from a compound of εὖ and ποιέω; well-doing, i.e. beneficence:--to do good.
Transliteration:eupoiḯa
Pronunciation:yoo-poy-ee'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εὐποιΐα (eupoi`a, `{{G2140}}`) is a compound word derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and ποιέω (poieō), meaning "to do" or "to make." Thus, its core meaning is "well-doing" or "good-doing." Semantically, it refers to the active demonstration of beneficence, kindness, and charitable action. It emphasizes the *act* of doing good, rather than merely the intention or a passive state. It denotes practical, outward expressions of virtue, often in the form of aid, generosity, or benevolent service to others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐποιΐα (eupoi`a, `{{G2140}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **[[Hebrews 13:16]]**: "Do not neglect to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
In this verse, εὐποιΐα is paired with κοινωνία (koinonia, `{{G2842}}`), which signifies "sharing" or "fellowship." The author of Hebrews is providing a series of practical exhortations for Christian living, following earlier discussions on brotherly love, hospitality, and remembering those in prison. The command "Do not neglect to do good and to share" (τῆς δὲ εὐποιΐας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε) presents these actions as essential aspects of the Christian life. Crucially, these acts of beneficence and sharing are explicitly called "sacrifices" (τοιάυταις γὰρ θυσίαις εὐαρεστεῖται ὁ Θεός) with which God is "pleased." This statement redefines acceptable worship, shifting the emphasis from the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant to ethical and benevolent actions as the true offerings pleasing to God in the New Covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "doing good" is pervasive throughout the New Testament, often expressed through various related terms:
* ἀγαθοεργία (agathoergia, `{{G18}}`): "doing good works, beneficence." This noun is very close in meaning and is found in pastoral epistles (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:18]], [[Titus 2:14]]). It combines ἀγαθός (agathos, good) and ἔργον (ergon, work).
* ἀγαθοποιέω (agathopoieō, `{{G17}}`): The verb "to do good, to do what is right." This is a more frequent term, appearing in passages like [[1 Peter 2:15]] and [[3 John 1:11]].
* ἔργον καλόν (ergon kalon): "good work" or "noble deed." The adjective καλός (kalos, `{{G2570}}`) often denotes that which is inherently good, beautiful, and honorable, and is frequently used in conjunction with ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`) to describe commendable actions (e.g., [[Matthew 5:16]], [[Titus 3:8]]).
* φιλαδελφία (philadelphia, `{{G5360}}`): "brotherly love." This concept, also mentioned in [[Hebrews 13:1]], provides the motivation for εὐποιΐα within the Christian community.
* **Sacrifice (θυσία, thysia, `{{G2378}}`):** The explicit connection in [[Hebrews 13:16]] to "sacrifices" highlights that acts of beneficence are not merely ethical duties but acts of worship and devotion to God.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of εὐποιΐα in [[Hebrews 13:16]] carries profound theological weight:
1. **Redefinition of Worship:** The most significant aspect is the elevation of active beneficence and sharing to the status of "sacrifices" that are pleasing to God. In the context of Hebrews, which contrasts the Old Covenant with the New, this verse signifies a shift from ritualistic animal sacrifices to the "spiritual sacrifices" of ethical living and selfless service. True worship under the New Covenant is not confined to temple rituals but extends to the practical outworking of love and generosity in daily life.
2. **Divine Pleasure:** The phrase "for with such sacrifices God is pleased" underscores that these acts align with God's very character and will. God finds delight in the tangible expressions of love and kindness shown by His people, particularly towards one another and those in need. This provides a powerful motivation for believers to engage in εὐποιΐα.
3. **Holistic Christian Life:** εὐποιΐα emphasizes that faith is not merely intellectual assent or inward piety, but an active, outward-focused lifestyle. It integrates belief with behavior, demonstrating that genuine faith leads to tangible acts of goodness and generosity. It is a cornerstone of practical Christian ethics.
4. **Community and Koinonia:** The pairing of εὐποιΐα with κοινωνία highlights the communal aspect of Christian living. "Doing good" often involves sharing resources, time, and compassion within the believing community and beyond, fostering genuine fellowship and mutual support.
### Summary
εὐποιΐα (eupoi`a, `{{G2140}}`) denotes "well-doing" or "beneficence"—the active and practical demonstration of kindness and generosity. Though appearing only once in the New Testament, its context in [[Hebrews 13:16]] is highly significant. Here, acts of doing good and sharing are presented as "sacrifices" that are profoundly pleasing to God. This singular usage underscores a fundamental theological truth: under the New Covenant, true worship extends beyond ritual to encompass a life of active benevolence and selfless service. εὐποιΐα thus stands as a vital component of Christian ethics, demonstrating that genuine faith is expressed through outward acts of love and compassion, which bring delight to the Divine.
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