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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies offers profound insights into the original context and deeper meanings of Scripture. The Greek word εὔθυμος (euthymos), meaning “cheerful,” “of good courage,” or “in good spirits,” is particularly significant. It appears in contexts that encourage a positive and hopeful attitude, especially during challenging times. This word reflects an essential quality of emotional and spiritual resilience, valued in both the New Testament and ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὔθυμος (euthymos) [YOO-thoo-mos]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and θυμός (thymos), meaning “mind,” “soul,” or “spirit.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective; second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Cheerful: Having a positive and uplifting disposition.
- In good spirits: Feeling encouraged and optimistic.
- Of good courage: Maintaining a strong and resilient attitude in the face of difficulties.
Similar Words: θαρραλέος (tharraleos) [thar-rah-LEH-os], meaning “bold” or “courageous.” While εὔθυμος focuses on a state of cheerfulness and good spirit, θαρραλέος emphasizes boldness and fearlessness in actions.
Further Insights: εὔθυμος is an adjective formed from the combination of εὖ (good) and θυμός (spirit, mind), reflecting a state of emotional wellness and courage. This word, as an adjective, follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar, where its endings change to indicate case, number, and gender. Below is a declension table for εὔθυμος.
| Case | Masculine/Feminine Singular | Neuter Singular | Masculine/Feminine Plural | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὔθυμος (euthymos) | εὔθυμον (euthymon) | εὔθυμοι (euthymoi) | εὔθυμα (euthyma) |
| Genitive | εὐθύμου (euthymou) | εὐθύμου (euthymou) | εὐθύμων (euthymōn) | εὐθύμων (euthymōn) |
| Dative | εὐθύμῳ (euthymō) | εὐθύμῳ (euthymō) | εὐθύμοις (euthymois) | εὐθύμοις (euthymois) |
| Accusative | εὔθυμον (euthymon) | εὔθυμον (euthymon) | εὐθύμους (euthymous) | εὔθυμα (euthyma) |
| Vocative | εὔθυμε (euthyme) | εὔθυμον (euthymon) | εὔθυμοι (euthymoi) | εὔθυμα (euthyma) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: εὔθυμος is defined as “cheerful, of good courage, confident,” used in contexts where a positive and courageous spirit is essential, especially in times of trial or hardship.
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Thayer’s: εὔθυμος is described as “in good spirits, cheerful,” often appearing in passages encouraging believers to maintain a joyful and hopeful attitude.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὔθυμος translates as “cheerful,” emphasizing the attitude of encouragement and mental fortitude, particularly during challenging circumstances.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): εὔθυμος means “cheerful,” “glad,” or “of good courage,” used in various Greek texts to denote a positive emotional state.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὔθυμος (G2115) is defined as “cheerful,” combining εὖ (good) and θυμός (spirit, mind), indicating a state of well-being and encouragement, especially under challenging conditions.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 27:36: “Then they were all of good cheer (εὔθυμοι) and took some food themselves.”
- 2 Maccabees 15:9 (Septuagint): “He exhorted his men not to fear the attack of the heathen, but to be of good courage (εὔθυμοι) and fight manfully.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Laws | “The guardians must always be of good cheer (εὔθυμοι) in their duties to the state.” |
| Xenophon | Cyropaedia | “He urged them to remain cheerful (εὔθυμοι) even in the face of difficulties.” |
| Septuagint (LXX) | Proverbs 15:15 | “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful (εὔθυμος) heart has a continual feast.” |
Summary of εὔθυμος (G2115)
εὔθυμος (euthymos) is a Greek adjective meaning “cheerful,” “in good spirits,” or “of good courage.” Derived from εὖ (good) and θυμός (spirit, mind), it denotes a state of emotional well-being, confidence, and courage. This word appears in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Its usage in Biblical contexts encourages believers to remain joyful and strong, reflecting a vital aspect of spiritual and emotional resilience.
Did You Know?
Did you know that εὔθυμος was often used in classical Greek military contexts to encourage soldiers to remain calm and confident in battle? This term, emphasizing inner strength and cheerfulness, was a key component of ancient Greek rhetoric, philosophy, and literature, underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive and courageous mindset, both in daily life and in times of conflict.
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