ὄφελος (ophelos)
ophelos
gain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ophelos refers to concrete advantage, profit, or benefit. Derived from a root meaning "to heap up" or accumulate, it points to something tangible that adds value to a situation. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, primarily in the letters of James and Paul.
Its usage highlights the practical nature of faith. James employs it to argue that belief without action is useless, asking what profit there is if one sees a brother or sister in need but offers no help (James 2:14-16). Similarly, Paul uses the term when reflecting on earthly struggles, questioning what advantage remains in a purely materialistic worldview (1 Corinthians 15:32).
Translators typically render ophelos as "profit" or "advantage." The sources emphasize that this is not merely abstract gain but a measurable benefit. The word underscores the idea that true faith yields real, observable results in human relationships and daily life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ophelos points to tangible gain—something that adds real value to a situation. It is not about abstract ideas but measurable benefit in daily life. When we ask what profit there is in our actions, we are looking for concrete results that matter.
James uses this term to challenge empty words. Telling someone to be warmed and filled without giving them food offers no real help. True faith shows itself in practical care for others. This is where belief meets action, creating visible good in the world around us.
Paul also reflects on this when considering earthly struggles. If life ends with death, what advantage remains? The answer lies in hope beyond the grave. Our actions gain lasting significance when rooted in eternal truth. This perspective transforms how we view our daily efforts and relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- profit?2×
- profit,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὄφελος;2×
- ὄφελος,1×
Key Verses
-
James 2:14
What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him?
This verse introduces the concept by questioning faith that lacks works, setting up the practical test of belief.
-
James 2:16
and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?
Here the word highlights the emptiness of well-wishes without material aid, showing that spiritual words need physical action to have profit.
-
I Corinthians 15:32
If I fought with animals at Ephesus for human purposes, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, then “let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Paul uses this term to argue against a purely materialistic worldview, asking what lasting advantage exists if there is no resurrection.