699. areskia

Lexicon

areskia: Pleasing, desire to please

Original Word: ἀρέσκεια
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: areskia
Pronunciation: ah-RES-kee-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-es'-ki-ah)
Definition: Pleasing, desire to please
Meaning: pleasing, willing service.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

desire to please

From a derivative of aresko; complaisance -- pleasing.

see GREEK aresko

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 699 areskeía – the effort to fully and properly please (used only in Col 1:10). See 700 (areskō).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from areskó
Definition
a desire to please, pleasing
NASB Translation
please (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 699: ἀρεσκεία

ἀρεσκεία (T WH ἀρεσκια (see Iota)), ἀρεσκειας, ἡ (from ἀρεσκεύω to be complaisant; hence, not to be written (with R G L Tr) ἀρεσκεία (cf. Chandler § 99; Winers Grammar, § 6, 1 g.; Buttmann, 12 (11))), desire to please: περιπατεῖν ἀξίως τοῦ κυρίου εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν, to please him in all things, Colossians 1:10; (of the desire to please God, in Philo, opif. § 50; de profug. § 17; de victim. § 3 at the end In native Greek writings commonly in a bad sense: Theophrastus, char. 3 (5); Polybius 31, 26, 5; Diodorus 13, 53; others; (cf. Lightfoot on Colossians, the passage cited)).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἀρέσκω (areskō), meaning "to please" or "to be pleasing."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀρέσκεια, the concept of pleasing others and living harmoniously can be related to Hebrew terms such as רָצוֹן (ratson, Strong's Hebrew 7522), meaning "favor" or "pleasure," which conveys a similar idea of being pleasing or acceptable.

Usage: The term ἀρέσκεια is used in the New Testament to describe the attitude or disposition of pleasing others, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and relationships.

Context: The Greek term ἀρέσκεια (areskeia) appears in the New Testament to emphasize the importance of a disposition that seeks to please others, aligning with the Christian virtues of humility, service, and love. This concept is rooted in the broader biblical teaching that encourages believers to live in harmony and to consider the needs and well-being of others above their own.

In the New Testament, the idea of ἀρέσκεια is often associated with the apostolic exhortations to live a life worthy of the calling received in Christ. It underscores the importance of selflessness and the pursuit of peace within the Christian community. The Berean Standard Bible captures this sentiment in passages that encourage believers to act in ways that are pleasing to God and beneficial to others.

For example, in Romans 15:1-2 (BSB), Paul writes, "We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Here, ἀρέσκεια is reflected in the call to prioritize the edification and encouragement of others over personal gratification.

The concept of ἀρέσκεια is not about seeking approval for selfish gain but rather about fostering an environment of mutual respect and support. It aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified the ultimate act of selflessness and service. In Philippians 2:3-4 (BSB), believers are urged, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

In summary, ἀρέσκεια in the New Testament context is a call to cultivate a heart and life that seeks to please God and others, reflecting the love and humility of Christ in all interactions.

Forms and Transliterations

αρέσκειαι αρέσκειαν ἀρεσκείαν αρεσκιαν ἀρεσκίαν areskeian areskeían

Englishman's Concordance

Colossians 1:10 N-AFS
GRK: εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν ἐν παντὶ
NAS: of the Lord, to please [Him] in all
KJV: unto all pleasing, being fruitful in
INT: to all pleasing in every

Strong's Greek 699
1 Occurrence

ἀρεσκείαν — 1 Occ.