λυσιτελέω

it profits

Definition

The verb λυσιτελέω means 'to be advantageous,' 'to be profitable,' or 'to be worthwhile.' It describes a situation where the benefit or gain outweighs the cost or effort involved. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 17:2, it is used in a negative, hypothetical sense: 'it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.' Here, the 'profit' is a grim, comparative advantage—a horrific physical death is presented as more advantageous than facing the spiritual consequences of causing a 'little one' to sin.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 17:2. It appears in a solemn warning from Jesus about causing others to stumble. The usage is idiomatic and proverbial, employing a stark comparison to emphasize the severity of the spiritual consequence. The construction 'λυσιτελεῖ αὐτῷ' ('it is profitable for him') introduces a scenario of dreadful alternative outcomes.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective λυσιτελής (lysitelēs), which combines λύσις (lysis, 'a loosing, release, payment') and τέλος (telos, 'end, completion, tax'). Literally, it means 'paying the cost' or 'bringing the matter to a profitable conclusion.' Thus, it inherently involves a calculation of cost versus benefit, where the outcome 'looses' or releases a net gain.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word carries significant theological weight in its context. It underscores Jesus's extreme valuation of spiritual welfare and the gravity of leading others into sin. The 'profit' calculus here is not about material gain but about comparative eternal destiny. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the shocking, counter-intuitive 'advantage' Jesus describes—emphasizing that some fates are so terrible that even a brutal death is preferable.

In the Greco-Roman world, this was a practical, commercial term used in business, philosophy, and everyday decision-making to weigh advantages. Jesus employs this common concept of cost-benefit analysis and subverts it for a spiritual warning. The vivid image of drowning with a millstone would have been a culturally understood metaphor for a shameful and inescapable death, making the 'profit' comparison even more jarring to the original audience.

συμφέρω (sympherō, G4851) — more common NT verb for 'to be profitable or advantageous,' often used for what is beneficial or expedient. ὠφελέω (ōpheleō, G5623) — to help, benefit, or be of use, often in contexts of spiritual or practical profit.

Word Details

Scripture References