Brief Overview of εὐγενής (Strong’s G2104: eugenēs)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as εὐγενής (eugenēs) is vital in Biblical studies, as they provide deeper insight into the social and cultural contexts of the New Testament. Eugenēs is an adjective that reflects a person’s noble birth or noble character, which plays a significant role in understanding the traits valued in ancient societies. This word is particularly significant for interpreting passages that refer to individuals of high status or moral excellence in the New Testament, bridging the gap between ancient Greek culture and the early Christian worldview.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐγενής (eugenēs) [yoo-GEN-ace]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek roots εὖ (eu), meaning “good” or “well,” and γένος (genos), meaning “birth” or “race.” Therefore, εὐγενής literally translates to “well-born” or “noble.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; follows the third declension pattern in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Well-Born: Refers to someone of noble birth or high social status.
• Noble: Used metaphorically to describe a person who displays moral excellence or virtue.
• High-Quality: In some contexts, it denotes the best of its kind, as in “noble” or “high-quality” character.

Similar Words: γενναῖος (gennaíos) [gen-NYE-ohs], meaning “noble” or “excellent.” While γενναῖος emphasizes courage or moral excellence, εὐγενής highlights noble birth or status, though it can also refer to noble character in a metaphorical sense.

Further Insights: εὐγενής follows the third declension pattern in Greek grammar. Understanding its declension is important for interpreting its various forms in New Testament passages. Here is a table showing the full declension of εὐγενής:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: εὐγενής is defined as “well-born,” “of noble birth,” or “of noble character.” It can refer both to physical lineage and to the character qualities of a person who exhibits qualities akin to nobility.

Thayer’s: εὐγενής is identified as an adjective used to describe someone “of noble birth” or “noble in character.” Thayer’s emphasizes its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, reflecting social and moral attributes.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐγενής is listed as meaning “noble” or “well-born.” It is used metaphorically in Scripture to describe someone who is open-minded and fair, particularly in Acts 17:11 where it is translated as “noble-minded.”

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): εὐγενής is cataloged as an adjective meaning “of noble birth” or “well-born.” The lexicon also notes its use in classical literature to describe both birth and qualities of character.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐγενής (G2104) is defined as “well-born” or “noble.” It indicates both a social status and, metaphorically, a person’s openness to noble or virtuous ideas.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 17:11: “Now these were more noble-minded [εὐγενέστεροι] than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”

Classical Usage

εὐγενής is a term frequently found in classical Greek literature, often referring to individuals of noble birth or describing the esteemed qualities of a person. Below are examples showing its use:

Summary of εὐγενής (G2104)

εὐγενής (eugenēs) is an adjective used in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe someone of noble birth or character. The word combines the idea of being “well-born” with possessing qualities of moral excellence, bridging social status with virtue. Its singular reference in the New Testament in Acts 17:11 provides insight into the early Christian perspective on nobility—not based on birth but on an openness to God’s word. This term enriches our understanding of how nobility and virtue were perceived and valued in ancient times.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word εὐγενής (eugenēs) forms the basis of the English word “eugenics”? While the modern term carries controversial connotations, the original Greek word simply referred to being “well-born” or of “noble birth,” focusing more on moral and social attributes rather than genetics.