from εὖ and a derivative of τίθημι; well placed, i.e. (figuratively) appropriate:--fit, meet.
Transliteration:eúthetos
Pronunciation:yoo'-thet-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective εὔθετος (eúthetos) is a compound word derived from the adverb εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and a verbal adjective form related to the verb τίθημι (títhēmi), meaning "to place," "to set," or "to put." Its literal sense is therefore "well-placed," "properly set," or "in a good position." Figuratively, and as primarily used in the New Testament, it extends to mean "suitable," "appropriate," "fitting," "convenient," or "expedient" for a particular purpose or situation. It conveys the idea of being exactly what is needed or desired, implying a state of optimal readiness or suitability for a given task or role.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὔθετος (eúthetos) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance contributing to a nuanced understanding of its meaning in relation to Christian life and purpose.
* **[[Luke 9:62]]**: "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Here, εὔθετος describes the essential quality of a disciple. To be "fit" (εὔθετος) for the kingdom implies an unwavering, single-minded commitment, much like a farmer who must keep his gaze fixed forward to plow a straight furrow. The context is discipleship, emphasizing singular devotion and perseverance without distraction or longing for former ways of life.
* **[[Luke 14:35]]**: "It is neither fit for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown away. Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear." This verse speaks of salt that has lost its savor. If salt becomes useless, it is "not fit" (οὔτε εὔθετον) for any beneficial purpose, neither for enriching the soil nor for contributing to compost. This highlights the concept of utility and purpose. Something that is εὔθετος serves its intended function; if it fails, it is rendered useless. For believers, the implication is that they must retain their distinctive spiritual quality and purpose to be useful to God and His kingdom.
* **[[Hebrews 6:7]]**: "For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God." In this agricultural metaphor, the land that produces a "useful" or "fitting" (εὔθετον) crop is blessed. The word here refers to the fruitfulness and productivity that is appropriate for the care and provision (the "rain") it has received. It connects the concept of being εὔθετος with yielding expected and beneficial results, particularly in the context of spiritual growth and fruit-bearing in response to God's grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of εὔθετος (eúthetos) includes words that convey suitability, appropriateness, or effectiveness.
* **Synonyms/Related Terms:**
* `{{G2425}}` *hikanos* (sufficient, competent, worthy): Shares the idea of adequacy or qualification for a task.
* `{{G433}}` *anēkō* (to be fit, proper, becoming): Conveys a sense of what is appropriate or suitable in a moral or social context.
* `{{G2110}}` *eutheōs* (immediately, straightway) and `{{G2117}}` *euthys* (straight, direct, immediate): While primarily temporal or spatial, they share the root idea of "straightness" or "directness," which can metaphorically connect to being "on the right path" or "directly suitable."
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:** The opposite of εὔθετος would be concepts like uselessness, unsuitability, unfruitfulness, inadequacy, or distraction. These represent a state of being out of place, inefficient, or failing to serve an intended, beneficial purpose.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὔθετος (eúthetos) profoundly speaks to the **nature of discipleship, spiritual utility, and fruitfulness** within the economy of God's kingdom.
In [[Luke 9:62]], Jesus sets a high standard for those who would follow Him. To be "fit" (εὔθετος) for the Kingdom implies a radical, undivided commitment, mirroring the single-mindedness required for plowing a straight furrow. This underscores the necessity of wholehearted devotion and perseverance in the Christian walk, without succumbing to the distractions or allurements of former ways of life or worldly attachments. It emphasizes the exclusivity of allegiance to Christ.
[[Luke 14:35]] extends this by warning against spiritual uselessness. If believers lose their distinctiveness—their "saltiness" or spiritual vitality—they become εὔθετος for nothing, neither for God's purposes nor for worldly benefit. This highlights the imperative for believers to maintain their spiritual essence, witness, and impact, lest they become ineffective and discarded. It is a solemn call to preserve one's spiritual identity and purpose as a follower of Christ.
Finally, [[Hebrews 6:7]] connects εὔθετος with divine blessing and productivity. Land that yields "useful" (εὔθετον) crops, in response to God's provision (rain), receives further blessing. This agricultural metaphor applies directly to believers who, having received spiritual nourishment (the "rain" of teaching and grace), are expected to produce "fitting" spiritual fruit—actions, character, and service that are appropriate and beneficial to God's kingdom. It emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between divine grace and human responsibility to bear fruit that glorifies God and benefits others.
Collectively, εὔθετος articulates God's expectation for believers to be properly positioned, fully committed, spiritually effective, and fruitful for the advancement of His kingdom. It describes a quality of being that aligns with God's design and actively contributes to His redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Greek word εὔθετος (eúthetos), meaning "well-placed" or "fitting," is a significant term in the New Testament that illuminates crucial aspects of Christian life and discipleship. Derived from "well" (εὖ) and "to place" (τίθημι), it denotes suitability, appropriateness, and utility for a specific purpose. Its three occurrences in the New Testament highlight:
1. **Undivided Discipleship:** In [[Luke 9:62]], being εὔθετος for the Kingdom demands unwavering, single-minded commitment to Christ, without looking back to past attachments or distractions.
2. **Spiritual Utility:** [[Luke 14:35]] warns against spiritual uselessness, likening it to salt that is no longer εὔθετος for any purpose, underscoring the necessity for believers to maintain their spiritual effectiveness and distinctiveness.
3. **Fruitfulness and Blessing:** [[Hebrews 6:7]] uses εὔθετος to describe land that produces "useful" crops, illustrating that spiritual growth and fruit-bearing, in response to divine grace, lead to God's blessing and fulfill His purposes.
In essence, εὔθετος encapsulates the call for believers to be properly aligned with God's will, wholly committed to His service, and actively productive in bearing spiritual fruit for the advancement of His Kingdom.
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