from εὖ and δοκέω; to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing):--think good, (be well) please(-d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb eudokéō (`{{G2106}}`) is a compound word derived from eu (εὖ), meaning "well" or "good," and dokéō (δοκέω), meaning "to seem," "to think," or "to suppose." Thus, its core meaning is "to think well of," "to approve," or "to be well pleased." This encompasses a range of semantic nuances, including:
1. **Divine Approval/Pleasure:** Most prominently, it signifies God's favorable disposition, delight, or sovereign choice concerning a person, action, or plan. This is not merely an intellectual assessment but a deep, volitional pleasure.
2. **Human Approval/Willingness:** In human contexts, it denotes a deliberate choice, a strong preference, or a willingness to do something, often implying a positive inclination or satisfaction.
3. **Good Will/Intention:** It can also convey the idea of having good intentions or a benevolent disposition towards someone or something.
The word moves beyond simple agreement to express a profound sense of delight, satisfaction, or divine pleasure, particularly when God is the subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Eudokéō appears frequently in the New Testament, often carrying significant theological weight. Its most iconic occurrences are in the synoptic accounts of Jesus' baptism and transfiguration:
* At Jesus' baptism, a voice from heaven declares, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" [[Matthew 3:17]] (cf. [[Mark 1:11]], [[Luke 3:22]]). This divine declaration of pleasure affirms Jesus' identity as the Son and the Father's full approval of His mission, marking the inauguration of His public ministry.
* Similarly, at the Transfiguration, the same divine affirmation is heard, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" [[Matthew 17:5]] (cf. [[2 Peter 1:17]]). Here, eudokéō underscores the Father's profound delight in Jesus' person and obedience, even as He anticipates the path of suffering.
Beyond these pivotal moments, eudokéō reveals God's sovereign pleasure in various aspects of His redemptive plan:
* God's pleasure in saving believers: Paul states that "God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" [[1 Corinthians 1:21]]. This highlights divine initiative and grace as the basis of salvation.
* God's sovereign choice and purpose: Paul speaks of God "who was pleased to set me apart from my mother’s womb and call me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me" [[Galatians 1:15-16]]. This emphasizes God's deliberate and purposeful election.
* God's pleasure in Christ's fullness: In Colossians, it is stated that "God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him" [[Colossians 1:19]], indicating the Father's satisfaction in Christ as the complete embodiment of deity.
* God's ultimate purpose for His people: Jesus reassures His disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom" [[Luke 12:32]]. This speaks to God's benevolent and sovereign will to bestow eternal inheritance.
The word also appears in contexts where God's pleasure is *not* found, often in contrast to true faith:
* Despite the Israelites' miraculous deliverance, "with most of them God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness" [[1 Corinthians 10:5]]. This serves as a warning, indicating that outward privilege does not guarantee divine approval apart from genuine obedience and faith.
* In Hebrews, the author contrasts God's lack of pleasure in animal sacrifices with His pleasure in Christ's perfect sacrifice and the faith of believers: "In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you had no pleasure" [[Hebrews 10:6]], but "my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him" [[Hebrews 10:38]].
In human contexts, eudokéō often signifies a deliberate and positive choice or willingness:
* The churches of Macedonia and Achaia "were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem" [[Romans 15:26]]. This denotes their voluntary and benevolent decision.
* Paul states, "We would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" [[2 Corinthians 5:8]], expressing a strong desire or willingness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Eudokéō is closely related to its root dokéō (`{{G1380}}`), but the prefix eu (εὖ) adds the crucial element of "goodness," "well-being," or "favor." While dokéō can mean "to seem," "to think," or "to suppose," eudokéō elevates this to "to think well of," "to approve heartily," or "to take delight in."
Other related concepts and words include:
* Thelō (θέλω, `{{G2309}}`): "to will," "to wish," "to desire." While thelō often expresses simple volition, eudokéō typically conveys a deeper sense of satisfaction, pleasure, or favorable disposition accompanying that will. There is overlap in contexts of divine will, but eudokéō emphasizes the *good pleasure* behind the will.
* Charis (χάρις, `{{G5485}}`): "grace," "favor." Eudokéō often describes the active expression of God's charis towards His chosen ones.
* Agapaō (ἀγαπάω, `{{G25}}`): "to love." While God loves, eudokéō specifically highlights His *approval* and *delight* in the object of His love, often implying a specific purpose or action.
* Old Testament parallels: The concept of God "delighting" or "taking pleasure" in His people or in righteous acts is prevalent in the Hebrew Bible, often expressed by words like ḥāphēṣ (חָפֵץ, `{{H2654}}`), "to delight in," or rāṣāh (רָצָה, `{{H7521}}`), "to be pleased with," "to accept favorably." These Hebrew terms carry a similar nuance of divine favor and satisfaction that eudokéō conveys in Greek.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of eudokéō is profound, particularly in its application to God. It illuminates several key doctrines:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative:** When God is the subject, eudokéō underscores His absolute sovereignty. His "good pleasure" is the ultimate basis for His actions, including election, salvation, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It signifies that God acts not out of compulsion or external necessity, but from His own intrinsic, benevolent will and delight.
2. **Christology:** The declarations at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration are foundational to understanding Jesus' identity and mission. God's "well-pleased" affirmation of His Son highlights Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, His perfect obedience, and His role as the chosen Messiah. It signifies divine approval of His incarnate life, sacrificial death, and redemptive work.
3. **Soteriology:** Salvation is presented as an act of God's "good pleasure." It is not earned by human merit but flows from God's gracious decision to save through the "foolishness" of the gospel [[1 Corinthians 1:21]]. This emphasizes grace and divine election as the foundation of salvation, removing any basis for human boasting.
4. **The Nature of Acceptable Worship:** The contrast in Hebrews between God's displeasure with sacrifices and His pleasure in faith [[Hebrews 10:6]], [[Hebrews 10:38]] reveals that true worship and obedience are those that align with God's will and are rooted in genuine faith, rather than mere ritual. God's pleasure is found in the heart of the worshiper and the perfect sacrifice of Christ, not in external performance.
5. **Assurance for Believers:** The Father's "good pleasure to give you the kingdom" [[Luke 12:32]] provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, grounding their inheritance and future hope in God's steadfast and benevolent will.
### Summary
Eudokéō (`{{G2106}}`) is a powerful Greek term denoting "to think well of," "to approve heartily," or "to be well pleased." Its primary theological weight lies in expressing God's profound delight, favorable disposition, and sovereign will concerning His Son, His redemptive plan, and His people. It is the divine stamp of approval on Jesus' identity and mission, the gracious source of salvation, and the ultimate basis for the believer's hope and security. When applied to humans, it signifies a deliberate and positive willingness or preference. In essence, eudokéō reveals the benevolent and purposeful heart of God, whose actions flow from His own good pleasure and perfect design.
TRV