Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it helps uncover the layered meanings within the Scriptures and the cultural nuances of ancient times. The Greek word εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprosdéktos) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of something being well-received or acceptable. This term is used in contexts that emphasize the acceptance of offerings, prayers, or people, reflecting both religious and social practices of the time. Studying εὐπρόσδεκτος offers insights into how early Christians viewed favor, acceptability, and divine approval, bridging spiritual and cultural norms of the ancient Greek world.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprosdéktos) [yoo-PROS-dek-tos]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and προσδέχομαι (prosdéchomai), meaning “to receive” or “to welcome.” Together, they convey the sense of something that is “well-received” or “acceptable.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; used to describe something that is acceptable or pleasing.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Well-pleasing
• Acceptable
• Welcome
• Approved

Similar Words: The word εὐπρόσδεκτος is related to δεκτός (dektós), meaning “acceptable” or “favorable.” While both words convey a sense of acceptance, δεκτός is more general, whereas εὐπρόσδεκτος specifically emphasizes being well-received or highly favored. Another related word is ἀρεστός (arestós), meaning “pleasing” or “agreeable,” which focuses more on the aspect of being pleasing or delightful to someone, often in the context of divine or human approval.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐπρόσδεκτος is an adjective and follows a standard declension pattern in Greek. It is used to describe anything that is pleasing, well-received, or accepted, especially in religious or social contexts.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐπρόσδεκτος as “acceptable” or “well-received,” particularly in contexts that involve offerings, sacrifices, or actions deemed pleasing to God. It emphasizes the suitability or desirability of something being presented or offered.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐπρόσδεκτος as “well-pleasing” or “acceptable,” used to highlight the divine or human favor toward an offering or deed. It stresses the idea that certain actions or gifts are pleasing and thus welcomed by the recipient.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary explains εὐπρόσδεκτος as “acceptable,” often referring to things that are in line with God’s will or commandments. The term is used in discussions about the nature of acceptable worship, offerings, and behavior in the Christian context.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical perspective on εὐπρόσδεκτος, defining it as “well-received” or “acceptable.” It was used in various contexts, from literature to philosophy, to denote actions, gifts, or people who were favorably received or approved.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὐπρόσδεκτος as meaning “well-pleasing” or “acceptable.” It emphasizes the word’s use in describing things that meet the standards of acceptability, whether for humans or divine beings.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 15:16: “To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable (εὐπρόσδεκτος), sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
• 2 Corinthians 6:2: “For He says, ‘At the acceptable time (εὐπρόσδεκτος) I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
• 1 Peter 2:5: “You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable (εὐπρόσδεκτος) to God through Jesus Christ.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὐπρόσδεκτος (G2144: euprosdéktos)

The Greek word εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprosdéktos) is an adjective meaning “well-pleasing,” “acceptable,” or “approved.” Derived from εὖ (“well”) and προσδέχομαι (“to receive”), it conveys the idea of something being favorably received or welcomed. 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 acceptability of offerings, actions, or people, whether in a religious or secular context. In both biblical and classical settings, εὐπρόσδεκτος reflects the value placed on things that are deemed favorable, pleasing, or in alignment with divine or human standards.

Did You Know?

Did you know that εὐπρόσδεκτος was often used in both religious and social contexts to denote favor and approval? In ancient Greek culture and early Christian teachings, the word captured the essence of what it meant to be pleasing, not only in the eyes of humans but also in the sight of God, emphasizing the alignment between actions and divine will!