Lexical Summary arestos: Pleasing, acceptable Original Word: ἀρεστός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pleasing, fit. From aresko; agreeable; by implication, fit -- (things that) please(-ing), reason. see GREEK aresko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 701 arestós (an adjective) – pleasing (because in moral agreement). See 700 (areskō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom areskó Definition pleasing, i.e. fit NASB Translation desirable (1), pleased (1), pleasing (1), things that are pleasing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 701: ἀρεστόςἀρεστός, ἀρεστή, ἀρεστόν (ἀρέσκω), pleasing, agreeable: τίνι, John 8:29; Acts 12:3; ἐνώπιον τίνος, 1 John 3:22 (cf. ἀρέσκω, a.); ἀρεστόν ἐστι followed by an accusative with an infinitive it is fit, Acts 6:2 (yet cf. Meyer at the passage). (In Greek writings from (Sophocles) Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Scope of the Term The term translated “pleasing” in the four passages highlighted by Strong’s number 701 conveys the idea of fitting delight, welcome approval, or satisfaction. Its usage reveals what motivates actions in Scripture—either the desire to honor God or the desire to court human favor. New Testament Usage 1. Pleasing to the Father • John 8:29 records Jesus’ testimony: “I always do what is pleasing to Him”. The verb underlines the Son’s uninterrupted communion with the Father, showing that true righteousness is measured by divine approval, not cultural acclaim. 2. Pleasing to People • Acts 6:2 states, “It is not pleasing for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables” (literal rendering). The apostles refuse a ministry path that would gratify human expectations at the cost of their God-given mandate. Theological Themes • Obedience and Divine Pleasure Throughout Scripture the supreme question is not “Will this work?” but “Will this please God?” The model is Christ Himself, whose life was ordered entirely by the Father’s delight (John 4:34; Hebrews 10:5–7). • Prayer and Pleasing God 1 John 3:22 links effective prayer to a lifestyle God finds pleasing. Supplication is not a mechanical formula; it arises from a heart submitted to God’s commands. • Ministry Priorities Acts 6:2 teaches that even legitimate humanitarian tasks must not displace the God-assigned focus of preaching and prayer. The early church responded by appointing qualified servants so that every ministry remained pleasing to God. • Persecution and the Crowd Acts 12:3 shows that pursuing what pleases people often leads to injustice. Herod’s politics of popularity contrasts sharply with the apostles’ God-centered convictions, highlighting the perennial tension between divine and human approval (Galatians 1:10). Old Testament Background Hebrew Scripture repeatedly speaks of offerings, conduct, and hearts that are “pleasing” to the Lord (for example, Proverbs 15:8; Micah 6:7). The Septuagint often renders those Hebrew terms with cognates of the word found in Strong’s 701, providing a linguistic bridge and emphasizing continuity in God’s character: He delights in obedience, faith, and righteousness rather than mere ritual. Practical Implications for Believers 1. Decision-Making: Choices should be filtered through the question, “Is this pleasing in His sight?” Christological Considerations Jesus embodies the perfect life that pleases God, fulfilling all righteousness and enabling believers, through union with Him, to share in the Father’s approval (Matthew 3:17; Ephesians 1:6). His example grounds Christian ethics: disciples manifest what pleases God by imitating the Son in dependence on the Spirit. Ecclesiological Implications The early church’s handling of administrative burdens (Acts 6) demonstrates that healthy congregations ensure every function—from teaching to benevolence—is carried out in a manner that pleases God. Spiritual leadership resists the lure of popularity when it conflicts with fidelity to the apostolic gospel. Summary Across its four appearances, the word behind Strong’s 701 confronts readers with a fundamental choice: seek what is pleasing to God or what is pleasing to people. Scripture commends the former as the path of obedience, fruitful prayer, and faithful witness, epitomized in Christ and expected of all who bear His name. Forms and Transliterations αρέση αρεστα αρεστά ἀρεστὰ αρεστον αρεστόν ἀρεστόν αρεστών aresta arestà areston arestónLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 8:29 Adj-ANPGRK: ἐγὼ τὰ ἀρεστὰ αὐτῷ ποιῶ NAS: do the things that are pleasing to Him. KJV: always those things that please him. INT: I the things pleasing to him do Acts 6:2 Adj-NNS Acts 12:3 Adj-NNS 1 John 3:22 Adj-ANP Strong's Greek 701 |
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