Brief Overview of εὐπρέπεια (Strong’s G2143: euprépeia)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it provides deeper insights into the cultural, spiritual, and ethical contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word εὐπρέπεια (euprépeia) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of good appearance, elegance, or gracefulness. This term appears in contexts related to moral and aesthetic virtues, highlighting how physical and moral excellence were intertwined in ancient Greek thought. Studying εὐπρέπεια offers a richer understanding of early Christian values and how they interacted with the broader cultural norms of ancient Greek society.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐπρέπεια (euprépeia) [yoo-PREH-peh-ee-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and πρέπω (prépo), meaning “to be fitting” or “to be becoming.” Together, they suggest something that is “well-suited,” “graceful,” or “elegant.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine, first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Elegance
• Gracefulness
• Dignity
• Comeliness

Similar Words: The word εὐπρέπεια is related to καλλονή (kallonē), meaning “beauty” or “excellence.” While both words convey a sense of attractiveness, καλλονή emphasizes inherent beauty or splendor, whereas εὐπρέπεια focuses more on the appropriateness, grace, or elegance of appearance or behavior. Another related word is εὐσχημοσύνη (euskhēmosýnē), meaning “propriety” or “decency,” which conveys a broader sense of social or moral appropriateness beyond just physical appearance.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐπρέπεια is a feminine noun of the first declension. It is used to describe qualities that are outwardly elegant, graceful, or fitting in a social and moral context.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐπρέπεια as “elegance” or “gracefulness,” particularly in contexts that describe qualities that are aesthetically pleasing or morally fitting. It is often associated with the attributes that make a person or thing suitable, appropriate, or admirable.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐπρέπεια as “good appearance” or “comeliness,” highlighting its use in describing physical beauty that is also reflective of a person’s moral or virtuous state.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary explains εὐπρέπεια as “gracefulness” or “dignity,” used to describe a kind of beauty that is more than skin deep, reflecting a harmonious alignment between one’s inner character and outer appearance.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical perspective on εὐπρέπεια, defining it as “comeliness,” “good appearance,” or “elegance.” It was often used in philosophical and rhetorical contexts to describe both physical beauty and moral appropriateness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὐπρέπεια as meaning “elegance” or “gracefulness,” emphasizing the term’s use in describing a state of being that is outwardly beautiful or fitting and inwardly noble.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 12:10: “For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness (εὐπρέπειαν).”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὐπρέπεια (G2143: euprépeia)

The Greek word εὐπρέπεια (euprépeia) is a noun meaning “elegance,” “gracefulness,” or “dignity.” Derived from εὖ (“well”) and πρέπω (“to be fitting”), it emphasizes qualities that are both outwardly beautiful and morally appropriate. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide comprehensive insights into its use in both the New Testament and classical literature, where it often describes a harmonious alignment between inner virtue and outer appearance. In both biblical and classical contexts, εὐπρέπεια reflects the ideal of beauty that encompasses both moral and aesthetic excellence.

Did You Know?

Did you know that εὐπρέπεια was not only used to describe physical elegance but also the inner beauty that comes from living a virtuous life? This word encapsulates the ancient Greek ideal that true beauty is reflected in both appearance and character, emphasizing a balance between outward grace and inner moral strength!