adverb from εὐάρεστος; quite agreeably:--acceptably, + please well.
Transliteration:euaréstōs
Pronunciation:yoo-ar-es'-toce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb εὐαρέστως (euaréstōs, `{{G2102}}`) is derived from the adjective εὐάρεστος (euárestos, `{{G2101}}`), which means "well-pleasing" or "acceptable." The adjective itself is a compound of εὖ (eu, `{{G2095}}`), meaning "well" or "good," and ἀρεστός (arestós), derived from ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`), meaning "to please" or "to be agreeable." Therefore, εὐαρέστως literally means "in a well-pleasing manner" or "in an acceptable way." It describes the *quality* of an action, indicating that it is performed in a way that is highly agreeable, satisfactory, and meets with approval, particularly divine approval. It conveys a sense of positive delight or favor, going beyond mere tolerance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb εὐαρέστως (`{{G2102}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding the nature of Christian worship and service.
* **[[Hebrews 12:28]]**: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."
* Context: The author of Hebrews is drawing a stark contrast between the terrifying encounter with God at Mount Sinai under the Old Covenant and the gracious access to God through Mount Zion (the heavenly Jerusalem) under the New Covenant. The readers are exhorted to live in light of this unshakable kingdom they have received.
* Analysis: The adverb εὐαρέστως modifies the verb "serve" (λατρεύω, `{{G3000}}`), which here denotes religious service or worship. The phrase "serve God acceptably" is crucial. It implies that the manner of our service is as important as the service itself. It is not enough to simply perform religious duties; they must be rendered in a way that truly pleases God. This pleasing service is enabled by "grace" (χάρις), emphasizing that our ability to serve God acceptably comes from His divine enablement, not human merit. Furthermore, this acceptable service is coupled with "reverence" (αἰδοῦς) and "godly fear" (εὐλαβείας), indicating a profound respect for God's holiness, majesty, and power, even in the context of grace. The fear is not one of terror, but of awe and profound respect that leads to careful and conscientious living and worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εὐάρεστος (euárestos, `{{G2101}}`):** The adjective form, frequently used to describe what is "well-pleasing" to God. Examples include presenting one's body as a living sacrifice ([[Romans 12:1]]), walking in a manner pleasing to the Lord ([[Colossians 1:10]]), or children obeying parents ([[Colossians 3:20]]). It is also used of sacrifices that are "acceptable" to God ([[Philippians 4:18]]).
* **ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`):** The root verb meaning "to please" or "to be agreeable." It can be used in both positive and negative senses (e.g., pleasing men vs. pleasing God).
* **λατρεύω (latreuō, `{{G3000}}`):** "To serve," "to worship." This verb is directly modified by εὐαρέστως in [[Hebrews 12:28]], highlighting the specific domain of acceptable service.
* **θυσία (thysia, `{{G2378}}`):** "Sacrifice." The concept of "pleasing" is deeply intertwined with the Old Testament understanding of an acceptable sacrifice, often described as a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord (e.g., [[Leviticus 1:9]]). In the New Testament, this extends to spiritual sacrifices, such as praise, good works, and sharing ([[Hebrews 13:15-16]]).
* **αἰδώς (aidōs, `{{G127}}`) and εὐλάβεια (eulabeia, `{{G2124}}`):** "Reverence" and "godly fear." These terms describe the attitude and disposition necessary for service that is εὐαρέστως. They denote a profound respect, awe, and cautious regard for God's holiness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐαρέστως is profound, particularly in its solitary New Testament appearance.
* **Divine Approval as the Ultimate Standard:** The word underscores that the ultimate measure of our service and worship is God's approval. It is not about human traditions, external rituals, or self-justification, but about whether our actions are truly pleasing in His sight.
* **Grace-Empowered Service:** In [[Hebrews 12:28]], the call to serve God εὐαρέστως is prefaced by "let us have grace." This signifies that acceptable service is not achieved through human striving or perfect adherence to a legal code, but is a divine enablement. It is through God's grace that believers are empowered to offer worship and service that is genuinely pleasing to Him.
* **Holiness and Reverence in Worship:** The coupling of εὐαρέστως with "reverence and godly fear" highlights that true worship, while rooted in grace, is never casual or presumptuous. It demands a profound respect for God's majesty and holiness. This "fear" is not terror, but a reverential awe that inspires carefulness and devotion in all aspects of life and worship.
* **Internal Disposition:** The adverb points beyond mere external conformity to the internal disposition of the worshipper. To serve God εὐαρέστως implies a heart motivated by love, gratitude, and a desire to honor Him, rather than by obligation or fear of punishment. It emphasizes the *quality* and *spirit* of the service.
* **New Covenant Distinction:** The context in Hebrews contrasts the Old Covenant's terrifying encounter with God with the New Covenant's access through Christ. Yet, even with grace and access, the New Covenant still demands an "acceptable" service marked by reverence. This demonstrates that while the *basis* of our access has changed (from law to grace), the *standard* of divine approval for our worship remains high.
### Summary
The Greek adverb εὐαρέστως (`{{G2102}}`), meaning "in a well-pleasing manner" or "acceptably," provides a crucial insight into the nature of worship and service in the Christian life. Though it appears only once in the New Testament in [[Hebrews 12:28]], its context is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that our service to God must not merely be performed, but rendered in a way that genuinely delights and gains the approval of the Almighty. This "acceptable" service is presented as being empowered by divine grace and is characterized by profound reverence and godly fear. εὐαρέστως therefore underscores that the quality, disposition, and spirit behind our actions are paramount in the sight of God, calling believers to a worship and life that truly honors and pleases Him.
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