Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides deeper insight into the meanings and nuances of New Testament texts. The Greek word εὐδοκία (eudokia), often translated as “good pleasure,” “delight,” or “favor,” is particularly significant for its theological implications. This word reflects God’s will, His favor, or approval, especially in relation to His purpose and interactions with humanity. Beyond the New Testament, εὐδοκία also had cultural importance in ancient Greek, where it was associated with favor, desire, or well-wishing.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐδοκία (eudokia) [yoo-do-KEE-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and δοκέω (dokeō), meaning “to think” or “to seem.” The compound reflects the idea of “good will” or “favorable thinking.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine; first declension. The term is commonly used in contexts describing pleasure, favor, or approval.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Good Pleasure: Refers to God’s will or desire, often in contexts where His divine plan is being fulfilled.
• Favor: Describes a state of being favored or blessed, either by God or others.
• Delight or Satisfaction: Can be used to express delight or contentment with a person, event, or action.
• Approval or Willingness: Reflects a sense of approval or intentional decision, particularly in divine contexts.

Similar Words: εὐαρεστία (euharestia) [yoo-ah-reh-STEE-ah], meaning “acceptability” or “pleasure.” While εὐδοκία focuses more on the idea of will or favor, εὐαρεστία emphasizes being well-pleasing or acceptable, often used to describe an attitude or state that is pleasing to God.

Further Insights: εὐδοκία is a feminine noun in the first declension, which follows a specific pattern in Greek grammar. Below is a table showing its full declension:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: εὐδοκία is defined as “good will, favor, or pleasure,” often in a divine context. It is frequently used to indicate God’s favorable disposition toward humanity or His divine pleasure.

Thayer’s: εὐδοκία carries the meaning of “good pleasure,” “delight,” or “kind intent.” Thayer emphasizes its usage in the New Testament to signify God’s gracious will or favor.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐδοκία is defined as “good pleasure” or “delight.” It appears primarily in contexts that highlight God’s will, His favor toward believers, or divine blessing.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): εὐδοκία is listed as “goodwill” or “favor.” The lexicon notes its usage in both classical literature and later Christian writings to convey approval or favor.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐδοκία (G2107) is defined as “delight,” “good pleasure,” or “desire.” It is a compound of εὖ (eu) and δοκέω (dokeō), emphasizing favorable inclination or thought.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill (εὐδοκία) toward men.”
• Ephesians 1:5: “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure (εὐδοκία) and will.”
• Philippians 1:15: “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill (εὐδοκία).”
• Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure (εὐδοκία).”
• 2 Thessalonians 1:11: “We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good (εὐδοκία) and every work of faith by His power.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐδοκία (G2107)

εὐδοκία (eudokia) is a significant Greek noun that primarily means “good pleasure,” “delight,” or “favor.” It is used in the New Testament to express God’s will, favor, or approval, particularly in relation to His divine plan and His disposition toward humanity. The word has deep theological implications, as it underscores God’s gracious will and benevolence. Its usage in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature further illustrates the richness of its meaning and its importance in understanding divine-human relationships.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word εὐδοκία (eudokia) is often found in ancient Greek philosophical and political texts to describe the favor or goodwill of rulers toward their subjects? This usage provides a parallel to its Biblical meaning, where it describes God’s benevolent disposition toward His creation, highlighting the continuity of the concept of favor and approval from classical thought to Christian theology.