from εὐχάριστος; to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal:--(give) thank(-ful, -s).
Transliteration:eucharistéō
Pronunciation:yoo-khar-is-teh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εὐχαριστέω (eucharistéō), Strong's `{{G2168}}`, is derived from the adjective εὐχάριστος (eucharistos), meaning "thankful" or "grateful." This adjective, in turn, is a compound of εὖ (eu), meaning "good" or "well," and χάρις (charis), meaning "grace," "favor," or "kindness" (`{{G5485}}`). Thus, the core meaning of εὐχαριστέω is "to be well-graced" or, more actively, "to acknowledge good grace." It signifies the active expression of gratitude, not merely the internal feeling of thankfulness. The verb encompasses the act of giving thanks, expressing appreciation, and acknowledging a benefit received. A specific and significant semantic nuance is its use in the context of giving thanks before a meal, often translated as "saying grace." This highlights a communal and ritualistic aspect of expressing gratitude for provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εὐχαριστέω appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Pauline epistles, revealing its centrality to Christian life and worship.
Jesus' actions often involve εὐχαριστέω:
* Before distributing food to the multitudes, Jesus "gave thanks" ([[Matthew 15:36]], [[Mark 8:6]], [[John 6:11]]). This act underscores His dependence on the Father and His blessing of the provision.
* Most profoundly, at the Last Supper, Jesus "gave thanks" over the cup and the bread ([[Matthew 26:27]], [[Mark 14:23]], [[Luke 22:17]], [[Luke 22:19]], [[1 Corinthians 11:24]]). This act established the foundational practice of the Christian Eucharist, where believers remember and give thanks for Christ's sacrificial body and blood.
Paul's epistles are replete with instances of εὐχαριστέω:
* He frequently begins his letters by giving thanks to God for the recipients' faith, love, and spiritual growth ([[Romans 1:8]], [[1 Corinthians 1:4]], [[Philippians 1:3]], [[Colossians 1:3]], [[1 Thessalonians 1:2]], [[2 Thessalonians 1:3]]). This establishes a tone of gratitude and acknowledges God's work in the lives of believers.
* Paul exhorts believers to cultivate a life of thanksgiving in all circumstances: "giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" ([[Ephesians 5:20]]); "whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" ([[Colossians 3:17]]); and "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" ([[1 Thessalonians 5:18]]). These commands elevate thanksgiving from a mere emotion to a foundational spiritual discipline and a hallmark of Christian living, even amidst adversity.
* He also gives thanks for specific divine interventions and provisions, such as deliverance from danger ([[Acts 27:35]]) or for the spiritual gifts bestowed upon the church ([[1 Corinthians 14:18]]).
* In [[Philippians 4:6]], believers are instructed to present their requests to God "with thanksgiving," indicating that gratitude should accompany all prayer.
The pervasive use of εὐχαριστέω across diverse contexts underscores its importance as a fundamental expression of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty, goodness, and provision in all aspects of life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of εὐχαριστέω includes several closely related terms:
* εὐχαριστία (eucharistia - `{{G2169}}`): The noun form, meaning "thankfulness," "gratitude," or "thanksgiving." This is the term from which the liturgical "Eucharist" (the Lord's Supper) derives its name, emphasizing the central act of thanksgiving in that sacrament.
* εὐχάριστος (eucharistos - `{{G2170}}`): The adjective, meaning "thankful" or "grateful."
* χάρις (charis - `{{G5485}}`): "Grace" or "favor." This is the root of the "eucharist-" family of words, highlighting that thanksgiving is a response to received grace. One gives thanks *for* grace.
* αἰνέω (aineō - `{{G134}}`): "To praise." While related, εὐχαριστέω specifically denotes gratitude for benefits received, whereas αἰνέω is broader praise of God's character or acts.
* δοξάζω (doxazō - `{{G1391}}`): "To glorify." This term refers to giving honor and recognition to God's glory, often through praise and worship, but distinct from the specific act of giving thanks for a benefit.
* ὁμολογέω (homologeō - `{{G3670}}`): "To confess" or "to acknowledge." In some contexts, giving thanks involves an acknowledgment of God's truth or goodness.
The concept of thanksgiving is inherently linked to acknowledging divine provision, expressing dependence, and fostering a posture of humility and contentment.
### Theological Significance
The act of εὐχαριστέω carries profound theological weight:
* **Affirmation of God's Character:** To give thanks is to affirm God as the benevolent Giver of all good things ([[James 1:17]]). It acknowledges His sovereignty, faithfulness, and goodness, recognizing that all blessings, both spiritual and material, flow from Him.
* **Proper Human Response to Grace:** Thanksgiving is the natural and commanded response of humanity to God's unmerited favor (χάρις). It is a recognition that humanity is a recipient, not a self-sufficient agent, and that salvation itself is a gift to be received with profound gratitude.
* **Spiritual Discipline and Warfare:** Paul's repeated exhortations to give thanks "in all circumstances" ([[1 Thessalonians 5:18]]) elevate thanksgiving to a vital spiritual discipline. It is an act of faith that defies the natural human tendency to complain or despair, especially in suffering. A thankful heart is a powerful antidote to anxiety, murmuring, and the temptation to idolatry, which often arises from a lack of contentment or gratitude.
* **Foundation of Worship:** Thanksgiving is a cornerstone of corporate and individual worship. The Lord's Supper, named the Eucharist, is the preeminent act of thanksgiving, where the Church collectively remembers and gives thanks for Christ's atoning sacrifice, His body broken and blood shed.
* **Christ-Centered Living:** The New Testament consistently directs thanksgiving "through Him" or "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" ([[Ephesians 5:20]], [[Colossians 3:17]]). This underscores that all access to God and all acceptable worship, including thanksgiving, is mediated by Christ.
### Summary
εὐχαριστέω (eucharistéō), Strong's `{{G2168}}`, is a rich Greek verb signifying the active expression of gratitude, derived from the concept of "good grace" (εὖ + χάρις). It is more than a feeling; it is a deliberate act of giving thanks, often specifically for provision or before a meal. Its biblical occurrences highlight its importance in Jesus' actions, particularly at the feeding miracles and the Last Supper, establishing a pattern for Christian practice. Paul's letters frequently employ εὐχαριστέω to express gratitude for believers and to command thanksgiving as a constant spiritual posture "in all circumstances." Theologically, εὐχαριστέω affirms God's character as the benevolent Giver, serves as the proper human response to divine grace, functions as a vital spiritual discipline, and forms a foundational element of Christian worship, culminating in the Eucharist. It is a Christ-centered act that counters ingratitude and fosters a life of faith and dependence on God.
TRV