from εὖ and a derivative of προσδέχομαι; well-received, i.e. approved, favorable:--acceptable(-ted).
Transliteration:euprósdektos
Pronunciation:yoo-pros'-dek-tos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprósdektos, `{{G2144}}`) is a compound adjective formed from two distinct elements. The first is the adverb εὖ (eu), meaning "well," "good," or "rightly." The second component derives from the verb προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai), which signifies "to receive to oneself," "to welcome," "to accept," or "to expect." Synthesizing these parts, εὐπρόσδεκτος literally means "well-received" or "readily acceptable." Its semantic range extends to encompass that which is pleasing, favorable, or approved. It carries the nuance of something that is not merely tolerated but is met with positive affirmation, welcome, and favor, whether from a divine or human perspective. The term implies that the object or action in question meets a standard of approval and is therefore deemed worthy of acceptance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
εὐπρόσδεκτος appears five times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Pauline epistles, each instance enriching our understanding of its specific application:
* **[[Romans 15:16]]**: Paul describes his apostolic ministry among the Gentiles as a priestly service (λειτουργόν), aiming for the offering (προσφορά) of the Gentiles to be εὐπρόσδεκτος, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Here, the acceptability is before God, framing the conversion and spiritual growth of the Gentiles as a spiritual sacrifice that is pleasing and approved by the Divine.
* **[[Romans 15:31]]**: Paul prays that his "service" (διακονία) for the saints in Jerusalem might be εὐπρόσδεκτος to them. In this context, εὐπρόσδεκτος refers to the reception of his financial collection for the impoverished believers. The concern is that the Jewish Christians would genuinely accept the Gentile contribution, fostering unity rather than suspicion.
* **[[2 Corinthians 6:2]]**: Quoting from Isaiah 49:8, Paul declares, "In an acceptable time (καιρῷ εὐπροσδέκτῳ) I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I helped you." This is a divine pronouncement of a specific, opportune moment when God's favor and readiness to provide salvation are uniquely present and accessible to humanity.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:12]]**: In discussing the collection for the Jerusalem saints, Paul states, "For if the willingness is present, it is εὐπρόσδεκτος according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." Here, the acceptability of a gift is determined by the sincerity and readiness of the giver's heart, not by the material size of the contribution. God values the disposition of the giver above the exact amount.
* **[[Philippians 4:18]]**: Paul characterizes the financial gift from the Philippians as "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice (θυσίαν εὐπρόσδεκτον), pleasing to God." This echoes the cultic language of [[Romans 15:16]], elevating their material support to a spiritual offering that finds favor and approval with God.
Across these contexts, εὐπρόσδεκτος consistently conveys the idea of something being met with favor, approval, and welcome, whether from God or from fellow believers, often implying a willing and favorable reception based on proper motive or divine timing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of εὐπρόσδεκτος is enhanced by examining its etymological roots and semantic neighbors:
* **εὖ (eu):** The prefix εὖ is fundamental, signifying "well" or "good." It is a common component in Greek compound words that denote positive qualities or actions, such as εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, `{{G2098}}`, good news) or εὐλογέω (eulogeō, `{{G2127}}`, to speak well of, to bless). Its presence in εὐπρόσδεκτος immediately signals a positive reception.
* **προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai):** The root verb from which the latter part of εὐπρόσδεκτος is derived, meaning "to receive," "to welcome," or "to expect." Its usage, such as Simeon "waiting for" the consolation of Israel in [[Luke 2:25]] or believers "waiting for" the blessed hope in [[Titus 2:13]], indicates an active and often eager anticipation or acceptance.
* **δέχομαι (dechomai):** The simpler verb "to receive" or "to accept" (e.g., [[Luke 8:13]], [[Acts 28:7]]). While δέχομαι can be neutral, προσδέχομαι and thus εὐπρόσδεκτος often imply a more intentional and favorable reception.
* **ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai):** Meaning "to receive gladly" or "to welcome heartily" (e.g., [[Acts 2:41]], [[Acts 24:3]]). This word also carries a strong sense of approval and favorable reception, closely paralleling the nuance of εὐπρόσδεκτος.
* **ἀρεστός (arestos):** An adjective meaning "pleasing" or "agreeable" (e.g., [[Acts 6:2]], [[Acts 12:3]]). While ἀρεστός focuses on the inherent quality of being pleasing, εὐπρόσδεκτος emphasizes the *resultant reception* and *acceptance* of that pleasing quality.
* **θυσία (thysia):** "Sacrifice" or "offering." εὐπρόσδεκτος is explicitly linked with θυσία in [[Romans 15:16]] and [[Philippians 4:18]], highlighting the spiritual and sacrificial nature of acceptable Christian service and giving in the New Covenant.
* **λειτουργία (leitourgia):** "Service" or "ministry." [[Romans 15:16]] connects εὐπρόσδεκτος to Paul's priestly service of the gospel, indicating that acceptable Christian ministry is a spiritual offering performed in God's presence.
These related terms collectively underscore the concept of something being met with favor, welcome, and approval, particularly within the dynamics of divine-human interaction and the interpersonal relationships within the Christian community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐπρόσδεκτος is profound, illuminating several core aspects of Christian faith and practice:
* **Divine Acceptance and Grace:** Foremost, εὐπρόσδεκτος speaks to the possibility of humanity, specifically believers, finding favor and acceptance with God. This acceptance is not predicated on human merit alone but is deeply rooted in God's gracious initiative and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit ([[Romans 15:16]]). The "acceptable time" ([[2 Corinthians 6:2]]) underscores that God sovereignly appoints the season of salvation, making His grace uniquely available.
* **The Nature of Acceptable Worship and Service:** The term redefines "sacrifice" and "offering" for the New Covenant. No longer confined to animal sacrifices, acceptable offerings now encompass the spiritual service of evangelism ([[Romans 15:16]]), the generous giving of material resources ([[Philippians 4:18]]), and, critically, the willing and sincere heart ([[2 Corinthians 8:12]]). This elevates everyday acts of faith, obedience, and love into acts of worship that are truly pleasing to God.
* **Intentionality and Sincerity in Giving:** The passage in [[2 Corinthians 8:12]] provides a crucial theological insight: God's acceptance of a gift or service is primarily based on the internal disposition and willingness of the giver, not the external magnitude of the offering. A sincere heart, even with limited resources, renders an offering εὐπρόσδεκτος. This emphasizes the profound importance of motive and authenticity in all aspects of Christian living.
* **Interpersonal Relations within the Church:** Paul's prayer in [[Romans 15:31]] for his service to be εὐπρόσδεκτος to the saints in Jerusalem highlights the importance of mutual acceptance and unity within the body of Christ. It implies that even deeds done in good faith require a spirit of grace and understanding from the recipients to be fully accepted and to foster communal harmony.
* **Christ as the Archetype of Acceptable Offering:** While εὐπρόσδεκτος is not explicitly used for Christ's atoning sacrifice, the concept it conveys undergirds the efficacy of His work. Christ's perfect obedience and self-offering were supremely εὐπρόσδεκτος to the Father, establishing the very foundation upon which all subsequent human acceptability before God rests. Our own "acceptable" offerings are only so by virtue of our union with Him.
Thus, εὐπρόσδεκτος moves beyond mere toleration, signifying a divine and human reception characterized by favor, approval, and welcome, rooted in God's grace and the believer's willing and Spirit-empowered obedience.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprósdektos, `{{G2144}}`) literally means "well-received" or "readily acceptable," derived from εὖ (well) and a form of προσδέχομαι (to receive). It denotes something that is met with favor, approval, and welcome. In the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles, it describes spiritual offerings, acts of service, and financial contributions that are pleasing to God or acceptable to fellow believers. Key passages such as [[Romans 15:16]] and [[Philippians 4:18]] employ cultic language, elevating Christian service and giving to the status of a "fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice" to God. [[2 Corinthians 8:12]] profoundly teaches that the willingness and sincerity of the heart, rather than the material size of the gift, make an offering εὐπρόσδεκτος to God. Theologically, εὐπρόσδεκτος underscores God's gracious acceptance of believers and their Spirit-empowered service, the transformation of worship beyond mere ritual, and the critical role of sincere intent in all acts of faith. It points to a relationship with God characterized by divine favor and human responsiveness.
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