from a presumed compound of εὖ and the base of δοκέω; satisfaction, i.e. (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose:--desire, good pleasure (will), X seem good.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εὐδοκία (eudokía) is a compound word derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "good" or "well," and the root of δοκέω (dokeō), which means "to seem," "to think," or "to be of opinion." This etymological foundation yields a core meaning of "good seeming" or "good opinion," which expands into a rich semantic range. Subjectively, εὐδοκία denotes "delight," "pleasure," or "satisfaction"—a settled disposition of contentment. Objectively, it refers to "kindness," "favor," "good will," "wish," or "purpose"—an active, benevolent intention. While it can occasionally describe human desire or resolve, its most profound usage in the New Testament pertains to the sovereign, benevolent disposition and purpose of God. It signifies not merely a passive approval, but an active, delighted will.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐδοκία appears several times in the New Testament, predominantly in Pauline epistles and the Gospels, revealing its multifaceted theological significance.
One of its most prominent occurrences is at the baptism of Jesus, where the divine voice declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" [[Matthew 3:17]] (also [[Mark 1:11]], [[Luke 3:22]]). Here, εὐδοκία clearly signifies God the Father's profound delight and satisfaction in His Son, Jesus Christ, affirming His unique identity and mission.
In the angelic announcement to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased" [[Luke 2:14]], εὐδοκία refers to God's benevolent will or favor extended to humanity, specifically those who are the objects of His divine pleasure. This highlights God's initiative in bringing peace and salvation.
Paul frequently employs εὐδοκία to describe God's sovereign will and purpose, particularly in the context of salvation. In [[Ephesians 1:5]], believers are predestined "according to the good pleasure of his will," and in [[Ephesians 1:9]], God makes known "the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him." These verses underscore that God's redemptive plan is not reactive but springs from His own intrinsic, delighted purpose. Similarly, [[Philippians 2:13]] states, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure," indicating that God's divine purpose is both the source and the goal of the believer's sanctification and service.
In [[Colossians 1:19]], it is stated, "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell," again emphasizing God's divine satisfaction and deliberate choice concerning the person of Christ. While less frequent, εὐδοκία can also describe human desire, as seen in [[Romans 10:1]], where Paul expresses his "heart's desire" (εὐδοκία) for Israel's salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
εὐδοκία is closely related to several other Greek terms that illuminate its meaning and theological depth:
* **δοκέω (dokeō) `{{G1380}}`**: As the root verb, it signifies "to seem" or "to think." εὐδοκία adds the dimension of "good" or "well" to this foundational concept, elevating mere opinion to a positive, benevolent disposition or judgment.
* **θέλημα (thelēma) `{{G2307}}`**: Meaning "will" or "desire," θέλημα often overlaps with εὐδοκία when referring to God's purpose. However, εὐδοκία carries a stronger connotation of delight, satisfaction, and benevolent intention, suggesting that God's will (θέλημα) is executed with good pleasure (εὐδοκία).
* **χάρις (charis) `{{G5485}}`**: "Grace" or "favor." εὐδοκία can be seen as the underlying divine disposition that motivates and gives rise to God's grace. God's good pleasure is the fountainhead from which His saving grace flows.
* **ἀγάπη (agapē) `{{G26}}`**: "Love." God's εὐδοκία is intimately connected with His divine love. His good pleasure in saving humanity is an expression of His profound and selfless love.
* **βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`**: "Counsel" or "plan." Like θέλημα, βουλή refers to God's deliberate plan. εὐδοκία highlights the delightful and purposeful nature of this divine counsel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐδοκία is profound, touching upon core doctrines of Christianity:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**: εὐδοκία powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty and initiative in all His works, especially salvation. It reveals that God's redemptive plan is not a reaction to human sin but flows from His eternal, uncoerced, and delighted purpose ([[Ephesians 1:5, 9]]). This emphasizes God's self-sufficiency and His freedom to act according to His own good pleasure.
2. **The Centrality of Christ**: The concept of εὐδοκία is intrinsically linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Father's declaration, "in whom I am well pleased" ([[Matthew 3:17]]), establishes Christ as the ultimate object of divine delight and the perfect embodiment of God's good pleasure. Through Christ, God's benevolent purpose is fully revealed and accomplished.
3. **God's Benevolence Towards Humanity**: In contexts like [[Luke 2:14]], εὐδοκία highlights God's gracious and benevolent disposition towards humanity. It assures believers that God's saving work and the peace He offers are rooted in His inherent good will, not in any human merit or persuasion. This fosters trust and security in God's character.
4. **Motivation for Christian Living**: For believers, understanding that God works "for his good pleasure" within them ([[Philippians 2:13]]) provides immense encouragement and motivation. It signifies that God is actively involved in their sanctification, empowering them to live in accordance with His will, knowing that their efforts are aligned with His delightful purpose.
### Summary
εὐδοκία (eudokía) is a rich theological term signifying God's good pleasure, delight, and benevolent purpose. Rooted in the idea of a "good opinion" or "well-seeming," it conveys a sense of divine satisfaction and active, purposeful will. Its biblical occurrences, particularly in relation to Christ's identity and God's plan of salvation, underscore God's absolute sovereignty and His inherent, uncoerced initiative in all His works. εὐδοκία reveals that God's grace and His redemptive plan for humanity stem from His own delightful and benevolent disposition. For believers, it provides assurance of God's active presence and His empowering work to enable them to live in accordance with His glorious purpose.
TRV