συμφέρει [5 verses](3rd sg pres ind act) "It is better" is symphero, which means "to bring together," "to gather," "collect," "to confer a benefit," "to be useful," "work with," "be with," and "agree with." In the passive, it means "to come together," "to engage," "to battle," [of events] "to occur," "to happen," and [literally] "to be carried along with."  -  (CW) The verb translated as "be better" means "to bring together," "work with," and "agree with." The word translated as "it is expedient" primarily means "to collect" or "bring together." One of its secondary meanings is "to confer a benefit." It was used like we use the phrase "getting it together" to mean making an improvement. Jesus always uses it humorously playing on the "getting it together" sense of improvement. CW - Confusing Word -- The "be better" does not capture the word's specific meaning.