a violent death is preferable to the divine reckoning awaiting those who jeopardize another’s walk with God. In every age, the Church is called to mirror her Lord’s protective zeal, guarding the flock and seeking what is truly “better” for all. Forms and Transliterations λυσιτελει λυσιτελεί λυσιτελεῖ lusitelei lysitelei lysiteleîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |