Lexical Summary chrésimos: Useful, profitable, beneficial Original Word: χρήσιμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance profit. From chresis; serviceable -- profit. see GREEK chresis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chraomai Definition useful NASB Translation useless* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5539: χρήσιμοςχρήσιμος, χρησιμη, χρήσιμον (χράομαι), first in Theognis, 406, fit for use, useful: 2 Timothy 2:14. Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Theological Idea The term conveys what brings genuine advantage, benefit, or service. Scripture regularly measures words, deeds, and doctrines by whether they build up or tear down (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 10:23). The single New Testament occurrence concentrates that principle into Paul’s warning that certain conversations possess “nothing useful” in them. Old Testament Roots of Usefulness Hebrew vocabulary behind the Septuagint often contrasts the profitable with the pointless. Isaiah 41:24 calls idols “less than nothing… your work is utterly worthless.” Proverbs repeatedly commends speech and conduct that are “profitable” (Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 27:9). This background trains the mind of the apostle: divine revelation has always distinguished what furthers God’s purposes from what frustrates them. Immediate Context: 2 Timothy 2:14 “Remind them of these things and solemnly charge them before God not to quarrel about words; this is useful for nothing and leads only to the ruin of the hearers.” Paul mentors Timothy amid false teachers who thrived on speculative word-wars. The apostle labels such disputes as entirely lacking usefulness. Their end-product is “ruin” (katastrophē)—a spiritual demolition of listeners. By choosing a term meaning practical benefit rather than theoretical correctness, Paul exposes the barren outcome of the controversy: no sinner rescued, no saint strengthened, no church built. Contrast with Worthless Controversy Scripture does not discourage rigorous study; it condemns discussion divorced from obedience and love. Acts 17:11 praises Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily. Yet Titus faces “foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9). The profitable conversation is gospel-centered, seasonable, and oriented toward edification (Colossians 4:6). Relationship to Other Pauline Vocabulary Paul elsewhere employs “beneficial” (ōphelimos) to describe Scripture itself (2 Timothy 3:16) and godliness (1 Timothy 4:8). Whereas ōphelimos highlights inherent value, the present word accents practical serviceability. Together they reveal the apostle’s two-fold test: Does the subject possess intrinsic truth? Does it produce concrete good? Both are demanded in faithful ministry. Historical and Cultural Setting In wider Greek literature the word described useful tools, medicines, or civic contributions. Stoic philosophers adopted it for teachings that improved the soul. Paul baptizes the cultural idea into gospel ministry: only doctrine grounded in the risen Christ (2 Timothy 2:8) can prove lastingly useful. Secular wisdom, however polished, ultimately fails this test (1 Corinthians 1:20). Implications for Teaching and Discipleship 1. Curriculum—Church instruction must aim for transformation, not information alone. Pastoral Evaluation Grid Useful: Exposition of Scripture, prayer, acts of mercy, corrective discipline (Hebrews 10:24). Useless: Speculations, endless debates, slander, divisive slogans (1 Timothy 1:4-6). Concluding Perspective The Spirit who inspired Scripture also gauges its application. Under His gaze every word either advances or hinders the mission of Christ. Strong’s Greek 5539 invites believers to labor for the kind of speech and service that eternity will declare “useful.” Forms and Transliterations χρήσιμοι χρησίμοις χρησιμον χρήσιμον χρήσιμόν χρησίμων chresimon chrēsimon chrḗsimonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 2:14 Adj-ANSGRK: ἐπ' οὐδὲν χρήσιμον ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ KJV: to no profit, [but] to the subverting INT: for nothing profitable to subversion |
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