λυσιτελεῖ
lysiteleî
G3081 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Third person singular present indicative active of λυσιτελέω; it means 'it is of advantage, it is beneficial, it is profitable, it is expedient.' Used impersonally to indicate a situation, action, or circumstance that results in benefit or profit in a broad sense — material, social, or moral. Most commonly found in impersonal constructions (e.g., λυσιτελεῖ + dative or infinitive), expressing what is fitting or advantageous.
Semantic Range
to be advantageous, to be profitable, to be beneficial, to be expedient, to be best (in a practical sense), to be the better course of action
Root / Etymology
From the compound verb λυσιτελέω, itself from λύσις ('release, loosening') and τέλος ('end, result, purpose'). The verb originally signified the attainment of a beneficial outcome or advantage. Related to the noun λυσιτελεία ('profit, gain, advantage').
Historical & Contextual Notes
λυσιτελεῖ is rare, used almost exclusively in impersonal constructions in the Hellenistic and Koine periods, notably in philosophical and ethical discourse. In classical Greek, the related verb λυσιτελέω and noun forms appear with similar meanings ('to be beneficial', 'to profit'). In the New Testament (notably Mark 9:50), it expresses what is more beneficial or fitting in a specific moral context. English Bible translations often render it as 'it is better,' but this can miss the precise nuance of 'beneficial' or 'advantageous.' Unlike κερδαίνω ('to gain, to profit'), λυσιτελεῖ often focuses on moral or pragmatic benefit rather than material gain. Its use is closely connected to assessing the advisability or benefit of an action rather than its ethical rightness. Rare in the Septuagint; more at home in ethical-philosophical Greek and Koine administrative texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
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.
Root Family
λυσιτελέω (lysiteleō) — to be advantageous, to profit, to benefit, to be expedient
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3081-01 |
λυσιτελεῖ | lusitelei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
it is better | it is advantageous | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3081-01 |
Luke 17:2 | λυσιτελεῖ | lusitelei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
it is better | it is advantageous |