from εὐεργέτης; beneficence (genitive case or specially):--benefit, good deed done.
Transliteration:euergesía
Pronunciation:yoo-erg-es-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εὐεργεσία (euergesía, `{{G2108}}`) is a noun derived from εὐεργέτης (euergetēs, `{{G2109}}`), meaning "benefactor." Etymologically, it combines εὖ (eu), meaning "good" or "well," with ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`), meaning "work" or "deed." Thus, euergesía literally signifies a "good work" or "well-doing." Its core meaning encompasses "beneficence," "a good deed," or "a benefit conferred." It denotes an act that actively promotes the welfare or advantage of another, often implying an act of kindness, favor, or assistance that results in a tangible positive outcome for the recipient. Unlike general "good works," euergesía specifically emphasizes the *beneficial effect* on the one receiving the action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word εὐεργεσία (euergesía, `{{G2108}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 4:9]].
* **[[Acts 4:9]]**: "If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made whole..." (ESV)
* Context: Peter and John are standing before the Sanhedrin, facing interrogation for healing a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple ([[Acts 3:1-10]]). Peter's defense directly references the "good deed" (euergesía) that has been performed. This "good deed" is not merely an act of human charity but a miraculous healing, an undeniable restoration of health and wholeness. Peter immediately attributes this euergesía to the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ([[Acts 4:10]]). The use of euergesía here highlights the undeniable, publicly verifiable, and profoundly beneficial nature of the miracle. It was an act of divine grace and power mediated through the apostles, demonstrating God's active benevolence toward humanity and serving as irrefutable evidence of the truth of the gospel message. The term underscores the positive impact of God's intervention through His servants.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εὐεργέτης (euergetēs, `{{G2109}}`)**: Benefactor, one who does good. This is the agent who performs the euergesía. In the Hellenistic world, this term was often applied to rulers or patrons who conferred benefits upon cities or individuals, often expecting honor or recognition in return. Notably, `{{G2109}}` is used in [[Luke 22:25]] to describe earthly kings who are called "benefactors," contrasting with Jesus' teaching on humble service.
* **ἀγαθοεργία (agathoergia, `{{G17}}`)**: Good works, good deeds. While similar in meaning, agathoergia often emphasizes the *quality* of the work as good, whereas euergesía specifically highlights the *beneficial outcome* for the recipient. `{{G17}}` appears in passages such as [[1 Timothy 6:18]] and [[Titus 2:14]], encouraging believers to be rich in good works.
* **ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`)**: Good (adjective). A foundational term for goodness, which underlies euergesía.
* **ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`)**: Work, deed. The base noun from which euergesía is partially derived.
* **χάρις (charis, `{{G5485}}`)**: Grace, favor, kindness. Euergesía is often a tangible manifestation or expression of divine or human grace extended to others.
* **φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpia, `{{G5363}}`)**: Love for mankind, benevolence. Euergesía is a concrete act demonstrating philanthrōpia.
* **Old Testament Concepts**: The Hebrew concept of חסד (chesed, `{{H2617}}`), often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," or "kindness," embodies the idea of active, loyal benevolence, especially from God to His covenant people. Euergesía in the New Testament reflects this divine attribute of actively doing good.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence in the New Testament, εὐεργεσία (euergesía, `{{G2108}}`) carries profound theological weight, particularly within the context of the book of Acts.
1. **Divine Source of Goodness:** The euergesía in [[Acts 4:9]] is a miraculous healing, directly attributed to the power of Jesus Christ. This establishes that true euergesía in the kingdom of God flows from a divine source. It is not merely human altruism but God's active benevolence manifesting through His Spirit and His servants.
2. **Manifestation of God's Kingdom:** The healing of the lame man is a tangible sign of the inbreaking of God's kingdom, where suffering is alleviated and wholeness is restored. Such "good deeds" are evidence that God is at work, fulfilling His redemptive purposes.
3. **Testimony to the Gospel:** The undeniable nature of the euergesía in Acts serves as a powerful witness to the truth of the apostles' message. It compels attention and demands a response, demonstrating the living power of the resurrected Christ. Even the Sanhedrin, despite their opposition, could not deny the "notable sign" ([[Acts 4:16]]).
4. **Contrast with Worldly Benevolence:** Unlike the "benefactors" of the Greco-Roman world who often sought honor or political gain, the euergesía performed by the apostles led to persecution rather than praise. This highlights a crucial distinction: Christian "good deeds" are motivated by selfless love and obedience to God, pointing beyond the human agent to the divine source, even when it incurs suffering.
5. **A Call to Christian Living:** While the term itself is rare, the underlying concept of performing deeds that genuinely benefit others is central to Christian ethics. Believers are called to reflect God's character by being instruments of His goodness in the world, doing good works that glorify Him ([[Matthew 5:16]], [[Ephesians 2:10]]).
### Summary
εὐεργεσία (euergesía, `{{G2108}}`) signifies a "good deed," "beneficence," or "a benefit conferred," emphasizing the positive impact on the recipient. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 4:9]] refers to the miraculous healing of a lame man, a powerful act of divine intervention attributed to Jesus Christ. This euergesía underscores that genuine good deeds in the Christian context are often manifestations of God's power and grace, serving as undeniable testimony to the gospel. It distinguishes Christian benevolence from worldly philanthropy by its divine origin, its focus on the kingdom of God, and its potential to lead to persecution rather than earthly acclaim. The concept, though expressed in a single instance, profoundly illustrates God's active goodness and the call for believers to be instruments of His beneficial work in the world.
TRV