ἀρεσκεία (areskeia)
areskeia
pleasing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun areskeia denotes the act of pleasing or a desire to please others. In classical Greek literature, it often carried a negative connotation, implying a servile attempt to curry favor. However, in the New Testament and related Jewish writings, the term is used more neutrally to describe willing service or simply the quality of being agreeable.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Colossians 1:19. The context there emphasizes that God chose to dwell fully in Christ not for self-interest, but in a way that brings satisfaction and harmony. The usage highlights a deliberate orientation toward bringing pleasure or benefit to another, stripped of the manipulative undertones found in secular Greek.
The term derives from the verb areskō, which shares this root meaning of making agreeable. While translators may render it as "pleasing," the underlying sense is active and relational. It points to a conscious effort to align one’s actions with the desires or well-being of another, reflecting a standard of conduct that seeks approval through service rather than coercion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word areskeia points to a life that actively seeks to bring satisfaction and harmony to another person. In our daily interactions, this often looks like a genuine desire to serve rather than to dominate or manipulate. It invites us to consider how our actions impact those around us, moving beyond self-interest toward a posture of humble service.
When we align ourselves with God’s will, we find that true pleasure comes from walking in ways that honor Him. This is not about earning approval through performance, but about cultivating a heart that naturally desires to reflect His character. Such a life brings peace and fosters deeper connections with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pleasing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀρεσκείαν1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 1:10
that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God,
This verse connects the concept of pleasing God directly to walking worthily and bearing fruit, showing that areskeia is expressed through active obedience and spiritual growth.