Lexical Summary achreios: Unprofitable, useless, worthless Original Word: ἀχρεῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unprofitable. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of chre (compare chreia); useless, i.e. (euphemistically) unmeritorious -- unprofitable. see GREEK a see GREEK chre see GREEK chreia HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 888 axreíos – properly, unneeded, describing behavior that (literally) "lacks utility (usefulness)." See 890 (axrēstos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and chreios (useful) Definition useless NASB Translation unworthy (1), worthless (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 888: ἀχρεῖοςἀχρεῖος, ἀχρεῖον (χρεῖος useful), useless, good for nothing: Matthew 25:30 (δοῦλος, cf. Plato, Alc. 1:17, p. 122 b. τῶν οἰκετῶν τόν ἀχρειοτατον); by an hyperbole of pious modesty in Luke 17:10 'the servant' calls himself ἀχρεῖον, because, although he has done all, yet he has done nothing except what he ought to have done; accordingly he possesses no merit, and could only claim to be called 'profitable,' should he do more than what he is bound to do; cf. Bengel, at the passage. (Often in Greek writings from Homer down; Xenophon, mem. 1, 2, 54 ἀχρεῖον καί ἀνωφελές. The Sept. 2 Samuel 6:22 equivalent to שָׁפָל low, base.) (Synonyms: cf. Tittmann ii., p. 11f; Ellicott on Philemon 1:11.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 888 (achreios) appears twice in the New Testament and functions as a solemn descriptor of servants who, though part of the master’s household, contribute no measurable profit to their Lord. The term brings into sharp focus the tension between grace-given privilege and the expectation of faithful stewardship. Contextual Usage 1. Matthew 25:30 concludes the Parable of the Talents: “And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Here achreios brands the third servant as “worthless,” not for wicked rebellion but for culpable inaction. Theological Themes • Servanthood and Accountability – Both passages frame believers as servants under divine authority. Faithfulness is measured not merely by avoidance of evil but by diligent employment of entrusted resources. Intertestamental and Rabbinic Background Jewish literature often labeled profitless servants as liable to dismissal or punishment. The concept would have been familiar to first-century hearers, intensifying the impact of Jesus’ words. By employing achreios, He evokes common economic imagery to speak of eternal realities. Historical Interpretation • Early Church – Church Fathers such as Origen and Chrysostom saw in Matthew 25 an exhortation to use spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Church, warning that negligence imperils salvation. Implications for Christian Discipleship 1. Stewardship of Gifts – Spiritual, material, and temporal resources are leased, not owned. Believers must invest them for kingdom advancement. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching – Expositors can link the two occurrences to present a balanced call: rest in grace, yet rise to labor. Conclusion Achreios confronts every believer with a probing question: Am I a humble servant whose life, empowered by grace, produces profit for the Master’s glory—or am I in danger of being found worthless through neglect? Scripture’s dual witness summons the Church to combine lowly self-assessment with energetic, Spirit-enabled service until the Lord returns. Forms and Transliterations αχρειοι αχρείοί ἀχρεῖοί αχρειον αχρείον ἀχρεῖον άχρειος achreioi achreîoí achreion achreîonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 25:30 Adj-AMSGRK: καὶ τὸν ἀχρεῖον δοῦλον ἐκβάλετε NAS: Throw out the worthless slave KJV: cast ye the unprofitable servant INT: And the worthless servant cast you out Luke 17:10 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 888 |
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