Unprofitable (512) (anopheles from a = without + opheleo = to profit) serving no purpose. It describes that which does not offer any special benefit and thus is without advantage, is useless and is unprofitable. In Titus 3:9, anopheles describes the "disputes about the law" which serve no purpose, and hence are noxious and even injurious.
The only other NT use is in Hebrews describing the old covenant ...
Hebrews 7:18 (note) For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness. (anopheles) (Comment: The law was useless in the sense that it could not save or bring about inward change in a person.)
The Septuagint (LXX) uses anopheles to describe idols:
"The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ And those who handle the law did not know Me; The rulers also transgressed against Me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that did not profit. (anopheles)" (Jer 2:8).
In Isaiah after asking and answering the rhetorical question
"Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I know of none.” (Isa 44:8)
God then asks
"Who has fashioned a god or cast an idol to no profit (anopheles)? (Isa 44:10).
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http://www.preceptaustin.org/titus_39-11.htm#Unprofitable
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
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