The Greek word aréskō, represented by G700, is a key term for being agreeable or, by implication, seeking to be so. Its base definition is to please. It appears 19 times across 16 unique verses, highlighting a consistent biblical theme concerning the object and motivation of one's actions.
In scripture, G700 is frequently used to frame a crucial choice between pleasing God and pleasing people. Paul confronts this directly, asking whether he seeks to please men or God, concluding that if he pleased men, he could not be a servant of Christ Galatians 1:10. This idea is reinforced when he states his ministry is not about pleasing men but about pleasing God, who tests the heart 1 Thessalonians 2:4. The word also describes the believer's duty to walk in a way that will please God 1 Thessalonians 4:1. Conversely, the term can describe worldly approval, such as when Herodias's daughter danced and pleased Herod Matthew 14:6.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which one seeks to please:
- G1401 doûlos (a slave... bond(-man), servant): This term highlights the ultimate allegiance required of a believer. One cannot simultaneously please men and be a servant of Christ Galatians 1:10.
- G2212 zētéō (to seek... desire, endeavour): This word is often linked to the intention behind pleasing. Paul asks if he does seek to please men Galatians 1:10, and in another context, explains he does not do so by seeking his own profit 1 Corinthians 10:33.
- G3619 oikodomḗ (confirmation... building, edify(-ication, -ing)): This shows the proper, selfless application of pleasing others. Believers are to please their neighbor for their good, leading to edification Romans 15:2.
- G4754 strateúomai (to serve in a military campaign... to contend): This word illustrates the singular focus required in service. A man who goes to war does not entangle himself with civilian affairs, so that he may please the one who chose him to be a soldier 2 Timothy 2:4.
The theological weight of G700 is centered on the believer's primary motivation and allegiance.
- The Audience of One: The central conflict presented is whether a person's life is performed for the approval of God or men. Those in the flesh cannot please God Romans 8:8, while the goal of the believer is to learn how to walk and to please God 1 Thessalonians 4:1.
- Christ's Example of Self-Denial: The concept is set in direct opposition to self-interest. Christ himself is the premier model, as he "pleased not himself" Romans 15:3. This establishes a pattern for believers, who are called not to please themselves but to bear the infirmities of the weak Romans 15:1.
- A Tool for Salvation and Edification: While pleasing men for selfish approval is condemned, pleasing others for their spiritual benefit is commanded. Paul models this by seeking to please all people in all things, not for his own gain but so that "they may be saved" 1 Corinthians 10:33.
In summary, G700 moves beyond simple agreeableness to address the core of Christian ethics and devotion. It consistently forces a choice between seeking worldly favor and divine approval. By contrasting self-pleasing with the selfless example of Christ, and by repurposing the act of pleasing for the edification and salvation of others, the word aréskō defines a foundational aspect of a life lived in service to God rather than to men.
TRV