Useful (2173) (euchrestos from eú = well + chráomai = furnish what is needful) means easy to make use of, serviceable. Pertains to being helpful or beneficial, very profitable. This word contrasts with useless in 2Ti 2:14. (see note). Used once in Septuagint (Pr 31:13) and 3 times in the NT (2Ti 2:21; 4:11; Philemon 1:11)
In short, the Greek word euchrestos conveys the sense of that which is easy to make use of.
The apostle wanted Timothy to be useful to Jesus Christ, the Master, just as Mark proved "useful (euchrestos) to (him) for service" in his apostolic work (see note 2 Timothy 4:11).
One of the deepest desires of Paul’s own heart was to be useful to the Master as he explained in his first letter to the Corinthians writing
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. (see notes 1Cor 9:24-27)
The thought that he should ever be disqualified as a runner ("vessel") was abhorrent to him.
A useful human vessel of honor does not get involved in the popular things of the world, even the “religious world” but instead makes choices to remain holy (not aloof or better than others), separating from everything that would defile him.
Guzik cautions us that...
We must never think that some Christians are “better” than others, or that some have passed into a place where they are “super-spiritual.” However, we must realize that some Christians are more “usable” to God than others - because they have cleansed themselves, and made themselves more usable to God. 2Timothy 2)
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)