from εὖ and a presumed derivative of μεταδίδωμι; good at imparting, i.e. liberal:--ready to distribute.
Transliteration:eumetádotos
Pronunciation:yoo-met-ad'-ot-os
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos, `{{G2130}}`) is a compound word derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and a presumed derivative of μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi, `{{G3330}}`), meaning "to give a share of," "to impart," or "to distribute." Thus, εὐμετάδοτος literally signifies "good at imparting" or "well-disposed to share." Its core meaning denotes a disposition of ready generosity, an inclination to distribute one's possessions or resources liberally and without reluctance. It implies not merely the act of giving, but a benevolent and proactive spirit that seeks opportunities to share. The word captures the essence of liberality and open-handedness, emphasizing the internal attitude that precedes and motivates the outward act of giving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos, `{{G2130}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Timothy 6:18]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul provides instructions to Timothy regarding the conduct of those who are rich in the present age. Paul exhorts them: "to do good, to be rich in good works, to be ready to distribute (εὐμετάδοτος), willing to communicate (κοινωνικός)."
The immediate context is a warning against the dangers of wealth and the temptation to trust in uncertain riches ([[1 Timothy 6:17]]). Instead, the rich are commanded to place their hope in God and to use their wealth for righteous purposes. The pairing of εὐμετάδοτος ("ready to distribute") with κοινωνικός (koinōnikos, `{{G2844}}`, "willing to communicate" or "ready to share") is significant. κοινωνικός emphasizes the aspect of fellowship and partnership, suggesting that sharing one's resources fosters communal bonds and mutual support. Together, these terms paint a picture of active, intentional, and relational generosity. It is not a passive waiting for requests, but an eager readiness to identify needs and to give from one's abundance, thereby participating in the well-being of others and the advancement of God's purposes. The command is not simply to give, but to cultivate a *disposition* of cheerful and abundant giving.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos, `{{G2130}}`) is rich with related biblical concepts and terms:
* **μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi, `{{G3330}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to give a share of" or "to impart." Examples include sharing food ([[Luke 3:11]]), spiritual gifts ([[Romans 1:11]]), or the gospel ([[Romans 1:11]]).
* **κοινωνικός (koinōnikos, `{{G2844}}`):** "Ready to share," "communicative," "generous." As seen in [[1 Timothy 6:18]], it directly parallels εὐμετάδοτος, emphasizing the communal aspect of sharing.
* **δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`):** The general verb "to give." εὐμετάδοτος specifies a particular *quality* of giving – one that is generous and ready.
* **ἀγαθοεργία (agathoergia, `{{G18}}`):** "Good works" or "well-doing." The rich are exhorted to be "rich in good works," which encompasses the readiness to distribute.
* **φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpia, `{{G5363}}`):** "Love for mankind," often expressed through acts of benevolence and generosity ([[Titus 3:4]]).
* **Generosity (ἀγαθωσύνη - agathōsynē, `{{G19}}`), liberality, beneficence:** These are virtues that εὐμετάδοτος embodies, reflecting a Christ-like character that prioritizes the needs of others.
* **Stewardship:** The concept that believers are managers of God's resources, called to use them wisely and generously for His glory.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos, `{{G2130}}`) in [[1 Timothy 6:18]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning Christian ethics and the use of material possessions.
1. **Reflection of God's Character:** God Himself is the ultimate εὐμετάδοτος, the supremely generous Giver. He gives life, breath, and everything ([[Acts 17:25]]), and most profoundly, His only Son ([[John 3:16]]). For believers to be "ready to distribute" is to reflect the very nature of their benevolent Creator and Redeemer.
2. **Proper Stewardship of Wealth:** The instruction to the rich is a direct challenge to the idolatry of mammon. Wealth is not to be hoarded or trusted in, but viewed as a divine trust to be managed for kingdom purposes. Being εὐμετάδοτος transforms wealth from a potential snare into a tool for righteousness and blessing.
3. **Expression of Love and Fellowship:** Christian generosity is an outflow of *agape* love. It is a practical demonstration of loving one's neighbor as oneself, actively meeting needs and fostering community. The pairing with κοινωνικός underscores that giving is an act of fellowship, building up the body of Christ and extending compassion to the world.
4. **Laying Up Treasure in Heaven:** The passage in [[1 Timothy 6:19]] explicitly links being εὐμετάδοτος to "storing up for themselves a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the true life." This connects earthly generosity with eternal reward, reorienting the believer's perspective from temporal accumulation to eternal investment.
5. **Spiritual Discipline and Maturity:** Cultivating a εὐμετάδοτος spirit is a mark of spiritual maturity, demonstrating freedom from materialism and a heart aligned with God's priorities. It is a continuous process of crucifying self-centeredness and embracing Christ-like self-giving.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐμετάδοτος (eumetádotos, `{{G2130}}`) describes a benevolent and proactive disposition to share one's resources, particularly wealth, with others. Appearing uniquely in [[1 Timothy 6:18]], it is a direct command to the rich within the Christian community, urging them to be "ready to distribute" and "willing to communicate." This term highlights not merely the act of giving, but the internal attitude of eager generosity and liberality. Theologically, εὐμετάδοτος reflects the character of God as the ultimate Giver, underscores the principles of faithful stewardship, serves as a tangible expression of Christian love and fellowship, and points to the eternal rewards of living a life focused on heavenly rather than earthly treasures. It calls believers to cultivate a heart that is open-handed and eager to bless others, transforming material possessions into instruments of divine purpose and spiritual growth.
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