### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eulogéō**, represented by `{{G2127}}`, is based on the concept **to speak well of**. It is used religiously to **bless**, which encompasses thanking, invoking a benediction upon, or causing to prosper. It appears 44 times across 41 unique verses in the Bible, demonstrating its significance in divine and human interactions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2127}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It describes God bestowing favor upon humanity, as when God sent Jesus to **bless** people by turning them from iniquity [[Acts 3:26]]. It is also used for people offering praise or thanks to God, as when Simeon took Jesus in his arms and **blessed** God [[Luke 2:28]]. The term is applied to people extending good will to others, such as when Melchizedek **blessed** Abraham [[Hebrews 7:1]]. Finally, it is used for the act of consecrating elements, as when Jesus took bread and **blessed** it at the Last Supper [[Matthew 26:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of `{{G2127}}`:
* `{{G2128}}` **eulogētós** (adorable): This adjective form means "blessed" and is used to describe God as one who is worthy of praise. It is used to declare "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" [[Ephesians 1:3]].
* `{{G2129}}` **eulogía** (blessing): As the noun form, it refers to the benediction or benefit itself. Believers are called to inherit a blessing `{{G2127}}` by offering a **blessing** `{{G2129}}` instead of insults [[1 Peter 3:9]].
* `{{G2672}}` **kataráomai** (to curse): This word is the direct opposite of blessing. Scripture often contrasts the two, commanding believers to **bless** and **curse** not [[Romans 12:14]].
* `{{G134}}` **ainéō** (to praise): This term is often used alongside `{{G2127}}` to describe worship directed toward God, as when the disciples were continually in the temple, **praising** and **blessing** God [[Luke 24:53]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2127}}` is significant, highlighting a divine pattern for believers.
* **Divine Initiative:** God is the primary source of blessing. He blesses his people with spiritual blessings in Christ [[Ephesians 1:3]] and promises to **bless** and multiply them, as he did with Abraham [[Hebrews 6:14]].
* **A Call to Imitation:** Believers are commanded to reflect God's character by blessing others. This includes blessing those who persecute them [[Romans 12:14]] and cursing them [[Matthew 5:44]], transforming the human impulse for retaliation into an act of grace.
* **Worship and Thanksgiving:** The proper response to God's goodness is to **bless** Him. This is an act of praise and adoration, as seen when James states that with the tongue "we **bless** God, even the Father" [[James 3:9]].
* **Consecration:** The act of blessing sets apart common things for a holy purpose. Jesus **blessed** the loaves and fishes before multiplying them [[Matthew 14:19]], and "the cup of blessing which we **bless**" is central to communion [[1 Corinthians 10:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2127}}` is a dynamic term that captures a reciprocal flow of grace. It flows from God to humanity as divine favor and provision. In response, it flows from humanity back to God as praise and adoration. Furthermore, it is commanded to flow from one person to another as an expression of good will and a counter-response to cursing, establishing a core ethic of the Christian faith.
TRV