### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Eútychos**, represented by `{{G2161}}`, means **well-fated, i.e. fortunate**. It appears **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This term is used exclusively as the proper name for a young man who is the subject of a specific incident in the book of Acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2161}}` is introduced in the story of a **young man** `{{G3494}}` named **Eutychus**. He was sitting in a **window** `{{G2376}}` while the apostle **Paul** `{{G3972}}` was delivering a lengthy sermon. Overcome by a deep **sleep** `{{G5258}}`, Eutychus **sunk down** `{{G2702}}` and **fell down** `{{G2736}}` from the third loft. The account concludes with him being taken up **dead** `{{G3498}}` [[Acts 20:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this account provide deeper context:
* `{{G3494}}` **neanías** (a youth (up to about forty years)): This identifies **Eutychus** as a **young man** [[Acts 20:9]]. The same term is used to describe Saul at the stoning of Stephen [[Acts 7:58]].
* `{{G1256}}` **dialégomai** (to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation)): This describes Paul's activity as **preaching** [[Acts 20:9]]. The word is also used to signify reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue [[Acts 18:19]] and disputing daily in the school of Tyrannus [[Acts 19:9]].
* `{{G2702}}` **kataphérō** (to bear down, i.e. (figuratively) overcome (with drowsiness)): This word is used twice in the verse, once to state Eutychus was "being fallen" into sleep and again as he "sunk down" with sleep [[Acts 20:9]]. It is also used in a completely different context where Paul **gave** his voice against the saints [[Acts 26:10]].
* `{{G3498}}` **nekrós** (dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)): This describes Eutychus's state after the fall. The term is theologically significant, often appearing in passages about Christ being raised from the **dead** ([[Galatians 1:1]], [[Romans 10:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The story of Eutychus, while brief, touches on several important themes present in the surrounding scriptures.
* **Human Weakness:** The incident highlights human frailty, as a **young man** `{{G3494}}` is overcome by physical weariness and **sleep** `{{G5258}}` during a long spiritual discourse. The term for sleep, `{{G5258}}`, is elsewhere used to describe a spiritual state that believers are called to awaken from [[Romans 13:11]].
* **Apostolic Ministry:** Paul's lengthy **preaching** `{{G1256}}` demonstrates the tireless nature of his work. His address was so long that it extended until midnight [[Acts 20:7]], leading directly to the circumstances of Eutychus's fall.
* **The Reality of Death:** Eutychus is taken up **dead** `{{G3498}}`, a stark and serious outcome. This word, **nekrós**, serves as a constant reminder of mortality and the condition from which Christ provides resurrection, as he is called the "first begotten of the **dead**" [[Revelation 1:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2161}}` **Eútychos** is a name that appears only once in scripture, yet it is tied to a memorable and dramatic event. While the name means "fortunate," it is ironically attached to a man who fell to his death. The narrative in [[Acts 20:9]] serves as a vivid illustration of human limitations set against the backdrop of fervent apostolic ministry and the grave reality of death.
TRV