### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **achreióō**, represented by `{{G889}}`, means **to render useless** or to **become unprofitable**. Derived from ἀχρεῖος, it appears **2 times** within **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Though rare, its use is critical in defining a state of spiritual uselessness and moral spoil.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G889}}` is in [[Romans 3:12]], where it is used to describe the universal condition of humanity. The verse states that **all** have gone out of the way and have **together become unprofitable**. This declaration is part of a larger argument about sin, illustrating that without divine intervention, humanity is collectively rendered useless in achieving righteousness, with none who does good.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context clarify the meaning of becoming unprofitable:
* `{{G1578}}` **ekklínō** (to deviate, decline): This word is used in [[Romans 3:12]] to describe the action that leads to unprofitableness: "gone out of the way". It signifies a turning away from a standard, as in the instruction to **avoid** those who cause divisions [[Romans 16:17]].
* `{{G260}}` **háma** (together): This adverb emphasizes the collective nature of the state described in [[Romans 3:12]]. It shows that the condition of being unprofitable is not individual but a shared human experience, as they have **together** become so. It is also used to describe believers being caught up **together** [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]].
* `{{G5544}}` **chrēstótēs** (goodness, kindness): This word represents the quality that is absent in the state of being unprofitable. The context of [[Romans 3:12]] concludes that because they are unprofitable, there is none who "doeth good". This quality is later identified as a fruit of the Spirit, such as **gentleness** [[Galatians 5:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G889}}` is focused on the nature of sin and human inability.
* **Universal Condition:** `{{G889}}` is used to establish the doctrine of universal sin. It is not some, but **all** `{{G3956}}` who have **together** `{{G260}}` become unprofitable, leaving not even **one** `{{G1520}}` who is righteous [[Romans 3:12]].
* **Departure from Purpose:** The term implies a failure to be useful for an intended purpose. It is paired with the action of having "gone out of the way" `{{G1578}}`, which signifies a deviation from the path of righteousness and a spoiling of one's intended moral function.
* **Absence of Goodness:** To be unprofitable `{{G889}}` is directly linked to the inability to **do** `{{G4160}}` **good** `{{G5544}}`. The verse concludes that as a result of this state, there is none that does good, establishing a direct link between spiritual unprofitableness and moral failure [[Romans 3:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G889}}` provides a concise and potent description of being rendered useless. Its singular context in [[Romans 3:12]] is pivotal, defining the universal state of humanity as collectively spoiled and unprofitable apart from God's grace. The word underscores a complete deviation from righteousness, resulting in a condition where no one is able to do good. Though appearing only once, it carries immense theological weight in understanding the nature of sin.
TRV