### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **euprósdektos**, represented by `{{G2144}}`, means **well-received, approved, or favorable**. It is formed from the Greek words for "well" and "to receive." This term appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying a specific kind of approval or favor, particularly in the context of offerings and service to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G2144}}` highlights what is considered favorable in a spiritual context. In [[1 Peter 2:5]], believers are described as a **holy** `{{G40}}` **priesthood** `{{G2406}}` offering up spiritual **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}` that are **acceptable** to **God** `{{G2316}}` through Jesus Christ. Paul speaks of the "offering up" `{{G4376}}` of the Gentiles becoming **acceptable** after being **sanctified** `{{G37}}` by the Holy Ghost [[Romans 15:16]]. The term is also applied to a specific opportunity for **salvation** `{{G4991}}` as the "**accepted** time" [[2 Corinthians 6:2]] and to the attitude of a giver, where a "**willing mind**" `{{G4288}}` is **accepted** [[2 Corinthians 8:12]]. Finally, Paul desires that his **service** `{{G1248}}` to Jerusalem will be **accepted** by the **saints** `{{G40}}` [[Romans 15:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of being well-received:
* `{{G1184}}` **dektós** (approved; accepted): A closely related term also meaning **accepted** or approved. It appears alongside `{{G2144}}` in [[2 Corinthians 6:2]] to emphasize the "time **accepted**" and the "**accepted** time." It is also used to describe the "**acceptable** year of the Lord" [[Luke 4:19]].
* `{{G1248}}` **diakonía** (service): This word for **service** or ministry is directly linked to acceptability. Paul hopes his **service** `{{G1248}}` for the saints in Jerusalem will be **accepted** `{{G2144}}` by them [[Romans 15:31]].
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): This term for **sacrifice** is what is made **acceptable** to God. Believers are to offer **spiritual** `{{G4152}}` **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}` that are **acceptable** `{{G2144}}` to God [[1 Peter 2:5]].
* `{{G4376}}` **prosphorá** (offering up): This word for an **offering** is also made **acceptable** through God's work. The **offering up** `{{G4376}}` of the Gentiles is described as **acceptable** `{{G2144}}` when **sanctified** `{{G37}}` by the Spirit [[Romans 15:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2144}}` is significant, as it defines the conditions under which acts of faith are pleasing to God.
* **Mediated by Christ:** Human works or sacrifices are not inherently acceptable. They become **acceptable** to **God** `{{G2316}}` specifically "by Jesus Christ" [[1 Peter 2:5]].
* **Sanctified by the Spirit:** The **offering** `{{G4376}}` of the Gentiles becomes **acceptable** only after "being **sanctified** `{{G37}}` by the Holy Ghost" [[Romans 15:16]], showing the Spirit's essential role in making a person or their service pleasing to God.
* **The Importance of Attitude:** Acceptability is not merely about the external act. A gift is **accepted** if there is first a "**willing mind**" `{{G4288}}` on the part of the giver [[2 Corinthians 8:12]].
* **Divine Timing:** The concept is tied to God's sovereign plan of **salvation** `{{G4991}}`. The "now" is presented as the "**accepted** time" [[2 Corinthians 6:2]], a divinely appointed moment for favorable reception.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2144}}` is a precise term that moves beyond simple acceptance to mean "well-received" or "favorable." It underscores that for any service, sacrifice, or even person to be truly **acceptable** to God, it must be offered through the mediation of Jesus Christ, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and presented with the right heart. It connects the believer's actions directly to the work of God in making those actions pleasing to Himself.
TRV