### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb epainéō (G1867) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the verb αἰνέω (ainéō), meaning "to praise" or "to laud." This etymology suggests an intensified or directed form of praise.
The core meaning of epainéō is "to commend," "to laud," or "to praise." Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Commendation and Approval:** To express a favorable judgment or approval of someone's actions, character, or performance. This often implies a recognition of merit or worthiness.
* **Laudation and Extolling:** To speak highly of someone or something, to extol their virtues, achievements, or qualities.
* **Approbation:** A formal or public expression of approval. The prefix ἐπί can add a sense of directing this praise *towards* someone or something with emphasis.
Unlike a general expression of praise, epainéō often carries the nuance of a discerning evaluation that results in a positive affirmation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb epainéō appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but each instance offers significant insight into its usage:
* **[[Luke 16:8]]**: "And the master commended the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly." In this parable, the earthly master praises the dishonest steward not for his integrity, but for his foresight and cleverness in securing his future. This usage highlights that epainéō can acknowledge effective action or strategy, even when the underlying moral character is questionable from a divine perspective. It serves as a parabolic illustration for believers to exercise similar wisdom in spiritual matters.
* **[[Romans 15:11]]**: "And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.'" This is a direct quotation from Psalm 117:1 (LXX), where epainéō translates the Hebrew `{{H1984}}` (halal), meaning "to praise" or "to boast." Here, epainéō is used in the context of universal worship and adoration directed towards God. It underscores the prophetic inclusion of Gentiles in the praise of the Lord.
* **[[1 Corinthians 11:2]]**: "Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you." Here, the Apostle Paul explicitly commends the Corinthian believers for their faithfulness in adhering to the teachings and traditions he had passed on to them. This is a clear example of positive affirmation for obedience and adherence to apostolic instruction.
* **[[1 Corinthians 11:17]]**: "But in the following instructions I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse." In stark contrast to [[1 Corinthians 11:2]], Paul emphatically states he *does not* commend them. This withdrawal of epainéō is due to their divisive conduct and improper behavior during their communal gatherings, particularly concerning the Lord's Supper. It signifies severe disapproval of actions that undermine Christian unity and spiritual edification.
* **[[1 Corinthians 11:22]]**: "What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? No, I will not praise you." Paul reiterates his lack of commendation regarding their selfish and unloving conduct during their meals, which led to some going hungry while others overindulged. This further emphasizes that epainéō is withheld when behavior is contrary to the principles of Christian love and justice within the community.
These occurrences demonstrate that epainéō can be used for human commendation, divine praise, and crucially, as a tool for apostolic assessment, where its presence or absence signifies approval or disapproval of Christian conduct.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding epainéō is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek words:
* **αἰνέω (ainéō) `{{G134}}`**: This is the root verb from which epainéō is formed. While ainéō means "to praise" or "to laud" generally, epainéō often carries a stronger, more focused sense of commendation or approval directed towards specific actions or character. The prefix ἐπί adds intensity or direction.
* **ἔπαινος (epainos) `{{G1868}}`**: This is the noun form of epainéō, meaning "praise," "commendation," or "approval." It represents the result or object of the verb's action. For example, believers are encouraged to seek God's epainos (e.g., [[Romans 2:29]], [[1 Corinthians 4:5]]).
* **δοξάζω (doxazō) `{{G1392}}`**: Meaning "to glorify," "to honor," or "to praise." While related in the sense of giving honor, doxazō often carries a broader connotation of attributing glory, especially to God or Christ. epainéō is more specific to commending actions or character.
* **εὐλογέω (eulogeō) `{{G2127}}`**: Meaning "to bless" or "to speak well of." This word shares the idea of positive speech, but eulogeō often has a more direct connection to divine blessing, or the act of blessing God in worship.
* **μακαρίζω (makarizō) `{{G3106}}`**: Meaning "to call blessed" or "to count happy." While related to positive affirmation, makarizō focuses on declaring someone fortunate or blessed by divine favor, rather than commending their actions or character.
The close relationship between epainéō and ἔπαινος highlights the reciprocal nature of commendation: to epainéō someone is to grant them epainos.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of epainéō is multifaceted, touching upon divine standards, worship, and ethical conduct:
1. **Divine Standard for Conduct:** Paul's use of epainéō (and its negation) in 1 Corinthians is profoundly significant. It establishes that Christian conduct is subject to divine evaluation and approval. When Paul commends the Corinthians ([[1 Corinthians 11:2]]), he affirms their adherence to apostolic teaching and traditions as pleasing to God. Conversely, his explicit refusal to commend them ([[1 Corinthians 11:17]], [[1 Corinthians 11:22]]) underscores that certain behaviors—like division, selfishness, and disrespect within the church—are unacceptable and incur divine disapproval. This teaches believers that their actions have spiritual consequences and that true commendation comes from living in accordance with God's will.
2. **Praise as Worship:** The citation in [[Romans 15:11]] firmly places epainéō within the realm of worship. It is a fitting response of all peoples, both Jew and Gentile, to the Lord. This demonstrates that epainéō is not merely human flattery but a legitimate expression of adoration and recognition of God's worthiness. It emphasizes the universal call to acknowledge and extol God's character and redemptive work.
3. **Discerning Commendation:** The parable in [[Luke 16:8]] provides a crucial nuance. The master's commendation of the unrighteous steward's shrewdness, despite his dishonesty, serves as a parabolic lesson on the nature of wisdom and foresight. The commendation is for the *strategy*, not the *morality* of the action. Theologically, this prompts believers to exercise discernment, recognizing that not all "praise" or "success" in the world aligns with God's moral standards, yet lessons can still be drawn from worldly wisdom.
4. **Motivation for Righteousness:** The hope of receiving God's commendation (or ἔπαινος) serves as a powerful motivation for believers to strive for righteousness and faithfulness. While salvation is by grace, the New Testament often speaks of believers being "approved" or "commended" by God for their faithfulness, service, and endurance (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 4:5]], [[Romans 2:29]]). This future divine epainéō encourages perseverance in good works and a life pleasing to God.
### Summary
The Greek verb epainéō (G1867) signifies "to commend, laud, or praise," rooted in the idea of expressing strong approval or applause. Its New Testament usage is precise and impactful. It describes human commendation for shrewdness ([[Luke 16:8]]), the universal praise directed towards God ([[Romans 15:11]]), and, most significantly, serves as a crucial pastoral tool for the Apostle Paul. Paul uses epainéō to affirm the Corinthians' faithfulness ([[1 Corinthians 11:2]]) but pointedly withholds it when their conduct is divisive or dishonoring to Christ ([[1 Corinthians 11:17]], [[1 Corinthians 11:22]]). Theologically, epainéō highlights the divine standard for Christian living, underscoring that genuine praise is reserved for actions that align with God's will and foster spiritual maturity. It also reminds believers of the ultimate goal: to live in a manner that merits God's commendation, while discerning what truly merits praise in a fallen world.
TRV