Lexical Summary anóphelés: Useless, unprofitable Original Word: ἀνωφελής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unprofitable. From a (as a negative particle) and the base of ophelimos; useless or (neuter) inutility -- unprofitable(-ness). see GREEK a see GREEK ophelimos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and ophelos Definition unprofitable NASB Translation unprofitable (1), uselessness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 512: ἀνωφελήςἀνωφελής, ἀνωφελές (alpha privative and ὄφελος); from Aeschylus down; unprofitable, useless: Titus 3:9. Neuter as a substantive in Hebrews 7:18 (διά τό αὐτῆς ἀνωφελές on account of its unprofitableness). Topical Lexicon Definition and Essence Strong’s Greek 512, ἀνωφελής (anōphelés), denotes something “without benefit, useless, unprofitable.” Scripture uses the term to expose whatever fails to advance God’s redemptive purpose, whether in teaching, religious regulation, or daily conversation. Old Testament Background Though the specific Greek word does not appear in the Septuagint, its idea permeates the Old Testament. Idols are called “worthless” (Jeremiah 2:5), unproductive vines symbolize Israel’s disobedience (Isaiah 5:4), and unprofitable talk is condemned (Job 15:3). The prophets repeatedly rebuke practices that appear religious yet yield no covenantal fruit (Isaiah 1:11-17; Micah 6:6-8). This backdrop prepares readers to feel the weight of “uselessness” when the New Testament applies it to teachings or institutions that cannot produce righteousness. New Testament Usage 1. Titus 3:9 – ἀνωφελεῖς (plural). The contexts differ, yet both passages contrast what is “unprofitable” with what truly edifies. Significance in Titus 3:9—Guarding the Health of the Flock “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these things are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9) Paul warns Titus against time-consuming disputes that distract from the gospel. In first-century Crete, speculative debates about Jewish pedigrees and minutiae of the Mosaic Law threatened unity and mission. Labeling such debates “unprofitable” places them outside the realm of healthy doctrine (Titus 1:9). The shepherd’s task is not merely to refute error but to refuse platforms that yield no spiritual gain (compare 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23). Ministry that produces discipleship, godliness, and good works (Titus 3:8) is “profitable”; everything else is anōphelés. Significance in Hebrews 7:18—The Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood “So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless.” (Hebrews 7:18) Here the writer contrasts the Levitical system with the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The Law, “weakened by the flesh” (Romans 8:3), could reveal sin but could not perfect the worshiper (Hebrews 10:1-4). Describing the older commandment as “useless” does not belittle God’s Law; rather, it underscores its inability to grant life apart from the promised Messiah (Galatians 3:21-24). The term therefore magnifies Christ’s once-for-all mediation, “a better hope, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19). Doctrinal Considerations 1. The Profit Motif. Scripture measures “profit” by eternal fruit, not intellectual stimulation or ritual exactness. Compare 1 Timothy 4:8, where bodily discipline is “of some value” but godliness holds promise “for the life to come.” Pastoral and Personal Application • Evaluate teachings, activities, and traditions by their ability to advance holiness and mission. Misapplications and Cautions • Do not weaponize “unprofitable” to silence every hard question; apologetics and careful theology remain vital (1 Peter 3:15). Conclusion Anōphelés reminds believers that God evaluates conversations, customs, and commands by their capacity to produce Christ-exalting fruit. Whether curbing idle controversies or superseding a temporary covenant, Scripture consistently moves the church from what is “useless” to what is eternally profitable, centering all gain in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ανωφελεις ανωφελείς ἀνωφελεῖς ανωφελες ανωφελές ἀνωφελές ανωφελή ανωφελούς ανωφωλής anopheleis anopheleîs anōpheleis anōpheleîs anopheles anophelés anōpheles anōphelésLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Titus 3:9 Adj-NFPGRK: εἰσὶν γὰρ ἀνωφελεῖς καὶ μάταιοι NAS: about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. KJV: for they are unprofitable and vain. INT: they are indeed unprofitable and worthless Hebrews 7:18 Adj-ANS Strong's Greek 512 |
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