### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Εὔτυχος (Eútychos), transliterated as Eutychus, is derived from two components: the adverb εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and a form of the verb τυγχάνω (tynchanō), which signifies "to happen," "to obtain," or "to meet with." When combined, the name literally means "well-happening," "fortunate," or "lucky." As a personal name, its semantic range is confined to the individual bearing it, yet it carries an inherent positive connotation, reflecting a hope or expectation of good fortune for the one named. It is a common Hellenistic name reflecting a pagan worldview of fate, but in the biblical context, its significance is reinterpreted through the lens of divine providence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Eutychus appears exclusively in the New Testament within the Book of Acts, specifically in [[Acts 20:9-12]]. This passage describes a pivotal event during the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey in Troas. Paul was delivering a prolonged sermon, extending late into the night, to a gathering of disciples in an upper room. Eutychus, a young man, was sitting in a window and, overcome by deep sleep, fell three stories to his apparent death. The text states, "and was taken up dead" [[Acts 20:9]]. Paul, moved by the Spirit, went down, fell on him, embraced him, and declared, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him" [[Acts 20:10]]. Miraculously, Eutychus was restored to life, and brought up alive. The stark irony of his name, "Fortunate," in light of his near-fatal fall, is striking. This incident serves as a powerful demonstration of God's miraculous power working through Paul, confirming his apostolic authority and the divine validation of his ministry. The event not only restored Eutychus but also brought immense comfort and joy to the assembled believers, who then continued their fellowship until daybreak.
### Related Words & Concepts
The first element of Eutychus, εὖ (eu), is a foundational Greek adverb meaning "well" or "good." It forms the prefix for many significant New Testament words, such as εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, `{{G2098}}`), "good news" or "gospel"; εὐλογέω (eulogeō, `{{G2127}}`), "to bless" or "to speak well of"; and εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō, `{{G2168}}`), "to give thanks" or "to be grateful." This connection highlights the positive, beneficial aspect embedded in the name Eutychus. The second element derives from τυγχάνω (tynchanō, `{{G5177}}`), which in the New Testament can mean "to obtain" (e.g., mercy in [[Hebrews 4:16]]), "to happen upon," or "to meet." The combination suggests an outcome that is "good" or "fortunate." The narrative surrounding Eutychus also relates to broader biblical concepts such as divine providence, the power of resurrection (even if a restoration to earthly life rather than glorified resurrection), apostolic authority, and the sustaining power of God in the face of human frailty.
### Theological Significance
The story of Eutychus holds profound theological significance. Firstly, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death. The restoration of Eutychus demonstrates that life is ultimately in God's hands, and He can intervene miraculously to preserve or restore it. Secondly, it serves as a powerful validation of Paul's apostleship. This miracle, reminiscent of Elijah raising the widow's son ([[1 Kings 17:17-24]]) and Elisha raising the Shunammite's son ([[2 Kings 4:32-37]]), and indeed Christ's own power over death, confirms that Paul was operating under divine authority and power. Thirdly, the incident highlights God's mercy and grace. Even amidst human weakness—Eutychus falling asleep during a sermon—God's compassion is extended, turning a tragic accident into a testimony of His power. The irony of Eutychus's name, "Fortunate," is resolved not by chance but by divine intervention, illustrating that true fortune comes from God's gracious hand, not from fate. The event also strengthened the faith and fellowship of the early church in Troas, reinforcing their belief in the living power of the resurrected Christ.
### Summary
Eutychus, a Greek name meaning "fortunate" or "well-happening," appears in the New Testament exclusively in [[Acts 20:9-12]]. He is the young man who fell to his apparent death from a window during Paul's prolonged sermon in Troas, only to be miraculously restored to life by the Apostle Paul. This incident, while demonstrating the human frailty of Eutychus, serves as a profound testament to God's sovereign power over life and death and His ability to work through His chosen servants. The name's inherent irony is resolved through divine intervention, emphasizing that true fortune is not a matter of chance but a manifestation of God's mercy and miraculous power, which validated Paul's apostolic ministry and brought great encouragement to the early Christian community.
TRV