Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies allows us to delve deeper into the nuances of New Testament texts and appreciate the rich linguistic and cultural context in which they were written. The Greek word εὐδοκέω (eudokeō), often translated as “to be well pleased” or “to take delight,” carries significant theological implications. It appears in key passages that reflect God’s approval, pleasure, or favor, making it crucial for interpreting divine interactions and expressions of delight in the New Testament. This word also has roots in ancient Greek culture, where it was used to denote favor, pleasure, or a positive disposition towards something or someone.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐδοκέω (eudokeō) [yoo-do-KEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and δοκέω (dokeō), meaning “to think” or “to seem.” Combined, they convey the idea of “thinking well” or “being well pleased.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; used in various tenses to express approval, pleasure, or delight.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Be Well Pleased: Used to indicate a sense of approval or favor, often divine.
• To Delight In: Expresses finding joy or satisfaction in something or someone.
• To Consent To: Conveys the idea of agreement or willingness, often in a favorable context.
• To Choose With Pleasure: Reflects a deliberate choice made with a positive attitude or intent.

Similar Words: ἀρεσκω (areskō) [ah-RES-koh], which also means “to please” or “to be pleasing.” However, while ἀρεσκω focuses more on the act of pleasing someone, εὐδοκέω emphasizes the internal sense of delight, favor, or approval, often with a deeper emotional or volitional aspect.

Further Insights: εὐδοκέω is a verb that follows standard Greek conjugation patterns. Understanding its morphological forms is crucial for interpreting its usage in different New Testament passages. Below is a table showing the present, imperfect, and aorist active indicative forms of εὐδοκέω:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: εὐδοκέω is defined as “to be well pleased” or “to delight in.” It is frequently used in contexts where God expresses His approval or pleasure, such as in the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:17).

Thayer’s: εὐδοκέω means “to think well of, to be favorably inclined toward,” often with a divine connotation. Thayer’s emphasizes its usage in the sense of God’s favor or good pleasure.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐδοκέω is listed as “to be pleased” or “to take delight in.” It is commonly associated with God’s approval or choice, highlighting its theological significance.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): εὐδοκέω is cataloged as “to be well pleased” or “to be willing.” The lexicon notes its usage in both classical literature and later Christian texts to express consent or approval.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐδοκέω (G2106) is defined as “to think well of,” “to approve,” or “to take pleasure in.” It is a compound word, emphasizing the aspect of well-thinking or favor.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 3:17: “And behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (εὐδοκέω).'”
• Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly (εὐδοκέω) to give you the kingdom.”
• Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (εὐδοκέω).”
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready (εὐδοκέω) to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
• Ephesians 1:5: “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure (εὐδοκέω) and will.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐδοκέω (G2106)

εὐδοκέω (eudokeō) is a versatile Greek verb meaning “to be well pleased,” “to delight in,” or “to choose gladly.” It is frequently used in the New Testament to express divine favor or approval, especially in contexts where God expresses His pleasure with His Son, His people, or His divine plan. Its roots in Greek culture also provide a broader understanding of favor, approval, and delight, both in human and divine relationships.

Did You Know?

Did you know that εὐδοκέω (eudokeō) is not only used in the context of divine approval but is also closely related to the concept of joy and willingness in Greek philosophy? Aristotle used a similar form to describe the moral virtue of acting in accordance with what one approves, demonstrating the deep philosophical and theological connections that words like εὐδοκέω carry across both secular and sacred texts.