The Greek word euphēmía, represented by G2162, is derived from a term meaning good language. It signifies praise or repute, and is translated as good report. It is a rare term in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The sole appearance of G2162 is in 2 Corinthians 6:8, where the Apostle Paul describes the nature of his ministry through a series of contrasts. He lists enduring through "honour and dishonour" and "evil report and good report" as hallmarks of a true servant of Christ. The word is used to describe a favorable public perception, which Paul presents as just one of the many shifting circumstances a minister faces while remaining true to the gospel.
The meaning of G2162 is clarified by the words it is contrasted with in its single context:
- G1426 dysphēmía (defamation): This is the direct antonym, translated as evil report in 2 Corinthians 6:8. Its placement directly opposite G2162 creates a stark pairing of public defamation and praise.
- G819 atimía (infamy, dishonour, reproach, shame, vile): This word for dishonour is paired with "honour" in 2 Corinthians 6:8. It describes disgrace and is used elsewhere to speak of vessels made for dishonour Romans 9:21 and the body being "sown in dishonour" 1 Corinthians 15:43.
- G1391 dóxa (glory, honour, praise, worship): While G2162 refers to human repute, dóxa often describes divine glory. It is used for the honour Paul receives in 2 Corinthians 6:8, but more significantly refers to "the glory of the Lord" 2 Corinthians 3:18 and God as "the Father of glory" Ephesians 1:17.
Though rare, the theological weight of G2162 is found in its contextual usage.
- The Nature of Ministry: Its appearance in 2 Corinthians 6:8 establishes that authentic ministry is not defined by consistent praise or good report. It involves enduring both positive and negative public perception while remaining faithful.
- Worldly vs. Divine Judgment: The pairing of good report with "evil report" highlights the fickle nature of human opinion. A minister's value is not derived from worldly repute but from their status as "true" before God, even when labeled "deceivers" by others.
- Contrast with True Glory: The concept of a "good report" from men is implicitly contrasted with the pursuit of God's glory (dóxa). While a good report is one of the many experiences of life, the ultimate hope for the believer is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" Colossians 1:27.
In summary, G2162, or euphēmía, is a highly specific term for good report or praise. Its single use in 2 Corinthians 6:8 is powerful, defining the paradoxical reality of Christian service. It teaches that faithfulness to God persists through both favorable and unfavorable opinions, placing human repute in its proper context. The word's significance is illuminated by its direct opposites, "evil report" (dysphēmía) and "dishonour" (atimía), reminding believers that their ultimate standing is not before men, but in the eternal glory (dóxa) of God.
TRV