from the same as εὐπορέω; pecuniary resources:--wealth.
Transliteration:euporía
Pronunciation:yoo-por-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εὐπορία (euporía, `{{G2142}}`) is derived from εὐπορέω (euporeō), which itself is a compound of εὖ (eu, "well" or "good") and πόρος (poros, "a way," "passage," or "resource"). Literally, it signifies "having a good way" or "being well-resourced." Semantically, εὐπορία primarily refers to material wealth, financial resources, or ample provision. It denotes a state of prosperity or abundance, specifically concerning one's pecuniary means or the wherewithal to accomplish something. Its core meaning centers on the possession of sufficient, or even abundant, material assets.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
εὐπορία (euporía, `{{G2142}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 19:25]]: "He gathered them together with the workmen of similar trades and said, 'Men, you know that our prosperity [εὐπορία] comes from this business.'"
* **Context:** This verse is part of the account of the riot in Ephesus, instigated by Demetrius, a silversmith who made shrines for Artemis. Demetrius addresses his fellow craftsmen, expressing concern that Paul's preaching, which taught that "gods made with hands are no gods at all," would undermine their trade. His primary argument, as seen in this verse, is an appeal to their economic self-interest. The εὐπορία he refers to is their financial well-being and livelihood, directly derived from the idolatrous practice of crafting and selling pagan shrines.
* **Analysis:** The singular occurrence of εὐπορία here is highly illustrative. It highlights the direct conflict between the spiritual truth of the Gospel and the worldly pursuit of wealth. The silversmiths' εὐπορία was contingent upon the continued worship of Artemis, making the spread of Christianity a direct threat to their material security. The term is used in a purely secular sense to describe the worldly prosperity that was being jeopardized, underscoring the powerful grip that economic concerns can have on human actions and resistance to divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms in the New Testament relate to wealth and possessions, offering nuances distinct from εὐπορία:
* πλοῦτος (ploutos, `{{G4149}}`): This is a more general term for "wealth" or "riches," encompassing both material and sometimes spiritual abundance. While εὐπορία emphasizes the *resources* or *means*, πλοῦτος often refers to the *state* of being rich or the *accumulation* of riches.
* χρῆμα (chrēma, `{{G5536}}`): Denotes "money," "possessions," or "property," often in the sense of what is used or possessed.
* ὑπάρχοντα (hyparchonta, `{{G5224}}`): Refers to "possessions," "goods," or "property," often emphasizing what one already owns.
* **Concepts:**
* **Materialism:** The excessive preoccupation with or desire for material possessions and worldly comforts. The use of εὐπορία in [[Acts 19:25]] vividly portrays the materialistic motivations that can oppose spiritual advancement.
* **Prosperity:** The state of flourishing, thriving, or succeeding, particularly in financial or material terms.
* **Idolatry of Wealth:** The biblical warning against making wealth an ultimate priority or source of security, effectively replacing God. This is implicitly demonstrated by the silversmiths' actions.
* **Stewardship:** While εὐπορία describes the possession of resources, the broader biblical concept of stewardship calls for the responsible and God-honoring management of all resources, including wealth, as gifts from God.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of εὐπορία in [[Acts 19:25]] carries significant theological weight, serving as a powerful illustration of a recurring biblical theme: the inherent tension between worldly εὐπορία and the demands of the Kingdom of God.
1. **Obstacle to the Gospel:** The primary theological insight is how material wealth can become a formidable obstacle to the reception and advancement of the Gospel. Demetrius's appeal demonstrates that economic interests can blind individuals to spiritual truth and incite opposition to those who proclaim it. The silversmiths' εὐπορία was directly tied to their idolatrous practices, making their financial security a direct competitor to their spiritual allegiance.
2. **Warning against Worldly Security:** This incident echoes broader New Testament warnings against placing trust in riches (e.g., [[Matthew 6:19-21]], [[Luke 12:15]], [[1 Timothy 6:9-10]]). While wealth itself is not inherently evil, the love of it, or the dependence upon it for security and identity, can lead to covetousness, compromise, and ultimately, a rejection of God's sovereignty. The εὐπορία of the Ephesians was a source of their worldly confidence, which was challenged by Paul's ministry.
3. **Conflict of Kingdoms:** The narrative in Acts 19 vividly portrays the clash between the values of the world (represented by the pursuit and preservation of εὐπορία through idolatry) and the values of the Kingdom of God (represented by Paul's proclamation of the one true God and the call to repentance from idolatry). This conflict highlights that allegiance to Christ often requires a reordering of priorities, where material gain takes a subordinate role to spiritual truth and eternal life.
### Summary
εὐπορία (euporía, `{{G2142}}`) refers to "pecuniary resources" or "wealth," stemming from the concept of having ample means. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 19:25]] is profoundly instructive. In this context, it describes the material prosperity of the Ephesian silversmiths, which was directly threatened by the spread of the Christian message and its challenge to idolatry. This specific usage powerfully illustrates how worldly εὐπορία can serve as a significant motivator for opposition to the Gospel, revealing the deep-seated conflict between temporal gain and eternal truth. The word, though denoting a secular concept, thus carries a potent theological implication, underscoring the biblical warnings against the deceptive allure of riches and the necessity of prioritizing spiritual devotion over material security.
TRV