Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is vital for uncovering the rich meanings and contexts found in scripture. The Greek word εὐχάριστος (eucháristos, Strong’s G2170) is particularly significant because it describes the quality of being thankful or grateful. This word is closely related to key New Testament concepts such as thanksgiving and gratitude, which are fundamental to Christian teachings on prayer, worship, and the believer’s attitude towards God and others. Delving into the meaning of εὐχάριστος provides a deeper understanding of the spiritual life and moral expectations in both early Christian communities and broader ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐχάριστος (eucháristos) [yoo-KHAH-ree-stos]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “well” or “good”) and χάρις (charis, meaning “grace” or “thanks”), which together convey the idea of “being thankful” or “full of gratitude.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective. First and second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Thankful, grateful: Describes a state of being full of gratitude or expressing thanks.
• Well-pleased, agreeable: Implies a pleasing or acceptable quality, often in the sense of being willing or cheerful in giving thanks.

Similar Words: εὐλογητός (eulogētós) [yoo-loh-GEH-tos], meaning “blessed” or “praised.” While εὐχάριστος (eucháristos) focuses on a thankful or grateful state of mind, εὐλογητός emphasizes being worthy of praise or blessing, usually directed towards God or revered persons.

Further Insights: As an adjective, εὐχάριστος follows the first and second declension patterns in Greek. Below is the full declension table for εὐχάριστος:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines εὐχάριστος as “thankful, grateful,” particularly in the context of an attitude or mindset characterized by thankfulness. It highlights its use in describing a person who maintains an attitude of gratitude, especially in relation to God’s blessings.
• Thayer’s: Describes εὐχάριστος as “thankful, grateful,” focusing on the inner disposition of a person who is thankful. Thayer’s notes that the term is used to describe a Christian’s response to grace, emphasizing an attitude of continual gratitude.
• Vine’s: Notes that εὐχάριστος means “thankful, full of gratitude.” Vine’s underscores the importance of this attitude in Christian life, particularly in the context of relationships among believers and with God.
• LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὐχάριστος was used in classical Greek literature to mean “grateful” or “thankful,” often in both secular and religious contexts where gratitude was a key social and moral expectation.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὐχάριστος as “grateful, thankful.” Strong’s emphasizes its use in expressing gratitude, especially in the context of one’s relationship with God.

Related Scripture References

• Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful [εὐχάριστοι].”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐχάριστος (G2170: eucháristos)

The Greek word εὐχάριστος (eucháristos, Strong’s G2170) is an adjective meaning “thankful” or “grateful.” It is used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe an attitude or mindset of gratitude, often in the context of one’s relationship with God or others. Understanding εὐχάριστος in biblical studies helps convey the importance of gratitude as a key Christian virtue, emphasizing an attitude of thankfulness in all circumstances. Its use in both biblical and classical literature reflects a broader cultural appreciation for gratitude as an essential part of human life and morality.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, being εὐχάριστος was considered a vital trait of a virtuous person? Gratitude was not just seen as a private sentiment but as a public virtue that strengthened relationships and community bonds. In early Christian communities, this emphasis on gratitude became central to worship, prayer, and daily living, highlighting how integral a thankful heart is to spiritual well-being.