G2142
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it reveals the depth and richness of the Scriptures’ original language. The Greek word εὐπορία (euporía) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of wealth, prosperity, or abundance. This term is important for interpreting passages in the New Testament where discussions of wealth and material possessions intersect with spiritual teachings. Studying εὐπορία helps us understand the early Christian perspective on wealth, self-sufficiency, and how these concepts were viewed within the cultural and economic context of ancient Greek society.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐπορία (euporía) [yoo-po-REE-ah]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and πορία (poría), meaning “a way,” “means,” or “resource.” Together, they convey the sense of having “good means” or “abundance.”
- Part of Speech: Noun; feminine, first declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- Wealth
- Prosperity
- Abundance
- Means or resources
Similar Words: The word εὐπορία is related to πλοῦτος (ploútos), meaning “riches” or “wealth.” While both terms refer to wealth, πλοῦτος emphasizes the accumulation of riches, whereas εὐπορία focuses more on the state of having sufficient resources or means. Another related word is ἀφθονία (aphthonía), meaning “abundance” or “plenty,” which denotes a sense of overflowing or plentiful supply rather than just having wealth.
Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐπορία is a feminine noun of the first declension. It is often used to describe a state or condition of being wealthy, prosperous, or having ample resources.
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὐπορία (euporía) | εὐπορίαι (euporía) |
| Genitive | εὐπορίας (euporías) | εὐποριῶν (euporiṓn) |
| Dative | εὐπορίᾳ (euporíāi) | εὐπορίαις (euporíais) |
| Accusative | εὐπορίαν (euporían) | εὐπορίας (euporías) |
| Vocative | εὐπορία (euporía) | εὐπορίαι (euporía) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐπορία as “wealth” or “abundance,” particularly in contexts where material resources or financial means are discussed. It highlights the term’s use in discussions around prosperity and the availability of resources, whether literal or metaphorical.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐπορία as “prosperity” or “means.” It underscores the idea of having sufficient resources or wealth, often used in a broader ethical context to discuss how such wealth should be viewed and used.
Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary explains εὐπορία as “wealth” or “abundance.” It is used to discuss the ethical and moral implications of wealth and the responsibility that comes with it in the context of early Christian teachings.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical perspective on εὐπορία, defining it as “a means,” “resource,” or “wealth.” In classical Greek literature, it often appears in economic and philosophical discussions about the distribution and ethical use of wealth.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὐπορία as meaning “wealth” or “prosperity.” It emphasizes the term’s use in describing material abundance and the means to achieve success or sufficiency, often viewed through the lens of divine blessing or human effort.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 19:25: “These he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth (εὐπορίας).”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “A city must not only possess justice but also εὐπορία (wealth) to sustain its citizens.” |
| Aristotle | Politics | “True prosperity (εὐπορία) is not merely in wealth, but in the right use of resources.” |
| Xenophon | Cyropaedia | “Cyrus managed his empire with such εὐπορία (abundance) that all were well-supplied.” |
Septuagint Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs | Proverbs 13:11 | “Wealth (εὐπορία) gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.” |
| Isaiah | Isaiah 60:5 | “Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance (εὐπορία) of the sea shall be turned to you.” |
| Psalms | Psalm 112:3 | “Wealth (εὐπορία) and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.” |
Summary of εὐπορία (G2142: euporía)
The Greek word εὐπορία (euporía) is a noun meaning “wealth,” “prosperity,” or “abundance.” Derived from εὖ (“good”) and πορία (“way” or “means”), it emphasizes having sufficient resources, prosperity, or means to live well. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide comprehensive insights into its use in both the New Testament and classical literature, where it often describes the condition of being well-provided for, whether materially or spiritually. In both biblical and classical contexts, εὐπορία reflects the value placed on having adequate resources and the blessings associated with a prosperous state.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the concept of εὐπορία was not only associated with material wealth but also with the idea of ethical and moral use of resources? In ancient Greek philosophy and early Christian teachings, prosperity carried the responsibility of using one’s means for the good of others and the community at large!