Brief Overview of εὐεργετέω (Strong’s G2109: euergeteō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies deepens our comprehension of the Bible’s teachings and their original cultural contexts. The Greek word εὐεργετέω (euergeteō), meaning “to do good” or “to benefit,” is particularly significant. It is commonly used in the New Testament to describe acts of kindness, generosity, and beneficence. This word reflects the moral and ethical expectations of both early Christians and broader ancient Greek society, where doing good for others was highly regarded.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐεργετέω (euergeteō) [yoo-er-get-EH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and ἔργον (ergon), meaning “work” or “deed.” The compound suggests “to do good works” or “to act benevolently.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; present active indicative form. It is a regular verb that follows standard conjugation patterns for Greek verbs.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Do Good: Performing actions that are beneficial to others.
• To Benefit: Acting in a way that provides a positive impact or help.
• To Show Kindness: Engaging in acts of generosity or charity.

Similar Words: ἀγαθοποιέω (agathopoieō) [ag-ath-op-oy-EH-oh], meaning “to do good” or “to do what is right.” While both εὐεργετέω and ἀγαθοποιέω involve doing good, εὐεργετέω often emphasizes the tangible benefits or helpful actions performed, whereas ἀγαθοποιέω can also refer to moral actions that are considered good.

Further Insights: εὐεργετέω is a verb that follows the typical conjugation pattern for Greek verbs. Below is a table showing its full conjugation in the present indicative active:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: εὐεργετέω is defined as “to do good” or “to benefit,” often describing actions that result in kindness or helpfulness to others. It is commonly used in the context of beneficent actions that reflect moral character.

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Thayer’s: εὐεργετέω means “to do good” or “to show kindness.” Thayer highlights its use in describing charitable actions or deeds that provide benefit to someone else, aligning with Christian values of generosity.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐεργετέω is explained as “to benefit” or “to act kindly.” Vine’s notes that the word is frequently used to express the goodness or benevolence that one extends towards others.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): εὐεργετέω is listed as “to do good,” “to benefit,” or “to serve well.” The lexicon points out that it often carries a sense of public service or personal beneficence in classical literature.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐεργετέω (G2109) is defined as “to do good” or “to show beneficence.” It is a compound of εὖ (eu) and ἔργον (ergon), meaning “to perform good deeds” or “to act in a helpful way.”

Related Scripture References

• Acts 14:17: “Yet he did not leave himself without testimony: He has shown kindness (εὐεργετέω) by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
• Luke 6:35: “But love your enemies, do good (εὐεργετέω) to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back…”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐεργετέω (G2109)

εὐεργετέω (euergeteō) is a verb that captures the essence of doing good or providing benefits through acts of kindness, generosity, and service. In the New Testament, it reflects a Christian ethic of beneficence and charity, demonstrating the importance of good works as evidence of faith. The term has strong roots in both New Testament writings and classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe both public and private acts of kindness and support. This word reminds readers of the timeless value placed on actions that benefit others, aligning well with both Greek and Christian moral philosophies.

Did You Know?

Did you know that εὐεργετέω (euergeteō) was often associated with civic duties in ancient Greek society? Citizens who performed significant acts of public service or who contributed generously to their communities were often honored with the title “Euergetes,” meaning “Benefactor.” This tradition carried into the early Christian church, where acts of charity and kindness were seen as essential to the faith and a direct reflection of God’s goodness.