G2131
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies because it helps uncover the deeper meanings and cultural contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word Εὐνίκη (Euníkē) is particularly significant as it is the name of an early Christian woman mentioned in the New Testament. This word not only provides insight into personal names in early Christian communities but also reflects the importance of heritage and faith. The name Εὐνίκη is associated with the nurturing of faith across generations, demonstrating the impact of early Christian women on the spread of the Gospel and the shaping of early Christian culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Εὐνίκη (Euníkē) [yoo-NEE-kay]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and νίκη (nikē), meaning “victory.” Together, they imply “good victory” or “victorious one.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun; feminine name.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- Good victory
- Victorious one
- One who is well-victorious
Similar Words: The word Εὐνίκη is related to other Greek names that include νίκη (nikē), such as Νικόδημος (Nikodēmos), meaning “victory of the people,” and Νικολαος (Nikolaos), meaning “victory of the people.” While these names also include the concept of victory, Εὐνίκη emphasizes a personal and positive victory, suggested by the prefix εὖ (eu), which conveys goodness or well-being.
Further Insights:
As a proper noun, Εὐνίκη is a first declension feminine name. The name is formed by combining two common Greek roots, which were popular in Greek names due to their positive connotations. The name implies a person who is blessed with victory or triumph, aligning with the cultural values of success and honor in ancient Greek society.
| Case | Singular |
|---|---|
| Nominative | Εὐνίκη (Euníkē) |
| Genitive | Εὐνίκης (Euníkēs) |
| Dative | Εὐνίκῃ (Euníkēi) |
| Accusative | Εὐνίκην (Euníkēn) |
| Vocative | Εὐνίκη (Euníkē) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG defines Εὐνίκη as a proper noun, specifically a feminine name, meaning “good victory.” It appears in the New Testament as the name of Timothy’s mother, a notable figure in early Christianity for her faith and influence.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon provides a similar definition for Εὐνίκη, highlighting it as a proper name with the meaning “good victory.” Thayer’s notes the cultural significance of names that include the element νίκη (nikē), which relates to victory and success, values esteemed in Greek culture.
Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary does not provide extensive details for Εὐνίκη but aligns with the understanding that the name means “good victory.” It emphasizes the importance of the person bearing this name in the context of the New Testament narrative.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon lists Εὐνίκη as a proper noun, derived from common Greek roots εὖ (eu) and νίκη (nikē). It provides historical and cultural context, indicating that names with these components were often given to convey blessings of success and well-being.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance identifies Εὐνίκη as a feminine proper name meaning “good victory.” It references its occurrence in the New Testament and reinforces the significance of names that convey positive traits and blessings.
Related Scripture References
- 2 Timothy 1:5: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice (Εὐνίκης); and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plutarch | Lives | “His mother, Eunice (Εὐνίκη), was known for her wisdom and counsel.” |
| Aeschylus | Agamemnon | “The victorious (Εὐνίκη) spirit guides the house with a steady hand.” |
| Sophocles | Oedipus at Colonus | “Eunice (Εὐνίκη), whose very name heralds triumph, stood with grace.” |
Septuagint Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Genesis 49:8 | “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you (Εὐνίκη).” |
| Psalms | Psalm 18:35 | “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand has held me up; and your gentleness has made me great (Εὐνίκη).” |
| Isaiah | Isaiah 25:8 | “He will swallow up death in victory (Εὐνίκη); and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces.” |
Summary of Εὐνίκη (G2131: Euníkē)
The Greek word Εὐνίκη (Euníkē) is a feminine proper noun meaning “good victory.” It is derived from εὖ (“well” or “good”) and νίκη (“victory”). This name is particularly significant in the New Testament as it is the name of Timothy’s mother, a woman recognized for her faith and influence on her son, who became a key figure in early Christian leadership. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide a concise yet valuable understanding of Εὐνίκη, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual significance. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, names like Εὐνίκη conveyed blessings of triumph and favor, underscoring the values of success and righteousness.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the name Εὐνίκη (Euníkē) was not only a popular name in ancient Greek culture but also carried deep symbolic meanings? Names containing “victory” (νίκη) were often chosen to express the hope of triumph and success in life, and in the context of the New Testament, it reflects the spiritual victory of faith passed down through generations!