from εὔχομαι; properly, a wish, expressed as a petition to God, or in votive obligation:--prayer, vow.
Transliteration:euchḗ
Pronunciation:yoo-khay'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εὐχή (euchḗ, `{{G2171}}`) derives from the verb εὔχομαι (eúchomai, `{{G2172}}`), which signifies "to pray, to wish, or to vow." Consequently, εὐχή carries a dual semantic range:
1. **A wish expressed as a petition to God:** This denotes a solemn and earnest request or prayer directed towards the divine. It is not a casual desire but an intentional act of communication with God, often implying a deep longing or specific need.
2. **A votive obligation or vow:** This refers to a solemn promise or pledge made to God, often in anticipation of, or in gratitude for, divine favor. Such a vow binds the one making it to a specific action or commitment before God.
The distinction between these two primary senses is crucial for accurate interpretation, as the context often determines which meaning is intended. Both senses, however, underscore a deliberate and reverent engagement with the divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐχή appears infrequently in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant for understanding its specific nuances:
* **[[Acts 18:18]]**: "Paul, having stayed many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sailed for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow." Here, εὐχή clearly refers to a "vow." The act of cutting his hair suggests a practice akin to a Nazirite vow (cf. Numbers 6), undertaken for a specific period or purpose, likely as an expression of devotion or gratitude for safe passage or a successful mission. This highlights the concept of a personal commitment made to God.
* **[[Acts 21:23]]**: "Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow." In this instance, James advises Paul concerning four Jewish Christians who have taken a vow, likely a Nazirite vow, requiring purification rites. This again emphasizes εὐχή as a binding "vow" or religious obligation within a Jewish context, demonstrating the continuity of such practices among early believers.
* **[[James 5:15]]**: "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." In this passage, εὐχή is translated as "prayer." The context is one of healing the sick through the intercession of the elders. This usage emphasizes the efficacy of earnest, faith-filled petition to God, particularly in times of physical or spiritual need. It is a powerful example of εὐχή in its sense of a fervent request.
These occurrences demonstrate that εὐχή encompasses both the solemn promise made *to* God and the earnest petition made *of* God, with the "vow" sense being more prominent in the narrative sections of Acts, reflecting Jewish religious customs.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of εὐχή is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms for prayer and related concepts:
* **εὔχομαι (eúchomai, `{{G2172}}`)**: As the verbal root, εὔχομαι directly informs the meaning of εὐχή. It means "to pray, to wish, to vow," showing the dynamic action behind the noun.
* **προσευχή (proseuchē, `{{G4335}}`)**: This is the most common Greek word for "prayer" in the New Testament, often referring to general prayer or petition. While εὐχή can mean "prayer," it carries a more specific nuance, often implying a solemn or earnest wish, or a vow. προσευχή is a broader term for addressing God, while εὐχή in its "prayer" sense might suggest a more intense or specific petition, perhaps one born of a deep personal commitment.
* **δέησις (deēsis, `{{G1162}}`)**: Meaning "supplication" or "entreaty," this word emphasizes a specific request, often arising from a sense of need or dependence. It highlights the act of making a specific appeal.
* **ἔντευξις (enteuxis, `{{G1783}}`)**: This term denotes "intercession," an appeal made on behalf of another, or a confident approach to God.
* **Old Testament Vows**: The concept of a vow (e.g., Hebrew נֶדֶר - neder, `{{H5088}}`) is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6). The New Testament uses of εὐχή in Acts show the continuation of this practice within the Jewish community, even among early Christians, highlighting the seriousness with which promises to God were taken.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐχή spans both its meanings:
* **As a Vow:**
* **Commitment and Devotion**: Vows signify a profound personal commitment and devotion to God. They are solemn promises, demonstrating a willingness to undertake specific actions or abstentions out of reverence and obedience.
* **Integrity and Accountability**: Making a vow to God underscores the importance of integrity in one's word before the divine. It implies accountability to God for fulfilling one's declared intentions. The New Testament implicitly affirms the seriousness of such commitments, even while emphasizing that Christian life is primarily lived under grace, not legalistic obligation.
* **Gratitude and Petition**: Vows were often made in response to God's blessings or as a petition for divine intervention, reflecting a transactional aspect of faith where human action is offered in return for divine favor or as an expression of thanks.
* **As Prayer/Petition:**
* **Efficacy of Faith-Filled Prayer**: The use of εὐχή in [[James 5:15]] powerfully illustrates the efficacy of earnest, faith-filled prayer. It teaches that such prayer, offered with conviction, has the power to bring about healing and forgiveness. This elevates εὐχή beyond a mere wish to a dynamic spiritual force.
* **Divine Responsiveness**: This passage also highlights God's responsiveness to the fervent prayers of His people, affirming a personal and active relationship between the believer and the Creator.
* **Holistic Well-being**: The connection between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness in James 5:15 suggests that εὐχή (prayer) addresses the whole person, impacting both physical and spiritual dimensions of life.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐχή (euchḗ, `{{G2171}}`) is a rich term with a precise semantic range, encompassing both a solemn "vow" and an earnest "prayer" or "petition." While its occurrences in the New Testament are limited, they are highly instructive. In Acts, εὐχή primarily denotes a binding religious "vow," reflecting Jewish customs of making solemn promises to God. In James, it signifies a potent, "faith-filled prayer" that brings healing and forgiveness. Across its uses, εὐχή consistently points to a deliberate, reverent, and deeply committed engagement with God, whether in making a promise to Him or in earnestly seeking His intervention. It underscores the seriousness of our words and intentions before the divine, highlighting both human devotion and divine responsiveness.
TRV