The Greek word eulogētós, represented by G2128, is an adjective meaning adorable or blessed. It is derived from the word εὐλογέω and appears 8 times in 8 unique verses. In scripture, it is used exclusively as a term of adoration and praise directed toward God.
In its biblical usage, G2128 consistently introduces a declaration of praise. A common refrain is "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," found in passages like Ephesians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:3, and 2 Corinthians 1:3. This highlights God's role as the ultimate source of blessing. In Romans 1:25, the word is used to distinguish the Creator, who is "blessed for ever," from the created things that were wrongly worshipped. Zacharias proclaims, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people" Luke 1:68, connecting the praise to God's redemptive actions. The term is also used as a title for God when the high priest asks Jesus if He is "the Son of the Blessed" Mark 14:61.
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the concept of being blessed:
- G2127 eulogéō (to speak well of... bless): This is the verb form from which G2128 is derived. It is used when God is the one doing the blessing, as in Ephesians, where God has blessed us with spiritual blessings Ephesians 1:3.
- G2129 eulogía (fine speaking... adoration; religiously, benediction): This is the noun for blessing. It can refer to the spiritual blessings given by God Ephesians 1:3 or the adoration given back to Him Revelation 5:13.
- G2316 theós (a deity... the supreme Divinity): This word for God is the subject of the adoration expressed by G2128 in nearly every occurrence, such as in the phrase "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" 2 Corinthians 1:3.
- G3962 patḗr (a "father"): This term is frequently joined with G2316 theós in declarations of praise, identifying the one who is blessed as the Father of Jesus Christ and the "Father of mercies" 2 Corinthians 1:3.
The theological weight of G2128 is significant and centered on the nature of God.
- Divine Adoration: The term is reserved for God the Father and Jesus Christ, signifying a state of being worthy of all praise. It describes who God is in His essence, not just what He does. This is seen clearly in the contrast between the Creator who "is blessed for ever" and the creature Romans 1:25.
- Response to Redemption: Praise using G2128 is often a direct response to God's saving work. God is blessed because He "hath visited and redeemed his people" Luke 1:68 and because He has "begotten us again unto a lively hope" 1 Peter 1:3.
- The Deity of Christ: The application of this term to Jesus Christ is a powerful statement of His divinity. In Romans 9:5, Christ is described as the one who is "over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."
- The Source of Blessing: God is described as blessed G2128 because He is the origin of all blessings G2129. He is the "God of all comfort" 2 Corinthians 1:3 who has "blessed us with all spiritual blessings" Ephesians 1:3.
In summary, G2128 is not merely a word for being fortunate, but a profound term of worship and adoration. It is used exclusively to acknowledge the supreme worthiness of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It frames God as the eternally praiseworthy Creator, the source of all comfort and mercy, and the author of our redemption. The use of eulogētós is a declaration that God alone is adorable and blessed forever.
TRV