from εὖ and a derivative of χαρίζομαι; well favored, i.e. (by implication) grateful:--thankful.
Transliteration:eucháristos
Pronunciation:yoo-khar'-is-tos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective εὐχάριστος (eucháristos, `{{G2170}}`) is a compound word derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and a derivative of χαρίζομαι (charizomai), meaning "to show favor," "to give freely," or "to grant." The root χάρις (charis, `{{G5485}}`), meaning "grace" or "favor," is central to its etymology. Literally, it could mean "well-favored" or "pleasing." However, in its New Testament usage, the semantic range shifts to describe the *disposition* of one who has received favor, hence "grateful" or "thankful." It denotes a state of being characterized by appreciation for benefits received, particularly divine benefits. This thankfulness is not merely a polite acknowledgment but a deep, internal recognition of God's benevolence and grace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐχάριστος (eucháristos, `{{G2170}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's epistle to the Colossians:
* **[[Colossians 3:15]]**: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."
In this singular occurrence, the command to "be thankful" (γίνεσθε εὐχάριστοι) is embedded within a rich exhortation concerning the practical outworking of the believer's new life in Christ. Paul has just urged the Colossian believers to "put on" virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The directive to "be thankful" is presented as a natural and necessary outflow of this transformed life. It is directly linked to the "peace of God" ruling in their hearts and their calling as "one body" in Christ. This suggests that thankfulness is not an isolated act but a pervasive attitude that fosters inner peace and contributes to the unity and health of the Christian community. It implies an active, ongoing state of gratitude for their salvation, their calling, and their communal life in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of εὐχάριστος is greatly enhanced by examining its linguistic family and theological connections:
* **εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō, `{{G2168}}`)**: This is the verbal form, meaning "to give thanks" or "to be thankful." It occurs frequently in the New Testament, often describing the act of giving thanks to God for various blessings, provisions, and spiritual realities.
* **εὐχαριστία (eucharistia, `{{G2169}}`)**: This is the noun form, meaning "thanksgiving" or "gratitude." It refers to the act or expression of giving thanks, often in prayer or worship.
* **χάρις (charis, `{{G5485}}`)**: As the root of εὐχάριστος, χάρις signifies "grace" or "favor." Thankfulness is the appropriate human response to God's unmerited grace. Without an understanding of χάρις, the depth of εὐχάριστος cannot be fully apprehended.
* **ἀχάριστος (acharistos, `{{G884}}`)**: This is the antonym, meaning "ungrateful" or "thankless." Its use in passages like [[Luke 6:35]] and [[2 Timothy 3:2]] highlights the negative spiritual state of those who lack gratitude, emphasizing the positive virtue of εὐχάριστος.
* **Concepts:** The concept of εὐχάριστος is intrinsically linked to peace, unity, spiritual maturity, and a proper response to divine benevolence. It stands in contrast to murmuring, complaining, and a spirit of entitlement, which are often indicative of a lack of faith or understanding of God's sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐχάριστος (eucháristos, `{{G2170}}`) is profound, particularly given its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Colossians 3:15]].
1. **Response to Divine Grace:** At its core, εὐχάριστος represents the fitting human response to God's immeasurable grace. Believers are called to be "thankful" because they have been recipients of God's redemptive work in Christ, called into a unified body, and granted the peace of God. This thankfulness is not earned but flows from a recognition of unmerited favor.
2. **Foundation for Inner Peace:** The direct connection between "let the peace of God rule in your hearts" and "be thankful" suggests that a grateful disposition is essential for experiencing and maintaining divine peace. A heart filled with gratitude is less prone to anxiety, discontentment, and bitterness, which are antithetical to God's peace.
3. **Catalyst for Unity:** The exhortation to be thankful is given in the context of being "called in one body." Individual thankfulness contributes to the collective harmony and health of the church. A community where members are genuinely thankful for God's work in each other and for their shared spiritual blessings is a unified and thriving community.
4. **Expression of Spiritual Maturity:** Cultivating a εὐχάριστος heart is a mark of spiritual maturity. It reflects a mindset that acknowledges God's sovereignty in all circumstances, recognizing His goodness even amidst trials. It moves beyond self-centeredness to God-centeredness.
5. **Integral to Worship:** While εὐχάριστος is an adjective describing a state, it undergirds the acts of thanksgiving and worship (εὐχαριστία, εὐχαριστέω). A truly thankful heart is a worshipful heart, constantly acknowledging God's worthiness and His benevolent actions.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐχάριστος (eucháristos, `{{G2170}}`), meaning "grateful" or "thankful," is a powerful descriptor of the Christian disposition. Though it appears only once in [[Colossians 3:15]], its placement is highly significant, linking it directly to the peace of God ruling in the heart and the unity of the body of Christ. Derived from words signifying "good" and "grace," it encapsulates the appropriate human response to God's unmerited favor. To be εὐχάριστος is to embody a deep, abiding appreciation for God's redemptive work and His ongoing presence. This state of thankfulness is not merely an emotion but a cultivated virtue that fosters inner peace, strengthens communal bonds, and serves as a foundational aspect of Christian living and worship.
TRV