ἀλῡσῐ-τελής G0255
Unprofitable, not advantageous or beneficial; bringing no gain
This adjective describes what brings no benefit or advantage, being disadvantageous. In Hebrews 13:17, the author warns that resisting leaders would be 'unprofitable' for the congregation. Classical Greek used it for what doesn't pay or bring advantage, even for unfavorable medical symptoms. The multilingual glosses (Spanish 'no-provechoso', French 'inutile', German 'unnuetz') emphasize lack of benefit. The author's rhetoric presents obedience to leaders as self-interested wisdom, since their eventual account to God affects the community's welfare.
Senses
1. sense 1 — The neuter nominative singular form indicates complete absence of advantage or benefit, suggesting even harm. Classical usage in medical texts described unfavorable symptoms, while general usage meant disadvantageous outcomes. The author's pastoral strategy appeals to enlightened self-interest: resisting godly leaders ultimately harms the resisters themselves, making submission the profitable course. The term's economic overtones (unprofitable transaction) frame spiritual obedience as practical wisdom. 1×
AR["غَيْرَ-نَافِع"]·ben["অলাভজনক"]·DE["unnuetz"]·EN["unprofitable"]·FR["inutile"]·heb["לֹא-מוֹעִיל"]·HI["हानिकारक"]·ID["tidak-menguntungkan"]·IT["alusiteles"]·jav["boten-migunani"]·KO["무익하다"]·PT["desvantagoso"]·RU["невыгодно"]·ES["no-provechoso"]·SW["si-faida"]·TR["yarar-sağlamaz"]·urd["نقصاندہ"]
Related Senses
H5414 1. give, bestow (1855×)H3947 1. take, seize, grasp (Qal) (940×)G2192 1. possess / have (680×)G1325 1. give, bestow (336×)H5159 1. inherited land or property (170×)G2983 1. receive, obtain (134×)H3423 1. Qal: take possession of land (130×)G2983 2. take, take up (113×)G2398 1. one's own, belonging to oneself (91×)G3860 1. hand over, deliver to custody (78×)H7998 1. spoil, plunder, booty (74×)G1325 2. be given, be granted (70×)H5414 2. put, place, set (68×)H7999a 1. pay, repay, recompense (63×)H7069 1. Buy, purchase (59×)H1892 1. vanity, futility, absurdity (58×)H5159 2. heritage as covenant portion (52×)H6299 1. redeem or ransom (Qal active) (49×)H4376 1. Sell (Qal active) (47×)H1350a 1. Redeem, buy back (46×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἀλῡσῐ-τελής, ές, unprofitable, Refs 5th c.BC+ W.; of a person, ἀ. τῇ πόλειRefs 3rd c.BC+: superlative -έστατοςRefs 4th c.BC+. adverb -λῶςRefs 5th c.BC+ __II in Medicine texts, unfavourable, of symptoms, Refs 5th c.BC+