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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for gaining deeper insights into the meanings and contexts of scripture. The Greek word εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, Strong’s G2165) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of rejoicing, making glad, or bringing joy. This term is relevant to New Testament interpretation because it appears in passages that emphasize joy, celebration, and spiritual fulfillment. Moreover, understanding εὐφραίνω in the context of ancient Greek culture helps us appreciate how joy and gladness were expressed both in sacred and secular life.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐφραίνω (euphrainō) [yoo-FRAI-noh]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “well” or “good”) and φρήν (phrēn, meaning “mind” or “heart”), suggesting the idea of making the heart glad or bringing joy.
- Part of Speech: Verb. Second conjugation.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To gladden, to make glad: Refers to the act of causing joy or happiness.
- To rejoice, to be joyful: Implies experiencing or expressing joy, often in response to good news or a celebration.
Similar Words: χαίρω (chairō) [KHAI-roh] also means “to rejoice” or “be glad,” but it often emphasizes the personal experience of joy or happiness. In contrast, εὐφραίνω (euphrainō) can refer both to the act of causing someone to rejoice and to experiencing joy collectively, such as in celebrations or communal gatherings.
Further Insights: The verb εὐφραίνω follows the patterns of the second conjugation in Greek. Below is a simplified conjugation chart for εὐφραίνω in the present active indicative:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | εὐφραίνω | εὐφραίνομεν |
| 2nd Person | εὐφραίνεις | εὐφραίνετε |
| 3rd Person | εὐφραίνει | εὐφραίνουσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines εὐφραίνω as “to make glad, to cheer,” and “to celebrate.” It highlights contexts where the word describes both causing joy (e.g., through a good deed or event) and expressing joy in celebrations, often in a communal setting.
- Thayer’s: Describes εὐφραίνω as “to make merry, to gladden,” focusing on its use in contexts where joy or festivity is involved. Thayer’s notes that it is used both in literal and metaphorical senses, including spiritual rejoicing.
- Vine’s: Notes that εὐφραίνω means “to rejoice, to be glad,” often used in passages referring to feasting or joyful occasions. Vine’s emphasizes its association with expressions of communal joy, especially in celebrations or festivals.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὐφραίνω was used in classical literature to mean “to cheer, to delight,” highlighting its use in contexts ranging from personal joy to public celebrations.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὐφραίνω as “to make glad,” focusing on its application in both literal and metaphorical contexts to describe joy and celebration.
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Related Scripture References
- Luke 15:23 – “And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate [εὐφρανθῶμεν].”
- Revelation 11:10 – “And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate [εὐφραίνονται] and send gifts to one another because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.”
- Acts 7:41 – “And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced [εὐφραίνοντο] in the works of their own hands.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | “Odyssey” | “The feasts gladdened (εὐφραίνει) the hearts of the people.” |
| Plato | “Symposium” | “The gathering was made more joyful (εὐφραίνει) by the music and conversation.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “They rejoiced (εὐφραίνοντο) at the news of victory.” |
| Septuagint | “Psalms 104:15” | “Wine that gladdens (εὐφραίνει) human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” |
| Septuagint | “Judges 9:13” | “And the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine, that cheers (εὐφραίνει) both God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?'” |
| Septuagint | “Esther 9:17” | “And they rested on the fourteenth day of the same month, and made it a day of feasting and gladness (εὐφροσύνης).” |
Summary of εὐφραίνω (G2165: euphrainō)
The Greek word εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, Strong’s G2165) is a verb that means “to make glad” or “to rejoice.” It is used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe acts of celebration, joy, and gladness, whether caused by an event, a person, or an inner spiritual experience. Understanding εὐφραίνω in biblical studies is valuable because it highlights the importance of joy and celebration in both communal and spiritual contexts. Its use in both biblical and classical literature reflects a shared cultural appreciation for expressions of joy, whether in sacred or secular settings.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, the concept of εὐφραίνω was often associated with festivals and feasts, which were considered essential for community bonding and spiritual reflection? In many ways, these gatherings provided both physical and spiritual nourishment, reinforcing the idea that joy and celebration are fundamental aspects of human life and worship.
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