Word Study for G1867 (ἐπαινέω)

epainéō /ep-ahee-neh'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἐπί and αἰνέω

Meaningto applaud

KJV usagecommend, laud, praise.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of epainéō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epainéō, represented by G1867, means to applaud and is translated as commend, laud, or praise. It is formed from the words ἐπί and αἰνέω. According to the scriptures, it appears 6 times across 5 unique verses, highlighting its specific use in contexts of approval and worship.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G1867 is applied in several distinct ways. Paul uses it to praise the Corinthians for remembering him and keeping the ordinances he delivered to them 1 Corinthians 11:2. However, he also uses the term in the negative to express disapproval, stating twice, "I praise you not," regarding their divisive and shameful conduct during their gatherings (1 Corinthians 11:17, 1 Corinthians 11:22). The word is also used in a parable where a lord commended an unjust steward for having acted wisely Luke 16:8. Finally, it serves as a call for all people to laud the Lord Romans 15:11.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of G1867:

G134 ainéō (to praise): As a root of epainéō, this word is used specifically for praising God. It appears in contexts where disciples, angels, or the early church are praising God (Luke 19:37, Luke 2:13, Acts 2:47).
G2706 kataphronéō (to despise): This serves as a direct contrast to praise. Paul asks the Corinthians if they despise the church of God right before he withholds his praise from them 1 Corinthians 11:22.
G5430 phronímōs (wisely): This adverb provides the reason for the commendation in Luke's parable. The lord commended the steward because he had acted wisely Luke 16:8.

Theological Significance

The use of G1867 highlights several key themes concerning approval and judgment.

Conditional Commendation: The word demonstrates that praise from an authority figure like an apostle is not automatic. Paul links praise to right conduct, offering it when the church follows his teachings 1 Corinthians 11:2 but explicitly withholding it when their actions bring dishonor and division (1 Corinthians 11:17, 1 Corinthians 11:22).
Recognition of Shrewdness: The parable of the unjust steward shows that commendation can be an acknowledgement of sagacious action. The lord commended the steward's wise planning, separating the praise for his shrewdness from the morality of his actions Luke 16:8.
An Act of Worship: In its highest sense, the word is used to direct praise toward God. It is a command for the Gentiles and all people to laud Him, placing the act of applause in the context of universal worship Romans 15:11.

Summary

In summary, G1867 is a specific term for applause or commendation that carries significant weight based on who is giving the praise and why. It functions as a tool for apostolic instruction, both to encourage faithfulness and to correct harmful behavior. It can acknowledge worldly wisdom, as in the case of the unjust steward Luke 16:8, but its ultimate purpose is elevated to the act of worship, calling on all people to laud the Lord.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 3×
Aorist Active Imperative 3rd Plural 1×
Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Active Subjunctive 1st Singular 1×

Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 1 Corinthians (3 verses); never once in the other 24.

Luke

Romans

1 Corinthians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.