Strong's Lexicon achréstos: Useless, unprofitable Original Word: ἀχρεῖστος Word Origin: Derived from the Greek prefix ἀ- (a-, "not") and χρηστός (chrēstos, "useful" or "good") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of being useless or unprofitable is בְּלִיַּעַל (beliyya'al, Strong's Hebrew 1100), which is used to describe worthlessness or wickedness. Usage: The term "achréstos" is used to describe something or someone that is not useful or beneficial. In the context of the New Testament, it often carries a moral or spiritual connotation, indicating a lack of value or purpose in the eyes of God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of usefulness was highly valued, both in terms of material goods and personal virtues. A person or object deemed "achréstos" would be considered without purpose or value, often leading to social or economic exclusion. In a biblical context, this term underscores the importance of living a life that is fruitful and aligned with God's will. HELPS Word-studies 890 áxrēstos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 5532 /xreía, "usefulness") – properly, "not useful," i.e. failing to execute duty and therefore unprofitable (useless); unuseful, lacking utility (used only in Phm 11). Phm 11: "Formerly he was useless (890 /áxrēstos) to you, but now he is indeed useful (2173 /eúxrēstos) to you and to me." [Both terms come from the same root (5532 /xreía, "profitable").] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and chréstos Definition useless NASB Translation useless (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 890: ἄχρηστοςἄχρηστος, ἄχρηστον (χρηστός, and this from χράομαι), useless, unprofitable: Philemon 1:11 (here opposed to εὔχρηστος). (In Greek writings from Homer (i. e. Batrach. 70; Theognis) down.) (Synonyms: cf. Tittmann ii. 11f; Trench, § c. 17; Ellicott on Philemon 1:11.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unprofitable, uselessFrom a (as a negative particle) and chrestos; inefficient, i.e. (by implication) detrimental -- unprofitable. see GREEK a see GREEK chrestos Forms and Transliterations αχρηστον άχρηστον ἄχρηστον achreston achrēston áchreston áchrēstonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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