from the same as εὐνοέω; kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty:--benevolence, good will.
Transliteration:eúnoia
Pronunciation:yoo'-noy-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εὔνοια (eúnoia), Strong's `{{G2133}}`, is derived from εὐνοέω (eunoéō), which signifies "to be well-disposed" or "to think well of." The word itself is a compound of εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and νοῦς (nous), meaning "mind" or "intellect." Thus, at its core, εὔνοια literally translates to a "good mind" or "goodwill."
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Goodwill and Benevolence:** This is the primary and most general meaning, referring to a favorable disposition towards someone, a kind inclination, or a sincere desire for their well-being. It denotes an inner attitude of kindness and positive regard.
* **Kindness and Favor:** Beyond the internal disposition, εὔνοια can also refer to the active manifestation or expression of this good disposition, though this is less common than χάρις `{{G5485}}` (grace/favor).
* **Conjugal Duty/Kindness (Euphemistic):** In a specific and notable New Testament context, εὔνοια takes on a euphemistic meaning referring to the mutual sexual rights and responsibilities within marriage, understood as an act of "due benevolence" or "conjugal kindness." This usage underscores that even intimate marital relations should be characterized by a willing and benevolent spirit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὔνοια (eúnoia) appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its two occurrences are highly instructive for understanding its nuanced meaning and application.
* **[[Ephesians 6:7]]**: "rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to men."
* In this passage, Paul exhorts slaves (and by extension, all believers in their work and service) to perform their duties not merely out of compulsion or eye-service, but "with a good will" (μετ’ εὐνοίας). Here, εὔνοια emphasizes the *attitude* behind the action. It signifies a sincere, willing, and benevolent disposition in one's work, transforming mundane labor into an act of worship when performed "as to the Lord." This εὔνοια suggests an internal motivation rooted in love and devotion, rather than external pressure or desire for human approval.
* **[[1 Corinthians 7:3]]**: "Let the husband render to his wife the due benevolence (τὴν ὀφειλομένην εὔνοιαν), and likewise also the wife to her husband."
* This is the most distinctive and significant usage of εὔνοια. The phrase "τὴν ὀφειλομένην εὔνοιαν" literally means "the owed goodwill" or "the due kindness." In this context, it unequivocally refers to the mutual fulfillment of marital intimacy. Paul uses εὔνοια as a euphemism for sexual relations within marriage, emphasizing that this aspect of the marital bond is not a cold transaction but a mutual obligation characterized by kindness, willingness, and a benevolent spirit. It highlights that marital intimacy should be an expression of loving goodwill, not a grudging duty or selfish demand.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀγάπη (agápē) `{{G26}}`**: While εὔνοια describes a disposition of goodwill, ἀγάπη is the broader, self-sacrificial, divine love that is the foundation of all Christian relationships. εὔνοια can be seen as a specific manifestation or component of ἀγάπη, particularly in its active expression of benevolence.
* **φιλία (philía) `{{G5373}}`**: This term denotes affection, friendship, or fondness. εὔνοια shares the aspect of positive regard with φιλία, but εὔνοια can describe a more general benevolent disposition, whereas φιλία often implies a reciprocal, intimate bond.
* **χάρις (cháris) `{{G5485}}`**: Meaning "grace" or "favor," χάρις often refers to unmerited favor from God or a gracious act bestowed upon another. While εὔνοια is the internal disposition of goodwill, χάρις often describes the *effect* or *expression* of that goodwill as a gift or benefit. εὔνοια can be the underlying motivation for an act of χάρις.
* **καλοσύνη (kalosýnē) `{{G2570}}`**: This word signifies "goodness" or "uprightness," referring to an inherent moral quality. A person possessing καλοσύνη would naturally exhibit εὔνοια in their interactions.
* **ὀφείλω (opheílō) `{{G3784}}`**: To owe or be indebted. In [[1 Corinthians 7:3]], εὔνοια is described as "owed" (ὀφειλομένην), underscoring that this goodwill, especially in the marital context, is not optional but a mutual, loving obligation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὔνοια lies in its profound emphasis on the internal disposition of the heart as paramount to authentic Christian living and relationships.
* **Holistic Obedience and Service:** In the context of service ([[Ephesians 6:7]]), εὔνοια elevates Christian labor beyond mere obligation. It teaches that God values not only the *act* of service but also the *attitude* with which it is performed. Service rendered with εὔνοια is an expression of devotion and willing submission to the Lord, transforming even mundane tasks into spiritual acts. This underscores the biblical principle that true obedience flows from a heart that is well-disposed towards God and others.
* **Sanctification of Marriage:** The use of εὔνοια in [[1 Corinthians 7:3]] is highly significant for Christian marriage. By describing marital intimacy as "due benevolence," Paul sanctifies this aspect of the relationship, moving it beyond mere physical gratification or biological function. It becomes an expression of mutual goodwill, kindness, and self-giving love within the covenant of marriage. This perspective safeguards marital intimacy from selfishness, exploitation, or grudging compliance, promoting a relationship characterized by mutual respect, willingness, and a desire for the spouse's well-being, reflecting the agápē `{{G26}}` of Christ for His Church.
* **Reflection of Divine Character:** While εὔνοια is not directly used to describe God's character, the concept of God's benevolent disposition towards humanity is central to the Gospel. God's χάρις `{{G5485}}` (grace) and ἀγάπη `{{G26}}` (love) are expressions of His ultimate goodwill towards His creation. When believers cultivate and express εὔνοια in their relationships and service, they are reflecting a facet of God's own character and disposition, becoming conduits of His benevolence in the world.
### Summary
εὔνοια (eúnoia), `{{G2133}}`, is a Greek term signifying "goodwill" or "benevolence," fundamentally denoting a "good mind" or a well-disposed heart. Its New Testament usage highlights its importance in two key areas: Christian service and marital relationships. In [[Ephesians 6:7]], it describes the willing and sincere attitude with which believers should serve, transforming labor into an act of worship. Most notably, in [[1 Corinthians 7:3]], εὔνοια is used euphemistically to refer to the "due benevolence" or mutual conjugal kindness within marriage, emphasizing that even intimate relations should be characterized by a spirit of willing generosity and care. Theologically, εὔνοια underscores that the internal disposition of the heart is crucial for authentic Christian living, fostering holistic obedience and sanctified relationships that reflect God's own benevolent character. It calls believers to act not merely out of obligation, but from a genuine, inner desire for the good of others.
TRV