Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental to biblical studies, providing deeper insights into the meaning and context of scripture. The Greek word εὐώνυμος (euōnymos, Strong’s G2176) is particularly significant because it is used to describe positions or directions, most commonly translated as “left” or “on the left.” This term is essential for New Testament interpretation and understanding ancient Greek culture, where the concept of left and right carried symbolic meanings, often related to omens, fortunes, or social customs.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐώνυμος (euōnymos) [yoo-OH-nee-mos]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “good” or “well”) and ὄνομα (onoma, meaning “name”), literally meaning “of good name.” It was a euphemistic term for “left,” avoiding the negative connotations often associated with the left side in ancient cultures.
• Part of Speech: Adjective. Masculine, feminine, and neuter forms. First and second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Left: Refers to the direction or side, as opposed to the right.
• On the left side: Used to describe the position relative to an object or person.

Similar Words: ἀριστερός (aristeros) [ah-ree-ste-ROS], meaning “left” or “on the left side.” While ἀριστερός directly denotes the left side, εὐώνυμος (euōnymos) is a more euphemistic term, often used to avoid the perceived negativity associated with the left in Greek culture. δεξιός (dexios) [dek-see-OS], meaning “right” or “on the right side,” is the opposite term and often associated with favor or good fortune.

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

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines εὐώνυμος as “left, on the left side,” often used in spatial descriptions in the New Testament. It notes the word’s euphemistic origins, referring to the left as “well-named” to avoid negative connotations.
• Thayer’s: Describes εὐώνυμος as “left, on the left hand,” and points out its usage in classical literature where the left side is avoided in favor of a more favorable term. Thayer’s also emphasizes the cultural significance of naming the left side “well-named” to counteract superstitions.
• Vine’s: Notes that εὐώνυμος means “of good name” but is used to denote “left” in contrast to the more straightforward ἀριστερός. Vine’s underscores the use of this term in biblical contexts where the direction or position is described.
• LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὐώνυμος was used in classical Greek literature as a euphemism for the left, highlighting its positive spin to avoid the negative associations with the left side, often considered inauspicious.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὐώνυμος as “left” or “on the left side,” focusing on its use to avoid the perceived negativity of the term for “left” in ancient Greek culture.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 6:3 – “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left [εὐώνυμος] hand know what your right hand is doing.”
• Mark 10:37 – “They said to Him, ‘Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left [εὐωνύμου], in Your glory.'”
• Luke 23:33 – “When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left [εὐώνυμον].”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐώνυμος (G2176: euōnymos)

The Greek word εὐώνυμος (euōnymos, Strong’s G2176) is an adjective meaning “left” or “on the left side.” Used in the New Testament and other Greek literature, it carries a euphemistic connotation to avoid the negative associations with the left side in ancient culture. Understanding εὐώνυμος provides insights into both the linguistic and cultural practices of the time, reflecting the symbolic and social meanings attributed to directions and sides. Its usage highlights the nuanced way the ancient Greeks approached language to frame concepts in a more favorable light.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the term εὐώνυμος (left) was often used in ancient Greek culture as a euphemism because the left side was considered unlucky or inauspicious? The word literally means “well-named,” reflecting an attempt to bring a positive spin to what was culturally viewed as negative. This use of euphemism is an interesting example of how language and culture intertwine, shaping the way people communicate about even the most ordinary things, like directions.