The Greek word eudokéō, represented by G2106, means to think well of, approve, or be well pleased with a person, thing, or act. It appears 25 times across 21 unique verses in the Bible. The term is derived from εὖ (good) and δοκέω (to think), conveying a sense of deliberate and favorable opinion, taking pleasure in something, or being willing.
In scripture, G2106 is frequently used to express God the Father's divine approval of His Son, Jesus Christ. At Jesus's baptism and transfiguration, a voice from heaven declares, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5). The word also denotes God's sovereign will and delight in His redemptive plan, as when it "pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" 1 Corinthians 1:21. On a human level, it describes a state of willingness and contentment, such as Paul being willing to be absent from the body to be with the Lord 2 Corinthians 5:8. Conversely, the term is used to show God's displeasure with disobedience 1 Corinthians 10:5 and man's pleasure in unrighteousness 2 Thessalonians 2:12.
Several related words clarify the actions and concepts associated with what is pleasing to God:
- G1325 dídōmi (to give): Defined as "to give (used in a very wide application...)." God's pleasure is linked to His generosity, as it is the Father's good pleasure "to give you the kingdom" Luke 12:32.
- G1342 díkaios (just): Meaning "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy." God's pleasure is connected to righteousness, while His soul has "no pleasure" in the one who draws back from a life of faith lived by the just Hebrews 10:38.
- G3472 mōría (foolishness): This word means "silliness, i.e. absurdity." It highlights the contrast between divine and worldly wisdom, as it pleased God to save believers through the "foolishness of preaching" 1 Corinthians 1:21.
The theological weight of G2106 is significant, revealing key aspects of God's character and plan.
- Divine Approbation: The word establishes the Father's explicit and public approval of the Son. In the statement "in whom my soul is well pleased" Matthew 12:18, God validates Jesus's identity and Messianic mission.
- Sovereign Will: God's "good pleasure" is not a mere emotion but an expression of His sovereign and effective will. It is what drives His actions, from separating Paul for His purpose Galatians 1:15 to ordaining that "in him should all fulness dwell" Colossians 1:19.
- The Believer's Disposition: The term provides a model for Christian discipleship. Believers are called to find pleasure not in worldly things but in what aligns with God's will, even in hardships. Paul exemplifies this when he takes pleasure in infirmities and persecutions for Christ's sake 2 Corinthians 12:10.
In summary, G2106 moves beyond a simple feeling of happiness to denote a profound and decisive approval. It is a cornerstone for understanding the Father's disposition toward the Son, the sovereign nature of God's redemptive plan, and the reoriented affections of a true believer. The use of eudokéō illustrates how God's pleasure is the foundation for His greatest acts, from calling His people to saving them through Christ, in whom He is eternally well pleased.
TRV