### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εὐλογητός (eulogētós, `{{G2128}}`) is an adjective derived from the verb εὐλογέω (eulogeō, to bless, to speak well of). While often translated simply as "blessed," its precise meaning carries a crucial nuance, particularly in contrast to other forms of the same root. εὐλογητός denotes one who is "worthy of praise," "adorable," or "to be blessed." It describes an inherent quality or nature that elicits and deserves blessing and adoration. This is distinct from εὐλογημένος (eulogēmenos), which is the perfect passive participle of εὐλογέω and typically means "one who has been blessed" or "one upon whom blessing has been bestowed." Thus, εὐλογητός points to the *source* of blessedness and the *object* of all praise, rather than someone who has *received* a blessing. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the intrinsic praiseworthiness of its subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, εὐλογητός (eulogētós, `{{G2128}}`) is used exclusively of God. This consistent application underscores the word's unique theological weight. It never refers to humans, angels, or any created being, thereby preserving a distinct theological boundary.
Key occurrences include:
* In Mark's Gospel, during Jesus' trial before the high priest, the high priest asks, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" [[Mark 14:61]]. Here, "the Blessed" is a reverent circumlocution for God, emphasizing His inherent praiseworthiness.
* Zechariah's prophecy in Luke begins with a doxology: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people." [[Luke 1:68]]. This declaration acknowledges God's intrinsic worthiness of praise for His salvific acts.
* Paul uses εὐλογητός in several powerful doxological statements:
* In Romans 1:25, contrasting the worship of creation with the worship of the Creator, Paul states, "...the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." This highlights God's eternal and unchangeable nature as the supremely praiseworthy one.
* Romans 9:5 famously attributes this title to Christ: "...and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen." This passage is a strong affirmation of Christ's divinity, applying to Him the very same attribute reserved for God the Father.
* In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Ephesians 1:3, and 1 Peter 1:3, the epistles commence with the phrase, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..." These opening doxologies set a tone of profound reverence and adoration, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all spiritual blessings and the one supremely worthy of all praise.
The consistent usage in doxologies and as a direct appellation for God demonstrates that εὐλογητός functions as a declaration of God's intrinsic nature: He is, by definition, the one who is to be praised and adored.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding εὐλογητός (eulogētós, `{{G2128}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic family and theological parallels:
* **εὐλογέω (eulogeō):** The verbal root means "to speak well of," "to praise," "to bless." When God blesses, He bestows favor or power. When humans "bless" God, they praise and acknowledge His goodness.
* **εὐλογία (eulogia):** The noun form, meaning "blessing" or "praise." It can refer to the act of blessing or the benefit received from a blessing.
* **εὐλογημένος (eulogēmenos):** The perfect passive participle, meaning "one who has been blessed." This form is frequently applied to humans who have received divine favor (e.g., Jesus in [[Matthew 21:9]], Mary in [[Luke 1:42]], children in [[Mark 10:16]]). The distinction with εὐλογητός is crucial: εὐλογημένος describes the *recipient* of blessing, whereas εὐλογητός describes the one *worthy* of blessing.
* **μακάριος (makarios):** Another Greek word translated as "blessed," but with a different semantic range. μακάριος typically denotes a state of happiness, well-being, or divine favor (e.g., the Beatitudes in [[Matthew 5:3-12]]). While related to blessing, it does not carry the same inherent sense of worthiness of praise as εὐλογητός.
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The closest Hebrew equivalent is בָּרוּךְ (baruch, `{{H1288}}`), often translated as "blessed." Like εὐλογητός, baruch is frequently applied to God in doxological contexts (e.g., "Blessed be the Lord" in [[Psalm 72:18]], [[Psalm 119:12]]). This strong parallel highlights the continuity of theological expression between the Old and New Testaments regarding God's intrinsic praiseworthiness.
### Theological Significance
The consistent application of εὐλογητός (eulogētós, `{{G2128}}`) to God alone carries profound theological significance:
1. **God's Intrinsic Worthiness:** It declares that God is inherently, eternally, and supremely worthy of all praise, adoration, and blessing. His blessedness is not contingent on human actions or circumstances but is an essential attribute of His being. We do not make God blessed; we acknowledge and declare His pre-existing blessedness.
2. **Foundation for Worship:** This word forms the bedrock of biblical worship and doxology. To declare God "blessed" is to participate in the highest form of praise, recognizing His absolute supremacy and glory. It shifts the focus from what God can do for us to who God is in Himself.
3. **Creator-Creature Distinction:** By reserving εὐλογητός exclusively for God, the New Testament maintains a clear distinction between the Creator and creation. While humans can be εὐλογημένος (recipients of blessing), only God is εὐλογητός (the source and ultimate object of all blessing and praise).
4. **Affirmation of Divine Nature:** The application of εὐλογητός to Jesus Christ in [[Romans 9:5]] is a powerful Christological statement, affirming His full deity alongside the Father. It places Him within the sphere of the uniquely praiseworthy God.
5. **Call to Acknowledgment:** The use of εὐλογητός serves as a constant reminder and call for believers to direct their praise and worship towards the one true God, acknowledging His unparalleled majesty and goodness.
### Summary
εὐλογητός (eulogētós, `{{G2128}}`) is a Greek adjective meaning "worthy of praise," "adorable," or "to be blessed." Unlike εὐλογημένος (eulogēmenos), which describes one who has received blessing, εὐλογητός denotes an inherent quality of supreme praiseworthiness. In the New Testament, it is applied exclusively to God, often in doxological contexts, serving as a profound declaration of His intrinsic nature as the ultimate object and source of all blessing and adoration. This word underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His unique position as Creator, and provides the theological foundation for all worship and praise directed towards Him. Its application to Christ further affirms His full deity.
TRV