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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for unraveling the full depth of scripture and its implications for faith and practice. The Greek word εὐχή (euchē, Strong’s G2171) is particularly significant because it encapsulates the concepts of prayer, vow, or wish. This word is highly relevant in both New Testament interpretation and understanding ancient Greek culture, where vows and prayers were seen as important expressions of piety, devotion, and relationship with the divine. Grasping the meaning of εὐχή enables readers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of communication with God as portrayed in scripture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐχή (euchē) [yoo-KHAY]
- Etymology: Derived from the root εὔχομαι (euchomai), which means “to pray” or “to vow,” indicating an act of making a solemn promise or petition.
- Part of Speech: Noun. Feminine. First declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Prayer, petition: A supplication directed towards God, expressing a desire or request.
- Vow: A solemn promise or commitment made to God, often in the context of seeking favor or expressing devotion.
Similar Words: προσευχή (proseuchē) [pros-yoo-KHAY], which also means “prayer” but often carries a more general sense of communicating with God through prayer. εὐχή (euchē), on the other hand, can refer specifically to a vow or a particular type of prayer that includes a promise or commitment.
Further Insights: As a feminine noun, εὐχή follows the first declension pattern in Greek. Below is the full declension table for εὐχή:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὐχή | εὐχαί |
| Genitive | εὐχῆς | εὐχῶν |
| Dative | εὐχῇ | εὐχαῖς |
| Accusative | εὐχήν | εὐχάς |
| Vocative | εὐχή | εὐχαί |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines εὐχή as “prayer, vow,” highlighting its dual use to describe both petitions to God and solemn promises made, usually with a conditional aspect (e.g., if God grants a request, the vow will be fulfilled).
- Thayer’s: Describes εὐχή as “a prayer, a vow,” and notes its frequent use in contexts where a promise is made to God as part of a prayer or in response to divine intervention. Thayer’s emphasizes its role in religious rituals and personal piety.
- Vine’s: Notes that εὐχή means “a vow, prayer,” often describing an earnest appeal made to God, sometimes accompanied by a promise or vow. Vine’s discusses its usage in the New Testament, particularly in passages where commitment to fulfill a vow is emphasized.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὐχή was used in classical Greek literature to mean “a vow” or “a solemn prayer,” often in the context of religious rites or personal petitions to the gods.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὐχή as “a prayer, a vow,” focusing on its application in making solemn promises or expressing heartfelt petitions, typically in a religious or spiritual context.
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Related Scripture References
- Acts 18:18 – “Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow [εὐχήν].”
- James 5:15 – “And the prayer [εὐχή] offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | “Iliad” | “The warriors made εὐχή (vows) to the gods for victory in battle.” |
| Plato | “Republic” | “A good citizen keeps his εὐχή (vow) to the city and the gods.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “The king made a solemn εὐχή (vow) before the gods for the safety of his people.” |
| Septuagint | “Psalm 61:5” | “For You, O God, have heard my vows [εὐχάς]; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.” |
| Septuagint | “Jonah 2:9” | “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed [εὐχήν] I will make good.” |
| Septuagint | “Ecclesiastes 5:4” | “When you make a vow [εὐχήν] to God, do not delay to fulfill it.” |
Summary of εὐχή (G2171: euchē)
The Greek word εὐχή (euchē, Strong’s G2171) is a noun that conveys the concept of a “prayer” or “vow.” It is used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe both petitions made to God and solemn promises or commitments. Understanding εὐχή in biblical studies is valuable because it highlights the multifaceted nature of prayer, encompassing both requests and commitments in one’s relationship with God. Its use in both biblical and classical literature reflects a broader cultural appreciation for prayer and vows as foundational aspects of religious and social life.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, making a εὐχή (vow) was often seen as a reciprocal act with the divine? If a person made a vow to a god, they were expected to fulfill it if the god granted their request. This practice was not only common in pagan contexts but also found its way into early Christian practices, where vows were made in faith and thanksgiving to God for His blessings or interventions.
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