### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀλυσιτελής (alysitelḗs, `{{G255}}`) is a compound word formed from the negative particle α- (alpha privative) and the verbal adjective λυσιτελής, which itself derives from λυσιτελεῖ (to be profitable, advantageous). The root λυσιτελεῖ combines λύω (to loose, release, pay) and τέλος (end, purpose, payment, tax). Thus, λυσιτελεῖ fundamentally means "to pay what is due," "to bring to a profitable end," or "to be advantageous."
Therefore, ἀλυσιτελής signifies the opposite: "not profitable," "gainless," "without advantage," or "unprofitable." Beyond a mere lack of profit, the word often carries the stronger implication of being detrimental, harmful, or pernicious. It suggests a state where an action or condition not only yields no benefit but actively results in loss or disadvantage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλυσιτελής (alysitelḗs, `{{G255}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
> "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you." [[Hebrews 13:17]]
In this sole occurrence, the author of Hebrews exhorts believers to show proper respect and obedience to their spiritual leaders. The reason given is profound: these leaders are diligently watching over the souls of the congregation, and they will be held accountable to God for their stewardship. The passage then delivers a crucial warning: if the congregation's conduct causes their leaders to minister with "groaning" (στενάζοντες) rather than "joy" (χαρᾶς), such a situation would be "unprofitable" (ἀλυσιτελής) for the congregation itself.
The "unprofitableness" here is not merely an inconvenience for the leaders; it is a detriment to the spiritual well-being of the community. A leader burdened by the recalcitrance or disobedience of the flock cannot minister with the same spiritual vitality and effectiveness. This spiritual strain on the leadership ultimately redounds as a loss for the led. The implication is that a joyful and unhindered ministry from leaders is spiritually beneficial for the congregation, whereas a sorrowful and burdened ministry is spiritually disadvantageous or even harmful to them. The "profit" or "loss" is spiritual, pertaining to the advancement of their souls and the health of the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully grasp the semantic range of ἀλυσιτελής (alysitelḗs, `{{G255}}`), it is helpful to consider words related to profit, loss, benefit, and harm in the New Testament:
* **Words for Profit/Advantage:**
* σύμφερον (sympheron, `{{G4851}}`): "profitable," "expedient," "advantageous" (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 6:12]], [[1 Corinthians 10:23]]).
* ὠφέλιμος (ōphelimos, `{{G5624}}`): "useful," "profitable," "beneficial" (e.g., [[2 Timothy 3:16]], [[Titus 3:8]]).
* κέρδος (kerdos, `{{G2771}}`): "gain," "profit" (e.g., [[Philippians 1:21]], [[Philippians 3:7]]).
* ὠφελέω (ōpheleō, `{{G5623}}`): "to benefit," "to profit" (e.g., [[Matthew 16:26]], [[Mark 8:36]]).
* **Words for Loss/Harm (Antonyms/Consequences):**
* ζημία (zēmia, `{{G2210}}`): "damage," "loss," "injury" (e.g., [[Acts 27:10]], [[Philippians 3:7]]).
* βλάβη (blabē, `{{G983}}`): "harm," "injury" (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:9]]).
* ἀνωφελής (anōphelēs, `{{G460}}`): "unprofitable," "useless" (e.g., [[Titus 3:9]]). This word is a close synonym, also formed with the alpha privative, focusing on a lack of usefulness or benefit.
The concept of spiritual profit and loss is pervasive in the New Testament, often associated with stewardship, obedience, and the eternal consequences of earthly actions.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἀλυσιτελής (alysitelḗs, `{{G255}}`) in [[Hebrews 13:17]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the profound interconnectedness and mutual responsibility within the body of Christ. The spiritual well-being of the leaders is intricately linked to the spiritual flourishing of the congregation, and vice versa.
1. **Corporate Responsibility:** The passage highlights that individual or corporate disobedience to spiritual authority is not a private matter. It has tangible, negative consequences that extend beyond the immediate actors, impacting the entire community. Causing leaders grief hinders their ability to serve joyfully, which in turn diminishes the spiritual "profit" or blessing that the congregation might otherwise receive.
2. **Divine Economy:** The term implies a divine economy where spiritual actions yield spiritual returns. Just as obedience and submission can lead to spiritual gain, their opposites can lead to spiritual loss or detriment. God desires the flourishing and edification of His people, and anything that is "unprofitable" runs counter to His salvific and sanctifying purposes.
3. **Seriousness of Leadership:** It elevates the seriousness of spiritual leadership and the corresponding responsibility of the flock. Leaders are not merely administrators but "watchers over souls," a task for which they will give account. This weighty responsibility demands the support and cooperation of the congregation, lest their ministry become a burden rather than a joy, to the detriment of all.
4. **Love and Edification:** Ultimately, the warning against "unprofitableness" is rooted in the principle of love and edification. True Christian living seeks to build up the body, not to tear it down or hinder its spiritual growth. Actions that cause spiritual loss are contrary to the very nature of the church as a community called to grow in grace and knowledge.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀλυσιτελής (alysitelḗs, `{{G255}}`) literally means "gainless" or "not profitable," but carries the strong implication of being detrimental or pernicious. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 13:17]] serves as a stark warning to the congregation: causing grief to their spiritual leaders, who are accountable to God for their souls, would be "unprofitable" for the believers themselves. This highlights the profound interconnectedness within the body of Christ, where the spiritual condition of one part directly impacts the spiritual well-being of the whole. Theologically, ἀλυσιτελής underscores the concept of a divine economy where spiritual actions have tangible consequences, emphasizing that conduct leading to spiritual loss for the community runs contrary to God's desire for the church's flourishing and edification.
TRV