Lexical Summary apolausis: Enjoyment, benefit, pleasure Original Word: ἀπόλαυσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enjoyment. From a comparative of apo and lauo (to enjoy); full enjoyment -- enjoy(-ment). see GREEK apo HELPS Word-studies 619 apólausis (from 575 /apó, "away from" and lauō, "enjoy") – properly, enjoyment, especially a particular advantage or benefit (note the looking back conveyed by the prefix, apo). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apolauó (to take of, enjoy) Definition enjoyment NASB Translation enjoy (1), enjoy the pleasures (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 619: ἀπόλαυσιςἀπόλαυσις, ἀπολαυσεως, ἡ (from ἀπολαύω to enjoy), enjoyment (Latinfructus): 1 Timothy 6:17 (εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν to enjoy); Hebrews 11:25 (ἁμαρτίας ἀπόλαυσιν, pleasure born of sin). (In Greek writings from (Euripides and) Thucydides down.) Topical Lexicon Scope of Meaning Apolausis denotes the experience of deriving pleasure, delight, or satisfaction from something received or chosen. It conveys more than momentary sensation; it points to the settled enjoyment that flows from either God-given gifts or, by contrast, the passing allure of sin. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background While the term itself is Greek, the concept is foreshadowed in Hebrew Scripture. Ecclesiastes repeatedly affirms that “it is the gift of God when anyone eats and drinks and finds satisfaction in all his labor” (Ecclesiastes 3:13). Conversely, Proverbs warns that “even in laughter the heart may ache” (Proverbs 14:13), anticipating the New Testament contrast between enduring joy and transient pleasure. Intertestamental literature likewise distinguishes righteous gladness from the empty revelry of the wicked (Sirach 14:14-17; Wisdom 2:6-9). New Testament Usage Apolausis appears twice: Both settings are didactic, anchoring the word in instruction on faith, stewardship, and perseverance. Apolausis and Wealth: 1 Timothy 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but in God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment”. Paul reframes material goods as gifts entrusted by a generous Creator. Apolausis here legitimizes wholesome enjoyment while removing any basis for pride. The verse safeguards against asceticism that disparages God’s bounty and against hedonism that idolizes the gift. Instead, gratitude, generosity, and reliance on God characterize faithful use of wealth (1 Timothy 6:18-19). Apolausis and Sin’s Fleeting Pleasure: Hebrews 11:25 Moses “chose to suffer oppression with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin”. The word highlights the enticement he refused. Hebrews 11 positions apolausis within the broader theme of persevering faith that looks beyond temporal gratification to eternal reward (Hebrews 11:26). The passage exposes sin’s deceptive economy: immediate delight at the cost of long-term loss. Theological Synthesis Taken together, the two occurrences reveal a moral polarity: 1. God-centered enjoyment is abundant, legitimate, and enduring. The difference is not the presence or absence of pleasure but the source and outcome of that pleasure. Scripture affirms the Creator’s good gifts (James 1:17) yet warns that misplaced craving becomes idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Historical Interpretation Early patristic writers emphasized stewardship. Chrysostom, commenting on 1 Timothy 6, urged the wealthy to regard riches as a “staff for the needy,” not a license for indulgence. Augustine contrasted the “verae delectationes” (true delights) found in God with the “delectatio carnalis” (carnal delight) Moses rejected. Reformers echoed the theme: Calvin saw 1 Timothy 6:17 as proof that “there is no crime in the rich possessing riches, provided they purge themselves of pride.” Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Generosity: Encouraging believers to convert riches into ministry (2 Corinthians 9:11). Connection with Christian Joy Whereas chara (joy) and euphrosynē (gladness) describe inward rejoicing, apolausis focuses on the act of enjoying. It complements joy by expressing how believers tangibly partake of God’s goodness, anticipating the “fullness of joy” in His presence (Psalm 16:11). Key Questions for Study • How can Christians safeguard legitimate enjoyment from drifting into idolatry? Related Terms Apolambanō (receive in full, Strong’s 618) – stresses reception; Apolauō (enjoy fully, Strong’s 617) – stresses the act; Chara (joy, Strong’s 5479) – inward rejoicing; Hēdonē (pleasure, Strong’s 2237) – often negative, self-indulgent enjoyment. Apolausis thus enriches biblical teaching on pleasure by rooting true enjoyment in God’s generous nature and contrasting it with the empty promises of sin. Forms and Transliterations απελέγετο απολαυσιν απόλαυσιν ἀπόλαυσιν απολαύσωμεν apolausin apólausinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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