ἀρέσκω

I please, serve

Definition

The verb ἀρέσκω primarily means 'to please' or 'to be pleasing to someone.' In the New Testament, it often carries the sense of seeking to accommodate or serve others for their good, as seen in Romans 15:1-2, where believers are urged to please their neighbors to build them up. In a negative spiritual sense, it describes the impossibility of pleasing God while living according to the flesh (Romans 8:8). In narrative contexts, it simply denotes giving pleasure, such as Herodias's daughter pleasing Herod with her dance (Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:22).

Biblical Usage

ἀρέσκω appears 16 times, primarily in the Pauline epistles (Romans, 1 Corinthians) where it addresses Christian ethics—pleasing others for edification rather than self. In Romans 15, Paul uses it three times to discuss self-denial for others' benefit. In Acts 6:5, it describes Stephen as 'pleasing' to the Jerusalem church. The Gospels use it in secular narratives of entertainment (Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:22).

Etymology

Derived from an uncertain root, possibly related to ἀραρίσκω (to fit, join). It is not from ἀ- (not) + 'reskō'; that is a common folk etymology. The core idea is of being agreeable or fitting to someone's desires.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for understanding Christian discipleship and sanctification. It highlights the tension between pleasing people and pleasing God (Galatians 1:10 contrasts with Romans 8:8). In Romans 15, it models Christ's example of not pleasing himself, grounding ethics in the incarnation. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that biblical 'pleasing' is often an active, sacrificial service aimed at spiritual growth, not mere appeasement.

In Greco-Roman culture, 'pleasing' often involved social patronage and seeking honor. The New Testament reorients this: pleasing others is not for personal advancement but for their spiritual good, countering a culture of self-promotion. The term's use in banquet settings (Herod's feast) reflects a common secular understanding of giving entertainment or favor.

εὐαρεστέω (euaresteō, G2100) — emphasizes being well-pleasing, especially to God, with a stronger focus on divine approval. δουλεύω (douleuō, G1398) — means to serve as a slave, focusing on subordination rather than the motive of pleasing. θεραπεύω (therapeuō, G2323) — to serve, heal, or care for, often in a practical or medical sense.

Word Details

Scripture References