Lexical Summary eupoiia: Good deed, beneficence, well-doing Original Word: εὐποιΐα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to do good. From a compound of eu and poieo; well-doing, i.e. Beneficence -- to do good. see GREEK eu see GREEK poieo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eu and poieó Definition doing good NASB Translation doing good (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2140: εὐποιΐαεὐποιΐα (εὐποιΐα WH (cf. Iota, at the end)), εὐποιΐας, ἡ (ἐυποιος), a doing good, beneficence: Hebrews 13:16; Arrian exp. Alex. 7, 28, 8; Alciphron 1, 10; Lucian, imag. 21; a benefit, kindness, Josephus, Antiquities 2, 11, 2; (plural, ibid. 19, 9, 1). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of εὐποιΐαThe term denotes intentional acts of kindness, practical generosity, and beneficence directed toward others for their physical, emotional, or spiritual good. Scripture treats such deeds not as optional extras but as essential expressions of covenant faithfulness and evidence of a transformed life. Biblical Context in Hebrews 13:16 Hebrews 13:16 anchors the concept in worship language: “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”. Here εὐποιΐα is paired with “sharing” (κοινωνία), establishing a two-fold pattern—active benevolence and open-handed fellowship. Both are called “sacrifices,” showing that everyday kindness carries priestly significance under the New Covenant. Old Testament Foundations 1. Sacrificial Parallels: Leviticus 7 and 22 link freewill offerings with caring for the needy, foreshadowing Hebrews’ spiritual sacrifices. Christ as the Supreme Model of Benevolence Acts 10:38 recalls that Jesus “went around doing good”, healing and liberating the oppressed. His ministry defines εὐποιΐα as holistic aid—meeting bodily need and confronting spiritual bondage. The Cross magnifies this benevolence, offering the ultimate good for humanity’s deepest need. Spiritual Sacrifices in the New Covenant 1. Priestly Identity: Believers are “a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” (1 Peter 2:5). Practices in the Early Church • Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:34-35 record voluntary asset sharing. Theological Integration with Faith and Works While salvation is “by grace…through faith” (Ephesians 2:8), verse 10 insists believers are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” James 2:17 warns that faith without such works is dead. εὐποιΐα therefore functions as visible authentication, not meritorious currency. Eschatological Perspective Matthew 25:31-46 portrays the final judgment partly in terms of tangible kindness to “the least of these.” Revelation 19:8 speaks of fine linen, “the righteous acts of the saints,” adorning the Bride. Good deeds follow the believer into eternity (Revelation 14:13). Historical Development in the Church • Patristic Era: Widows’ lists (1 Timothy 5:9-10) matured into organized diaconal offices. Contemporary Ministry Application 1. Local Congregations: Benevolence funds, food banks, and counseling services. Related Concepts and Complementary Virtues • Κοινωνία (sharing, fellowship) – inseparable partner of εὐποιΐα in Hebrews 13:16. Conclusion εὐποιΐα encapsulates the believer’s calling to translate divine grace into concrete, sacrificial service. Rooted in Old Testament mercy, modeled perfectly by Christ, mandated by apostolic teaching, and honored through church history, doing good remains a vital instrument for glorifying God and advancing His kingdom until He comes. Forms and Transliterations ευποιιας ευποιϊας εὐποιίας εὐποιΐας eupoiias eupoiíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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