Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of "profit" or "benefit" in the Hebrew Bible is often expressed with terms like יִתְרוֹן (yitron, Strong's H3504) and בֶּצַע (betza, Strong's H1215), which convey similar ideas of gain or advantage. These terms are used in contexts that discuss the value or advantage of wisdom, righteousness, or material gain.

Usage: The term ὄφελος is used in the New Testament to discuss the practical or spiritual benefit of actions, beliefs, or circumstances. It often appears in rhetorical questions or discussions about the value of certain practices or beliefs.

Context: The Greek term ὄφελος appears in the New Testament to highlight the concept of tangible or spiritual gain. It is used in contexts where the value or benefit of an action or belief is questioned or affirmed. For instance, in James 2:14, the term is used to challenge the notion of faith without works: "What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" (BSB). Here, ὄφελος underscores the importance of active faith that results in good works, suggesting that faith without corresponding actions lacks true benefit or profit.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 15:32, Paul uses ὄφελος to question the value of enduring hardships for the sake of the gospel if there is no resurrection: "If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did it profit me? If the dead are not raised, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.'" (BSB). This rhetorical use of ὄφελος emphasizes the futility of suffering for the gospel without the hope of resurrection, highlighting the ultimate spiritual benefit of faith in Christ's resurrection.

The term also appears in discussions about the law and circumcision, as seen in Romans 2:25: "Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision." (BSB). Here, ὄφελος is used to convey the conditional benefit of religious practices, stressing that their true value lies in adherence to God's commandments.