The Greek word eupeithḗs, represented by G2138, is defined as being compliant or easy to be intreated. The term comes from roots meaning "good for persuasion." It is a rare word, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, giving it a very specific and focused meaning within its scriptural context.
The single use of G2138 is in James 3:17, where it helps describe the qualities of divine wisdom. The verse reads, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" James 3:17. Here, being easy to be intreated is not a sign of weakness but is presented as a core virtue of a character shaped by God's wisdom, alongside other positive attributes.
Several related words in James 3:17 help clarify the meaning of G2138:
- G1933 epieikḗs (gentle): Defined as "appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild:--gentle, moderation, patient." This quality is listed directly before easy to be intreated, showing the close link between a mild temperament and a compliant, teachable spirit. Believers are also instructed to be gentle to all people Titus 3:2.
- G1516 eirēnikós (peaceable): Defined as "pacific; by implication, salutary:--peaceable." This establishes that a compliant nature is rooted in a peaceful disposition. The concept is similarly used to describe the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" that comes from discipline Hebrews 12:11.
- G1656 éleos (mercy): Defined as "compassion (human or divine, especially active):--(+ tender) mercy." The wisdom from above is "full of mercy" James 3:17, suggesting that being easy to be intreated flows from a heart filled with active compassion, reflecting the character of God who is "rich in mercy" Ephesians 2:4.
The theological weight of G2138 is found in its contribution to understanding the nature of heavenly wisdom.
- A Mark of Divine Wisdom: Its inclusion in James 3:17 elevates the quality of being compliant and persuadable from a simple personality trait to a key characteristic of the wisdom that originates "from above."
- A Prerequisite for Fruitfulness: The quality is directly connected to being "full of mercy and good fruits" James 3:17. This implies that a humble, teachable heart is necessary for a believer to produce the tangible, positive works that God desires.
- A Component of Godly Character: The term is part of a list of interconnected virtues. This demonstrates that being easy to be intreated is an essential piece of the holistic character that includes being peaceable G1516, gentle G1933, and pure.
In summary, G2138 eupeithḗs, though used only once, provides a powerful description of a spirit that is open to good persuasion. It is not an isolated attribute but a cornerstone of "the wisdom that is from above" James 3:17. As a quality linked directly to gentleness, peace, and mercy, it illustrates that a compliant and teachable spirit is a fundamental aspect of a life that bears good fruits and reflects divine character.
TRV