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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it allows us to gain a deeper appreciation of the original meanings and contexts in which the Scriptures were written. The Greek word εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of generosity and willingness to share. This word, which appears in the New Testament, captures the spirit of generosity that is encouraged among believers, offering insights into the cultural and ethical values of the early Christian community and ancient Greek society.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos) [yoo-meh-TAH-doh-tos]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi), meaning “to share” or “to impart.” Together, they imply “well-giving” or “generous in sharing.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective; second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Generous
- Willing to share
- Inclined to give
Similar Words: The word εὐμετάδοτος is related to γενναιόδωρος (gennaiódōros), which also means “generous” or “noble in giving.” However, γενναιόδωρος has a stronger connotation of nobility and largesse, whereas εὐμετάδοτος focuses more on the readiness and willingness to share. Another related word is κοινωνικός (koinōnikós), meaning “sociable” or “inclined to share,” which emphasizes fellowship and community, a broader concept than the specific act of giving implied by εὐμετάδοτος.
Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐμετάδοτος is an adjective that follows the second declension pattern. It is used to describe someone who is generous or ready to share. The term’s formation from εὖ (eu) and μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi) emphasizes a positive inclination toward giving or imparting to others.
| Case | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Neuter Singular | Masculine Plural | Feminine Plural | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos) | εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos) | εὐμετάδοτον (eumetádoton) | εὐμετάδοτοι (eumetádotoi) | εὐμετάδοτοι (eumetádotoi) | εὐμετάδοτα (eumetádota) |
| Genitive | εὐμεταδότου (eumetadótou) | εὐμεταδότου (eumetadótou) | εὐμεταδότου (eumetadótou) | εὐμεταδότων (eumetadótōn) | εὐμεταδότων (eumetadótōn) | εὐμεταδότων (eumetadótōn) |
| Dative | εὐμεταδότῳ (eumetadótō) | εὐμεταδότῳ (eumetadótō) | εὐμεταδότῳ (eumetadótō) | εὐμεταδότοις (eumetadótois) | εὐμεταδότοις (eumetadótois) | εὐμεταδότοις (eumetadótois) |
| Accusative | εὐμετάδοτον (eumetádoton) | εὐμετάδοτον (eumetádoton) | εὐμετάδοτον (eumetádoton) | εὐμεταδότους (eumetadótous) | εὐμεταδότους (eumetadótous) | εὐμετάδοτα (eumetádota) |
| Vocative | εὐμετάδοτε (eumetádote) | εὐμετάδοτε (eumetádote) | εὐμετάδοτον (eumetádoton) | εὐμετάδοτοι (eumetádotoi) | εὐμετάδοτοι (eumetádotoi) | εὐμετάδοτα (eumetádota) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐμετάδοτος as “generous” or “willing to share.” It is used in contexts where a person’s readiness to impart or share their resources, whether material or spiritual, is emphasized.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐμετάδοτος as “liberal” or “bountiful,” particularly in reference to a person’s generosity in giving or sharing. It highlights the term’s usage in encouraging believers to be open-handed and generous.
Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary explains εὐμετάδοτος as “ready to distribute” or “generous.” It underscores the concept of a heart that is inclined to share freely, aligning with Christian teachings on generosity and community support.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical perspective on εὐμετάδοτος, defining it as “liberal in giving” or “open-handed.” It notes that in ancient Greek culture, generosity was considered a virtue of nobility and honor.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὐμετάδοτος as meaning “free to impart” or “liberal.” It emphasizes the willingness to share generously, a trait that is highly regarded in the context of Christian virtues and ethics.
Related Scripture References
- 1 Timothy 6:18: “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute (εὐμεταδότους), willing to communicate.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “The man who is εὐμετάδοτος (generous) shares his wealth wisely among friends.” |
| Xenophon | Cyropaedia | “The leader’s εὐμετάδοτος (liberality) won the loyalty of his soldiers.” |
| Plutarch | Moralia | “A person known to be εὐμετάδοτος (open-handed) is respected in every society.” |
Septuagint Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs | Proverbs 11:25 | “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself (εὐμετάδοτος).” |
| Sirach | Sirach 29:12 | “Store up almsgiving in your treasury, and it will rescue you from every disaster (εὐμετάδοτος).” |
| Wisdom | Wisdom of Solomon 7:13 | “I learned it without guile and impart it without envy; I do not hide its wealth (εὐμετάδοτος).” |
Summary of εὐμετάδοτος (G2130: eumetádotos)
The Greek word εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos) is an adjective meaning “generous,” “willing to share,” or “liberal in giving.” It is derived from εὖ (“well”) and μεταδίδωμι (“to share”), emphasizing a positive and generous disposition. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide comprehensive insights into εὐμετάδοτος, highlighting its significance in conveying the Christian virtue of generosity. In both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, εὐμετάδοτος is a term that underscores the value of sharing, generosity, and a readiness to help others.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, generosity was considered one of the highest virtues? Being εὐμετάδοτος (generous) not only benefited others but also enhanced
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