from a compound of ἑτοιμάζω and the base of πορεία; (intransitively) to be good for passing through, i.e. (figuratively) have pecuniary means:--ability.
Transliteration:euporéō
Pronunciation:yoo-por-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εὐπορέω (euporéō), Strong's `{{G2141}}`, is a compound word derived from εὐ (eu), meaning "good" or "well," and πορέω (poreō), "to go" or "to pass through," which itself comes from πορεία (poreia), "a journey." Literally, the word suggests "to be good for passing through" or "to have a good journey." This original sense implies possessing adequate provisions or resources to successfully undertake a journey.
In its figurative and more common usage in ancient Greek, εὐπορέω transitioned to mean "to be well-resourced," particularly in a financial sense. It denotes having sufficient pecuniary means, being prosperous, or possessing the financial "ability" to accomplish something. The nuance is not necessarily immense wealth, but rather a state of having enough resources to meet needs or to contribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εὐπορέω occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 11:29]]**: "Then the disciples, every man according to his *ability* (εὐπορέω), determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea."
In this sole instance, the context is crucial. The prophet Agabus had foretold a great famine that would spread over the entire Roman world. In response, the disciples in Antioch, moved by this prophecy and their love for their fellow believers, decided to send practical aid to the Christians in Judea. The phrase "according to his ability" (καθὼς εὐπορεῖτο τις) clearly indicates that each individual contributed financially in proportion to what they possessed or were capable of giving. This is not a command for equal giving, but for proportionate giving based on one's economic capacity. The use of εὐπορέω here underscores the practical, material dimension of their charitable act, demonstrating that their compassion was not merely emotional but translated into tangible financial support.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of εὐπορέω connects it to several other Greek words and theological concepts:
* **πλοῦτος (ploutos)** `{{G4149}}` and **πλουτέω (plouteō)** `{{G4148}}`: These terms refer to wealth and the state of being rich. While εὐπορέω implies having sufficient means, πλοῦτος can denote a greater abundance or even superabundance.
* **περισσεύω (perisseuō)** `{{G4052}}`: Meaning "to abound" or "to have in abundance," this word captures the idea of having more than enough, which is a prerequisite for having "ability" to give.
* **χρῆμα (chrēma)** `{{G5536}}`: This noun directly refers to money or possessions, the very resources implied by εὐπορέω.
* **δίδωμι (didōmi)** `{{G1325}}`: "To give." The "ability" to give (εὐπορέω) naturally leads to the act of giving (δίδωμι).
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia)** `{{G2842}}`: This significant term refers to fellowship, sharing, and participation, often in a material sense (e.g., financial contributions to support the church or those in need). The act described in [[Acts 11:29]] is a profound example of κοινωνία.
The concept conveyed by εὐπορέω is thus closely intertwined with the broader biblical teachings on stewardship, generosity, and mutual support within the community of faith.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, εὐπορέω in [[Acts 11:29]] carries significant theological weight for understanding Christian ethics and ecclesial practice:
1. **Proportionate Giving**: The phrase "every man according to his ability" establishes a foundational principle for Christian giving. It is not about a fixed amount or percentage, but about a contribution that is proportional to one's resources. This aligns with later Pauline instructions (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 16:2]], [[2 Corinthians 8:12]]), emphasizing that generosity should be an overflow of one's blessings, not a burden.
2. **Practical Charity and Mutual Aid**: The passage vividly illustrates the early church's commitment to practical love and mutual aid. When one part of the body of Christ suffered, another part, possessing the "ability," responded with tangible support. This transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, demonstrating the unity and interconnectedness of believers.
3. **Stewardship of Resources**: The use of εὐπορέω implies that believers viewed their financial means not solely for personal consumption but as resources entrusted to them by God, to be used for the welfare of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. It highlights a responsible and generous approach to material possessions.
4. **Faith in Action**: The decision to send aid was prompted by a prophetic word about an impending famine. This demonstrates faith translated into concrete action, where spiritual insight leads to practical, loving responses to human need.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐπορέω (euporéō), Strong's `{{G2141}}`, literally signifies "to be good for passing through" or "well-resourced for a journey." In its New Testament usage, it denotes having sufficient financial means or pecuniary "ability." Its sole occurrence in [[Acts 11:29]] is profoundly illustrative: the disciples in Antioch, each "according to his ability," determined to send financial relief to the famine-stricken believers in Judea. This instance establishes key theological principles: the importance of proportionate giving, the practical outworking of Christian charity and mutual aid within the global body of Christ, and the understanding of material resources as a means for faithful stewardship and love in action. εὐπορέω thus encapsulates the practical and ethical dimension of Christian discipleship, where faith actively responds to need with tangible generosity.
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