### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ōpheléō**, represented by `{{G5623}}`, means to be useful or to **benefit**. It appears **19 times** across **15 unique verses** and is translated as **profit**, **advantage**, **better**, or **prevail**. This term is often used to draw a sharp contrast between temporary, worldly gain and lasting, spiritual value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5623}}` frequently appears in rhetorical questions that challenge human priorities. Jesus asks what a man is **profited** if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul ([[Matthew 16:26]], [[Mark 8:36]]). The term highlights the futility of religious acts devoid of true spiritual substance. For instance, circumcision only **profiteth** if one keeps the law [[Romans 2:25]], but without that obedience, it is worthless. Similarly, the preached word did not **profit** the Israelites because it was not mixed with faith [[Hebrews 4:2]]. In a narrative context, it is used to describe a lack of effective power, as when Pilate saw he could **prevail** nothing against the crowd [[Matthew 27:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of spiritual profit and loss:
* `{{G2770}}` **kerdaínō** (to gain): This word is often used in direct parallel to `{{G5623}}` to describe the acquisition of worldly things, such as when one might **gain** the whole world at the cost of the soul [[Matthew 16:26]].
* `{{G2210}}` **zēmióō** (to suffer loss): As the direct opposite of profiting, this term signifies experiencing detriment. It is used to describe the ultimate **loss** of one's soul in contrast to gaining the world [[Mark 8:36]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): Scripture presents faith as the essential ingredient for any spiritual action to be profitable. The word preached did not **profit** those who heard it without being mixed with **faith** [[Hebrews 4:2]].
* `{{G26}}` **agápē** (love, charity): Without **love**, even the most extreme acts of self-sacrifice, like giving all one's goods to the poor, **profiteth** nothing [[1 Corinthians 13:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5623}}` is significant, forcing a re-evaluation of what is truly valuable.
* **The Kingdom Economy:** The word establishes a clear distinction between earthly profit and eternal worth. It teaches that gaining the entire world is a net loss if the soul is forfeited, defining true advantage in spiritual, not material, terms [[Matthew 16:26]].
* **The Source of True Benefit:** The concept underscores that spiritual realities are the only source of genuine profit. Jesus states that the Spirit gives life, while "the flesh **profiteth** nothing" [[John 6:63]], positioning God's work as the only useful endeavor.
* **The Inefficacy of Works without Faith:** `{{G5623}}` is used to show that religious observances or charitable acts are rendered useless without the correct inner motivation. Actions must be "mixed with **faith**" [[Hebrews 4:2]] or animated by **love** [[1 Corinthians 13:3]] to have any spiritual benefit.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5623}}` **ōpheléō** serves as a crucial theological term that challenges the believer's value system. It moves beyond a simple definition of benefit to ask a fundamental question: what is the ultimate profit? By contrasting worldly gain with spiritual reality, the word consistently demonstrates that true, lasting advantage is found only in a life governed by the Spirit, rooted in faith, and expressed through love.
TRV