### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eucharistía**, represented by `{{G2169}}`, signifies **gratitude** or **thankfulness**. It appears **15 times** in **15 unique verses** in the Bible. The term refers to grateful language, often directed toward God as an act of worship, and is translated as "thankfulness," "giving of thanks," or "thanksgiving."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2169}}` is frequently associated with prayer and worship. It is presented as a necessary component of communication with God, combined with **prayer** `{{G4335}}` and **supplication** `{{G1162}}` [[Philippians 4:6]]. It is also positioned as the proper response to God's creation, with believers receiving God's gifts "with **thanksgiving**" [[1 Timothy 4:4]]. The term is set in contrast to improper speech like **filthiness** `{{G151}}` and **jesting** `{{G2160}}`, establishing it as a virtuous alternative [[Ephesians 5:4]]. In a heavenly scene, **thanksgiving** is listed among the acts of worship offered to God, along with **glory** `{{G1391}}` and **honour** `{{G5092}}` [[Revelation 7:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of gratitude:
* `{{G4335}}` **proseuchḗ** (prayer): Defined as "prayer (worship)," this word is frequently paired with `{{G2169}}`, emphasizing that thanksgiving is an integral part of prayer [[Colossians 4:2]].
* `{{G1162}}` **déēsis** (supplication): Meaning "a petition," this term is used alongside `{{G2169}}` to show that requests to God should be accompanied by gratitude [[Philippians 4:6]].
* `{{G2129}}` **eulogía** (blessing): This word for "adoration" or "benediction" appears with `{{G2169}}` in descriptions of worship, highlighting the act of speaking well of God [[Revelation 7:12]].
* `{{G5485}}` **cháris** (grace): As "the divine influence upon the heart," abundant `{{G5485}}` is shown to produce **thanksgiving** `{{G2169}}`, which in turn redounds to the glory of God [[2 Corinthians 4:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G2169}}` is demonstrated in its role as a fundamental Christian practice.
* **A Response to God's Provision:** Scripture teaches that God's creation is good and meant to be received with **thanksgiving** `{{G2169}}`, making gratitude a proper response to divine provision [[1 Timothy 4:3-4]].
* **Evidence of Spiritual Maturity:** Abounding in **thanksgiving** `{{G2169}}` is linked to being rooted and **built up** `{{G2026}}` in Christ and **stablished** `{{G950}}` in the faith, indicating it is a sign of spiritual stability [[Colossians 2:7]].
* **The Fruit of God's Grace:** The act of **thanksgiving** `{{G2169}}` is presented as the result of God's abundant **grace** `{{G5485}}` working through believers. This is seen when the **administration** `{{G1248}}` of service leads to "many **thanksgivings** unto God" [[2 Corinthians 9:12]].
* **An Act of Eternal Worship:** In Revelation, **thanksgiving** `{{G2169}}` is an essential component of the worship offered to God on His throne, alongside **glory** `{{G1391}}`, **honour** `{{G5092}}`, and **power** `{{G1411}}`, underscoring its eternal significance ([[Revelation 4:9]]; [[Revelation 7:12]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2169}}` moves beyond simple gratitude to become a key element of Christian worship and daily life. It is not merely a feeling but an active, vocal expression of thankfulness directed toward God. It is commanded as an alternative to sinful speech, a companion to prayer, and the natural outcome of a life rooted in faith and sustained by God's grace. Ultimately, **eucharistía** is portrayed as a practice that begins on earth and continues into the eternal worship of God.
TRV