from a compound of εὖ and πρόσωπον; to be of good countenance, i.e. (figuratively) to make a display:--make a fair show.
Transliteration:euprosōpéō
Pronunciation:yoo-pros-o-peh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εὐπροσωπέω (euprosōpéō, `{{G2146}}`) is a compound term derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and πρόσωπον (prosōpon, `{{G4383}}`), meaning "face" or "countenance." Literally, it signifies "to have a good face" or "to present a pleasing appearance." However, its semantic range extends beyond the physical to a figurative sense, denoting the act of "making a fair show," "presenting a good outward appearance," or "making a display." This figurative usage often carries the connotation of outward showmanship designed to impress or gain favor, potentially lacking genuine substance or sincerity. It speaks to a concern for external presentation rather than internal reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐπροσωπέω (`{{G2146}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's letter to the Galatians:
* **Galatians 6:12:** "As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, these compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ." [[Galatians 6:12]]
In this crucial passage, Paul uses εὐπροσωπέω to describe the motivation of the Judaizers who were pressuring the Galatian believers to undergo circumcision and adhere to the Mosaic Law. Their desire "to make a fair show in the flesh" refers to their attempt to maintain a respectable outward appearance and gain approval, particularly from Jewish circles. By emphasizing circumcision and legalistic observance, they sought to avoid the social and religious persecution (`{{G1375}}`) that came with openly identifying solely with "the cross of Christ" (`{{G4716}}`), which was a scandal to the Jewish world and foolishness to the Gentiles. Paul exposes their superficiality: their actions were not driven by genuine conviction or love for God, but by a desire for human approval and self-preservation, contrasting sharply with the radical implications of the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of εὐπροσωπέω (`{{G2146}}`) themselves are significant. Εὖ (eu) forms numerous positive compounds, while πρόσωπον (`{{G4383}}`) often refers to one's literal face or presence, but can also denote outward appearance. Related concepts in the biblical text that illuminate the meaning of εὐπροσωπέω include:
* **Flesh (σάρξ, `{{G4561}}`):** In Paul's theology, "the flesh" often represents the sphere of human effort, natural abilities, and outward religious observances, contrasted with the Spirit. The Judaizers' "fair show in the flesh" highlights their reliance on human works rather than divine grace.
* **Hypocrisy (ὑπόκρισις, `{{G5272}}`):** While not a direct synonym, the concept of εὐπροσωπέω aligns with the nature of hypocrisy, where one's outward actions or appearance do not match their inner motives or true character.
* **Seeking Human Approval:** This word stands in contrast to the biblical emphasis on seeking God's approval alone (e.g., [[1 Thessalonians 2:4]]) rather than the praise of men (e.g., [[John 12:43]]).
* **Legalism:** The actions described by εὐπροσωπέω are a manifestation of legalism, where adherence to external rules and rituals becomes a means of self-justification or social standing, rather than an expression of faith.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of εὐπροσωπέω (`{{G2146}}`) in Galatians 6:12 carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark warning against superficial religiosity and a pursuit of external validation over genuine faith.
1. **Authenticity vs. Appearance:** The word highlights the critical distinction between true spiritual transformation, which is inward and by grace through faith, and mere outward conformity, which can be driven by human motives. God looks at the heart, not just the outward appearance (cf. [[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
2. **The Scandal of the Cross:** The desire "to make a fair show" is presented as an alternative to embracing the "cross of Christ." The cross, representing Christ's atoning sacrifice and the believer's identification with His death to sin and the world, often brings suffering, rejection, and a loss of worldly prestige. Those who seek a "fair show" are unwilling to bear this reproach, preferring a path of least resistance and social acceptance.
3. **Motivation in Ministry and Faith:** This term challenges believers to examine their motives. Are religious activities undertaken for God's glory and the advancement of the Gospel, or for personal gain, reputation, or avoidance of difficulty? Paul's use of this word condemns the latter.
4. **Purity of the Gospel:** By exposing the Judaizers' superficiality, Paul defends the purity of the Gospel message—salvation by grace through faith alone—against any attempt to dilute it with human works or cultural accommodation.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐπροσωπέω (euprosōpéō, `{{G2146}}`) literally means "to have a good face," but in its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Galatians 6:12]], it is used figuratively to describe the act of "making a fair show" or presenting a pleasing outward appearance. Paul employs this term to expose the true motives of the Judaizers, who pressured Gentile converts to be circumcised not out of genuine conviction, but to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ and to gain human approval. Theologically, εὐπροσωπέω serves as a powerful reminder of the danger of superficial religiosity, emphasizing the biblical call for authentic faith that embraces the scandal of the cross and seeks divine approval rather than human praise or worldly comfort.
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