### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eúchrēstos**, represented by `{{G2173}}`, means **easily used** or **useful**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, where it is translated as **profitable** or **meet for use**. The term conveys the idea of being well-suited and beneficial for a specific purpose, particularly in the context of Christian service and character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{G2173}}` describes the state of a person who is valuable for the work of God. It is used to characterize a believer who, after being sanctified, becomes a **vessel** `{{G4632}}` "meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" [[2 Timothy 2:21]]. The word also appears in a personal recommendation from Paul, who asks for **Mark** `{{G3138}}` to be brought to him, stating "for he is **profitable** to me for the ministry" [[2 Timothy 4:11]]. Furthermore, it highlights a profound transformation, contrasting a person's past state of being **unprofitable** `{{G890}}` with their current state of being **profitable** to others in the faith [[Philemon 1:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of spiritual usefulness:
* `{{G890}}` **áchrēstos** (unprofitable): This is the direct antonym of eúchrēstos and is used in [[Philemon 1:11]] to describe a person's former state before they became **profitable**. It means inefficient or detrimental.
* `{{G1203}}` **despótēs** (master): This word identifies who a believer is useful to. As an "absolute ruler," the **master** is the one for whom a sanctified vessel is made **meet for use** [[2 Timothy 2:21]].
* `{{G1248}}` **diakonía** (ministry): This specifies the context in which one's usefulness is applied. Mark was deemed **profitable** for the purpose of **ministry**, or official service [[2 Timothy 4:11]].
* `{{G4632}}` **skeûos** (vessel): This term provides the core metaphor for a believer's role. A person who is purged and sanctified becomes a **vessel** prepared for the master's use [[2 Timothy 2:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2173}}` is significant, illustrating key aspects of the Christian life.
* **Transformation unto Usefulness:** The word emphasizes that a person's value is transformed through their relationship with Christ. A life once considered **unprofitable** `{{G890}}` can become **profitable** `{{G2173}}` both to God and to the community of believers [[Philemon 1:11]].
* **Sanctification for Service:** Usefulness is a direct result of being set apart for God. To become **meet for the master's use** `{{G1203}}`, a believer must first be a **sanctified** `{{G37}}` **vessel** `{{G4632}}`, **purged** `{{G1571}}` and **prepared** `{{G2090}}` for every good **work** `{{G2041}}` [[2 Timothy 2:21]].
* **Purpose in Ministry:** The term connects a believer's state to their function. Being **profitable** is directly linked to service and **ministry** `{{G1248}}`, highlighting that every believer can have a beneficial role in God's work [[2 Timothy 4:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2173}}` is more than a simple descriptor of utility. It defines a spiritual condition of being redeemed, sanctified, and prepared for divine purpose. It captures the journey of a believer from being spiritually inefficient to becoming a valuable and **profitable** instrument in the hands of the **master** `{{G1203}}`, ready for service in the **ministry** `{{G1248}}`.
TRV