← G700 G702 →

ἀρεστός

arestós

G701 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Pleasing, acceptable, or agreeable (to someone), often denoting what is found to be satisfactory, suitable, or well-received. The base meaning is 'pleasing,' but the term can also carry the connotation of 'fit' or 'suitable,' especially in relation to what meets the favor or approval of a person or group.

Semantic Range

pleasing, acceptable, agreeable, suitable, fit, satisfying the preferences or requirements of someone, deserving of approval

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀρέσκω ('to please,' 'to be pleasing to') + verbal adjective suffix -τός, which denotes possibility or capability (thus: 'that which can please' or 'pleasing').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀρεστός is attested as early as Herodotus, carrying the sense of 'pleasing' or 'acceptable.' In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, it commonly describes what is pleasing or acceptable to God, a ruler, or other figures of authority. The word takes on ethical overtones, particularly when referencing what is acceptable to the divine will or moral expectation. In contrast to synonyms like εὐάρεστος (well-pleasing, highly acceptable), ἀρεστός is more neutral, lacking the intensifier of 'well.' English Bible translations often render it as 'acceptable,' 'pleasing,' or 'fit,' but sometimes of 'reason' where the context points to what is considered reasonable or suitable, reflecting favorability in judgment. The term does not inherently contain the implication of ethical goodness, simply approvability by the relevant party. It is less common than the related verb ἀρέσκω. Usage in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 6:5) reflects both communal approval and suitability for an appointed role.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀρέσκω; agreeable; by implication, fit:--(things that) please(-ing), reason.

Root Family

ἀρεστ- (euárestos) — to please, to be agreeable, to bring satisfaction

Root ἀρεστ- to please, to be acceptable, to be agreeable
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2101 εὐάρεστος fully pleasing ones
G2102 εὐαρέστως well-pleasing

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G701-01 ἀρεστὰ aresta ADJ.S ACC N PL pleasing pleasing things pleasing things 2
G701-02 ἀρεστόν areston ADJ.P NOM N SG desirable pleasing thing pleasing thing 2

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G701-01 John 8:29 ἀρεστὰ aresta ADJ.S ACC N PL pleasing pleasing things pleasing things
G701-02 Acts 6:2 ἀρεστόν areston ADJ.P NOM N SG desirable pleasing thing pleasing thing
G701-02 Acts 12:3 ἀρεστόν areston ADJ.P NOM N SG pleasing pleasing thing pleasing thing
G701-01 1 John 3:22 ἀρεστὰ aresta ADJ.S ACC N PL pleasing pleasing things pleasing things
← G700 Greek Lexicon G702 →