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χρήσιμος

chrḗsimos

G5539 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Useful, serviceable; denotes something possessing utility or advantage, capable of yielding benefit or profit; in specific contexts, refers to what is advantageous, helpful, or expedient. The primary lexical meaning involves inherent suitability for use or producing benefit, with secondary senses of 'profitable' or 'advantageous' depending on the context.

Semantic Range

useful, serviceable, advantageous, beneficial, profitable, expedient

Root / Etymology

From the verb χρῆσις (use, usage), which in turn derives from χράομαι (to use, employ). The related noun χρῆσις signifies 'use' or 'employment.' The adjectival form χρήσιμος means 'fit for use,' 'useful,' or 'serviceable.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term χρήσιμος is attested in Classical Greek literature (e.g., Plato, Aristotle) with the broad sense of 'useful' or 'advantageous.' In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, it maintains this meaning, frequently used to describe persons, objects, or practices that are effective or beneficial for a given purpose. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the word occurs rarely, but when present, it emphasizes the attribute of practical value or benefit. English translations often render the term as 'profitable,' 'beneficial,' or 'useful,' but this may narrow its range to economic or utilitarian contexts, while in Greek it retains the more general sense of anything advantageous or suitable. It contrasts with terms like βλαβερός (harmful) and ἄχρηστος (useless, unserviceable), and may, depending on context, overlap with ὠφέλιμος (helpful, beneficial), though with a stronger emphasis on practical utility.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from χρῆσις; serviceable:--profit.

Root Family

χρησ- (chrḗsimos) — to use, to be serviceable, to be advantageous

Root χρησ- to use, to be serviceable, to be advantageous

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5539-01 χρήσιμον chresimon ADJ.S ACC N SG profitable useful thing useful 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5539-01 2 Timothy 2:14 χρήσιμον chresimon ADJ.S ACC N SG profitable useful thing useful
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