Understanding ἀπόλαυσις (apolausis) Strong’s G619: God’s Gift of True Enjoyment and Sacred Pleasure in His Creation

Pronunciation Guide: ap-ol’-ow-sis

Basic Definition

Strong’s G619: ἀπόλαυσις describes the act of drawing enjoyment or pleasure from something, particularly in the context of experiencing satisfaction from God’s good gifts. It carries the nuance of deriving benefit or advantage from something in a way that honors the giver. The word implies active participation in receiving and appreciating blessings rather than passive reception.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀπολαύω (apolauo) – to take pleasure in, enjoy
• Primary usage in teaching and wisdom literature
• Common in classical Greek philosophy and ethical discourse
• Used in both concrete and abstract contexts

ἀπόλαυσις Morphology:

• ἀπόλαυσις (nominative singular) – enjoyment, pleasure
• ἀπολαύσεως (genitive singular) – of enjoyment
• ἀπολαύσει (dative singular) – in/with enjoyment
• ἀπόλαυσιν (accusative singular) – enjoyment (as direct object)

Origin & History

The word ἀπόλαυσις has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it appears frequently in philosophical works discussing the nature of pleasure and its proper role in human life. Aristotle uses it in his “Nicomachean Ethics” when discussing the relationship between pleasure and virtue, distinguishing between noble and base pleasures. In the Septuagint, the term appears in wisdom literature, particularly in discussions of enjoying God’s blessings with wisdom and moderation.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Paedagogus,” employed ἀπόλαυσις when discussing the Christian’s appropriate enjoyment of God’s creation while maintaining spiritual focus. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, uses the term to contrast earthly and heavenly pleasures, emphasizing the superior nature of spiritual enjoyment.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The act of deriving pleasure or satisfaction from something
• The experience of benefiting from or making use of something good
• The state of conscious enjoyment of blessings
• The process of receiving and appreciating divine gifts

ἀπόλαυσις Translation Options:

• “Enjoyment” – Emphasizes the active experience of pleasure
• “Pleasure” – Highlights the satisfying nature of the experience
• “Benefit” – Focuses on the advantageous aspects of the experience
• “Delight” – Captures the joyful aspect while maintaining dignity
• “Gratification” – Emphasizes the fulfilling nature of the experience

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπόλαυσις appears in contexts that discuss the proper attitude toward and use of material blessings. Its first appearance in 1 Timothy 6:17 sets the tone for understanding godly enjoyment of material blessings while maintaining spiritual priorities.

The word carries particular significance in passages addressing the balance between enjoying God’s gifts and maintaining spiritual focus. It appears in contexts that affirm the goodness of God’s creation while warning against making temporal pleasures the ultimate focus of life.

Key appearances include:

• “[God] richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment [ἀπόλαυσιν]” 1 Timothy 6:17
• “Choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy [ἀπόλαυσιν] the passing pleasures of sin” Hebrews 11:25

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek culture, the concept of ἀπόλαυσις was closely tied to philosophical discussions about eudaimonia (human flourishing) and the proper role of pleasure in a well-lived life. The Epicureans and Stoics had contrasting views on ἀπόλαυσις, with Epicureans promoting refined pleasure as a path to happiness while Stoics advocated for moderation and detachment.

Jewish wisdom literature, particularly Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), provides an important background for understanding the New Testament’s use of ἀπόλαυσις. The Hebrew concept of simcha (joy) and the ability to enjoy God’s gifts as expressed in Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 closely parallels the New Testament’s teaching on ἀπόλαυσις.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπόλαυσις in Scripture reveals God’s character as a generous Father Who delights in providing good gifts for His children to enjoy. It demonstrates that God is not opposed to pleasure itself but rather seeks to direct our enjoyment toward its proper end – glorifying Him and finding our ultimate satisfaction in Him.

This word helps us understand the biblical view of pleasure and enjoyment as gifts from God that, when properly understood and experienced, can lead us to greater worship and appreciation of the Giver rather than idolatry of the gift. It provides a theological foundation for understanding how believers can enjoy God’s creation while maintaining spiritual priorities.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπόλαυσις challenges believers to examine their relationship with pleasure and enjoyment. It invites us to receive God’s gifts with genuine gratitude and joy while maintaining eternal perspective. This word teaches us that we don’t have to choose between enjoying life and serving God – rather, we can experience deep satisfaction in both temporal and spiritual blessings when we keep them in proper balance.

Related Words

• τρυφή (tryphe) [troo-FAY] – luxury, self-indulgence; demonstrates excessive pleasure seeking in contrast to ἀπόλαυσις’s balanced enjoyment See G5172
• ἡδονή (hedone) [hay-do-NAY] – pleasure, often with negative connotations of sensual indulgence See G2237
• εὐφροσύνη (euphrosyne) [yoo-fro-SOO-nay] – gladness, particularly joy that comes from God See G2167
• χαρά (chara) [kha-RAH] – joy, delight, often used for spiritual joy See G5479

Did you Know?

• The verb form ἀπολαύω is still used in modern Greek to mean “enjoy,” particularly in the context of food, entertainment, or experiences, showing the enduring nature of this concept across millennia.
• Ancient Greek medical writers used ἀπόλαυσις when discussing the benefits of proper diet and exercise, viewing enjoyment as an important aspect of physical well-being.
• The word appears in ancient Greek wedding songs and celebration texts, indicating its association with appropriate celebration and festivity in life’s significant moments.

Remember This

ἀπόλαυσις reminds us that God is a generous Father Who gives good gifts to be enjoyed with gratitude and wisdom, leading us to worship the Giver rather than idolize the gift.