2140. eupoiia
Lexical Summary
eupoiia: Good deed, beneficence, well-doing

Original Word: εὐποιΐα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: eupoiia
Pronunciation: yoo-poy-EE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-poy-ee'-ah)
KJV: to do good
NASB: doing good
Word Origin: [from a compound of G2095 (εὖ - well) and G4160 (ποιέω - do)]

1. well-doing, i.e. beneficence

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 Origin
from eu and poieó
Definition
doing good
NASB Translation
doing good (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2140: εὐποιΐα

εὐποιΐα (εὐποιΐα WH (cf. Iota, at the end)), εὐποιΐας, (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 εὐποιΐα

The 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.
2. Covenantal Mercy: Deuteronomy 15:7-11 commands openhanded generosity toward the poor.
3. Prophetic Emphasis: Micah 6:8 and Isaiah 58:6-10 rebuke ritualism divorced from practical mercy.

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).
2. Fragrance Imagery: Paul describes gifts sent by the Philippians as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice” (Philippians 4:18).
3. Worship Beyond the Sanctuary: Doing good relocates sacrifice from temple precincts to daily life, confirming that every believer serves at a perpetual altar of love.

Practices in the Early Church

Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:34-35 record voluntary asset sharing.
Acts 9:36 praises Dorcas, “always doing good and helping the poor.”
• The Jerusalem collection (2 Corinthians 8–9) exemplifies organized benevolence across ethnic and geographic lines.

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.
• Monastic Hospitals: Early monasteries provided medical care and refuge.
• Reformation and Beyond: Protestant hospitals, orphanages, and later missionary societies embedded εὐποιΐα in evangelistic endeavor.
• Modern Movements: Disaster relief, literacy programs, and anti-trafficking initiatives continue the legacy.

Contemporary Ministry Application

1. Local Congregations: Benevolence funds, food banks, and counseling services.
2. Global Outreach: Sustainable development paired with gospel proclamation.
3. Personal Discipleship: Budgeting time and resources for acts of kindness; practicing hospitality (Romans 12:13).
4. Cultural Witness: Displaying the beauty of truth in tangible love (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

Related Concepts and Complementary Virtues

• Κοινωνία (sharing, fellowship) – inseparable partner of εὐποιΐα in Hebrews 13:16.
• Ἀγαθωσύνη (goodness) – moral quality fueling benevolent action (Galatians 5:22).
• Ἔλεος (mercy) – compassionate attitude motivating practical help (Luke 10:37).

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 eupoiías
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Hebrews 13:16 N-GFS
GRK: τῆς δὲ εὐποιίας καὶ κοινωνίας
NAS: And do not neglect doing good and sharing,
KJV: But to do good and to communicate
INT: and [the] good and of sharing

Strong's Greek 2140
1 Occurrence


εὐποιίας — 1 Occ.

2139
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