Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for delving into the deeper meanings of the scriptures. The Greek word εὐωδία (euōdia, Strong’s G2175) is particularly significant because it relates to the idea of a “fragrant aroma” or “sweet smell.” This term is not only relevant to New Testament interpretation but also to understanding ancient Greek culture, where pleasant fragrances were often associated with worship, sacrifice, and divine approval. Studying εὐωδία provides insights into how offerings, both literal and metaphorical, were perceived as pleasing to God.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐωδία (euōdia) [yoo-OH-dee-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “good” or “well”) and ὀδή (odē, meaning “smell” or “odor”), indicating “a good smell” or “fragrance.”
• Part of Speech: Noun. Feminine. First declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A sweet odor, fragrance: Refers to a pleasing smell, often in the context of a sacrificial offering.
• A metaphor for a pleasing act or behavior: Used metaphorically to describe actions or offerings that are considered pleasing and acceptable to God.

Similar Words: θυμίαμα (thymiama) [thoo-MEE-ah-ma], meaning “incense” or “a fragrant offering.” While θυμίαμα refers specifically to the burning of incense or sacrificial smoke, εὐωδία (euōdia) emphasizes the pleasant smell or fragrance itself, often used more broadly to describe anything that is pleasing to the senses or to God.

Further Insights: As a feminine noun, εὐωδία follows the first declension pattern in Greek. Below is the full declension table for εὐωδία:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines εὐωδία as “fragrance, a sweet smell,” particularly in reference to a pleasing aroma that arises from sacrifices or offerings. BDAG highlights its metaphorical use in the New Testament to describe actions that are pleasing to God, as if they were a fragrant offering.
• Thayer’s: Describes εὐωδία as “a sweet smell, fragrance,” specifically focusing on its use in sacrificial contexts where the aroma of the offering is seen as acceptable to God. Thayer’s also notes its figurative application in describing good deeds or actions.
• Vine’s: Notes that εὐωδία means “a sweet-smelling savor,” emphasizing its role in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Vine’s underscores its New Testament usage where good works or expressions of faith are compared to a fragrant aroma pleasing to God.
• LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὐωδία was used in classical Greek literature to mean “a pleasant odor,” often in connection with offerings, feasts, or celebratory events where perfumes and pleasant scents played a role.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὐωδία as “a sweet smell,” focusing on its use to express the pleasing nature of an offering, both literal (as in sacrifices) and figurative (as in acts of worship or kindness).

Related Scripture References

• Ephesians 5:2 – “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant [εὐωδία] offering and sacrifice to God.”
• Philippians 4:18 – “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant [εὐωδία] offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”
• 2 Corinthians 2:15 – “For we are to God the pleasing aroma [εὐωδία] of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐωδία (G2175: euōdia)

The Greek word εὐωδία (euōdia, Strong’s G2175) is a noun that means “sweet smell” or “fragrance.” It is used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe both literal and metaphorical pleasant odors. In biblical contexts, εὐωδία often refers to the pleasing aroma of a sacrifice or offering, symbolizing acts that are pleasing to God. Understanding εὐωδία in biblical studies provides insight into how worship and devotion were expressed in tangible and sensory ways, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for offerings that pleased the senses and the divine.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in both ancient Greek culture and the Hebrew tradition, the concept of a εὐωδία (fragrance) was often associated with divine approval or presence? The pleasant aroma of sacrifices was believed to ascend to the gods as a form of communication or acceptance. This idea was adopted in early Christian thought to symbolize spiritual sacrifices, such as good works, prayer, and devotion, which are considered a “sweet-smelling aroma” to God, reinforcing the idea that both literal and spiritual offerings are integral to worship.