ἀχρεῖος

unprofitable, useless, unworthy

Definition

The adjective ἀχρεῖος means 'unprofitable,' 'useless,' or 'unworthy.' It describes something or someone that fails to serve its intended purpose or bring benefit. In Matthew 25:30, it characterizes the 'worthless' servant who buried his talent, highlighting a failure to produce a return. In Luke 17:10, it describes servants who, even after doing their duty, should consider themselves 'unworthy' of special praise, emphasizing that obedience does not put God in their debt.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in Jesus's parables about servanthood. In Matthew 25:30, it is used in the Parable of the Talents to condemn the inactive servant as 'useless.' In Luke 17:10, it is used to teach humility, where disciples are to say, 'We are unworthy servants.' Both contexts involve a master-servant relationship and evaluate the servant's performance or attitude.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (meaning 'not' or 'without') and a root related to χρεία (chreia), meaning 'need,' 'use,' or 'service.' Thus, it literally means 'without use' or 'not needed.' It is related to the verb χράομαι (chraomai, 'to use') and the adjective χρήσιμος (chrēsimos, 'useful').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on human effort versus divine grace. In Luke 17:10, it underscores that even perfect obedience does not earn merit before God—salvation is by grace, not works. In Matthew 25:30, it warns against spiritual inactivity and the serious consequence of being found 'useless' in God's kingdom. Understanding this term enriches parables about stewardship and humility.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, a servant's value was measured by their usefulness to their master. A 'useless' servant could be dismissed or punished. Jesus's hearers would immediately grasp the gravity of being labeled ἀχρεῖος, as it implied a failure in one's fundamental social role and could result in severe dishonor and loss.

ἄχρηστος (achrēstos, G890) — Also means 'useless' or 'unprofitable,' but can imply being unkind or unserviceable; used in Titus 3:9 and Philemon 1:11. μάταιος (mataios, G3152) — Means 'vain,' 'empty,' or 'futile,' focusing on lack of purpose or substance (e.g., 1 Corinthians 3:20).

Word Details

Scripture References