third person singular present indicative active of a derivative of a compound of λύσις and τέλος; impersonally, it answers the purpose, i.e. is advantageous:--it is better.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb λυσιτελεῖ (lysiteleî, `{{G3081}}`) is a compound word derived from λύσις (lysis, `{{G3080}}`), meaning "a loosing, a release, payment," and τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`), meaning "end, completion, purpose, cost, outcome." Etymologically, it conveys the idea of "paying the cost for the end" or "it pays for the outcome." This etymological root gives rise to its primary meaning: "it answers the purpose," "it is advantageous," "it is profitable," or "it is better." The word is used impersonally, emphasizing the comparative advantage or benefit of one scenario over another. It does not necessarily imply that the "better" option is good in itself, but rather that it is less undesirable or less severe than the alternative presented. Its semantic range thus centers on comparative benefit or expediency, often in the context of avoiding a greater negative consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λυσιτελεῖ (lysiteleî, `{{G3081}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Luke 17:2]]. This singular occurrence lends particular weight to its usage and the context in which it is found.
In [[Luke 17:2]], Jesus states: "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble." The context of this declaration is Jesus' teaching on the gravity of causing others to stumble (σκάνδαλον, `{{G4625}}`) and the necessity of forgiveness. The "little ones" (μικροὺς τούτους) likely refer to children or, more broadly, to new or vulnerable believers whose faith could be easily undermined or destroyed by the actions of others.
The phrase "it would be better" (λυσιτελεῖ) here is profoundly emphatic. Jesus employs a hyperbole of extreme physical destruction (being drowned with a millstone) to underscore the horrific spiritual consequence of leading a vulnerable person into sin or away from faith. The "better" option is not desirable in any absolute sense, but it is presented as comparatively less dreadful than the spiritual ruin inflicted by causing another to stumble. This highlights the immense value God places on the spiritual well-being of every individual, especially the vulnerable, and the severe divine judgment awaiting those who would jeopardize it. The stark comparison serves as a powerful warning against spiritual negligence and malice.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words and concepts are closely related to λυσιτελεῖ (lysiteleî, `{{G3081}}`), either etymologically or semantically:
* **λύσις (lysis, `{{G3080}}`):** The noun form of the first part of the compound, meaning "a loosing, a release, payment." It speaks to the idea of a transaction or a settlement that leads to an outcome.
* **τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`):** The noun form of the second part, meaning "end, completion, purpose, cost." This component emphasizes the ultimate aim or the price paid for an outcome.
* **λύω (lyo, `{{G3089}}`):** The verbal root of λύσις, meaning "to loose, untie, destroy." This root reinforces the idea of release or dissolution inherent in the compound.
* **συμφέρει (sympherei, `{{G4851}}`):** This verb, meaning "it is profitable, expedient, advantageous," often appears in contexts similar to λυσιτελεῖ, expressing what is beneficial or better. Examples include [[John 11:50]] and [[1 Corinthians 6:12]], where it speaks of what is advantageous or permissible. While συμφέρει can carry a broader sense of general utility, λυσιτελεῖ in its single New Testament occurrence carries a more specific, stark comparative weight, often implying a less terrible outcome rather than a truly good one.
* **ὠφελέω (opheleo, `{{G5623}}`):** Meaning "to benefit, profit, gain," this verb also conveys a sense of advantage or usefulness, though it does not carry the same strong comparative or consequential force as λυσιτελεῖ in its specific context.
* **σκάνδαλον (skandalon, `{{G4625}}`):** "Stumbling block, offense." This concept is directly linked to the context of [[Luke 17:2]], as λυσιτελεῖ describes the severity of causing such a stumble.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The word, in its sole biblical use, points directly to the concept of God's righteous judgment and the severe consequences for actions that harm His vulnerable children.
### Theological Significance
The singular, powerful use of λυσιτελεῖ (lysiteleî, `{{G3081}}`) in [[Luke 17:2]] carries profound theological significance. It serves as an emphatic declaration from Jesus concerning the sanctity of faith, especially among the vulnerable, and the dire consequences for those who would undermine it.
1. **The Gravity of Spiritual Harm:** The word underscores the extreme seriousness of causing spiritual harm (σκάνδαλον, `{{G4625}}`). Jesus declares that physical death, even a gruesome one, is "better" than the spiritual condemnation incurred by leading a "little one" astray. This indicates that spiritual well-being is of paramount importance in God's eyes, far outweighing physical life.
2. **God's Protection of the Vulnerable:** The "little ones" refer not only to children but also to new or weak believers. Jesus' words reveal God's fierce protective love for those who are easily influenced or susceptible to spiritual attack. This passage serves as a stern warning to anyone in a position of influence, emphasizing the immense responsibility they bear for the spiritual welfare of others.
3. **Divine Accountability and Judgment:** The statement implies a severe divine reckoning for those who cause others to stumble. The "better" fate of physical destruction hints at an even more terrible spiritual judgment. This reinforces the biblical theme of accountability for one's actions, particularly those that impact the faith journey of others. It speaks to the absolute abhorrence God has for actions that lead to spiritual ruin.
4. **Rhetorical Emphasis:** The use of λυσιτελεῖ here is not to suggest that drowning is a good thing, but to highlight the unimaginable horror of the alternative. It is a rhetorical device to shock the hearers into understanding the profound evil of causing spiritual harm and the intensity of God's righteous wrath against such an act.
### Summary
λυσιτελεῖ (lysiteleî, `{{G3081}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "it is better," "it is advantageous," or "it is profitable," derived from the concepts of "payment" and "end/outcome." Its single, yet highly impactful, occurrence in [[Luke 17:2]] is foundational to its theological understanding. In this verse, Jesus uses λυσιτελεῖ to express the extreme gravity of causing a "little one" to stumble spiritually. He declares that it would be comparatively "better" for such a person to suffer a horrific physical death than to face the divine judgment for leading another into sin or away from faith. This word powerfully underscores God's profound care for the vulnerable in faith, the immense responsibility of believers toward one another, and the severe consequences of spiritual negligence or malice. It serves as a stark and reverent warning concerning the sanctity of individual faith and the ultimate accountability before God for actions that imperil it.
TRV