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 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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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