from εὖ and ὄνομα; properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e. the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan Greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand:--(on the) left.
Transliteration:euṓnymos
Pronunciation:yoo-o'-noo-mos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εὐώνυμος (euṓnymos, `{{G2176}}`) is a fascinating example of semantic development, originating from εὖ (eu, "good" or "well") and ὄνομα (onoma, "name"). Its literal etymological meaning is "well-named" or "good-omened." However, its primary usage in classical and Koine Greek, and consequently in the New Testament, is a euphemism for "left" or "on the left hand." This semantic shift arose from ancient superstitions, particularly among the pagan Greeks, where the left side was often associated with ill fortune or negative omens. To avoid invoking such negativity, the "left" was referred to by its auspicious opposite, "well-named," as a means of averting evil. Thus, despite its positive literal components, εὐώνυμος functions almost exclusively as a directional term denoting the left side, often in contrast to the right.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, εὐώνυμος appears consistently as a spatial indicator, always translated as "left" or "on the left." Its occurrences are primarily in the Gospels and Acts, describing physical orientation or position.
* In the Synoptic Gospels, it frequently appears in the context of the disciples' request for positions of honor in Christ's kingdom. James and John ask to sit "one on Your right and one on Your left" ([[Matthew 20:21]], [[Mark 10:37]]). Jesus clarifies that these positions are for those for whom they have been prepared ([[Matthew 20:23]], [[Mark 10:40]]). Here, "left" clearly signifies a position distinct from, and often implicitly lesser than, the most honored "right."
* Most significantly, εὐώνυμος is used in Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats in [[Matthew 25:31-46]]. The Son of Man will separate people "as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And He will place the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left" ([[Matthew 25:32-33]]). Those on the left are subsequently condemned for their failure to minister to "the least of these" ([[Matthew 25:41]]).
* Other instances include the two criminals crucified with Jesus, one on His right and one on His left ([[Luke 23:33]]).
* In [[Acts 21:3]], it describes a geographical direction: Paul and his companions "sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary."
* In [[Revelation 10:2]], the mighty angel places his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, indicating his vast authority over creation.
In all these contexts, εὐώνυμος serves as a neutral descriptive term for direction, with its deeper significance derived from the specific narrative or theological implications of the "left" position within that context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary contrast for εὐώνυμος is δεξιός (dexios, `{{G1188}}`), meaning "right" or "right hand/side." In biblical thought, the "right hand" is overwhelmingly associated with power, authority, honor, and divine favor. Christ is frequently depicted as seated "at the right hand of God" ([[Mark 16:19]], [[Hebrews 1:3]]), signifying His exalted status and shared authority with the Father.
While εὐώνυμος is the most common New Testament word for "left," another less frequent term is ἀριστερός (aristeros, `{{G710}}`), also meaning "left." The choice between these two often comes down to stylistic preference or specific nuanced usage, though εὐώνυμος carries the historical baggage of its euphemistic origin.
The concept of "left" often stands in implicit or explicit opposition to the "right," representing a position of less honor, less power, or, in the case of judgment, condemnation. This binary symbolism is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, particularly in eschatological contexts.
### Theological Significance
The word εὐώνυμος itself carries no inherent theological meaning. Its etymological roots as "good-omened" are a pagan cultural artifact and are entirely irrelevant to its biblical usage, where it functions purely as a directional indicator. The theological weight, therefore, is not in the word but in the *position* it describes.
The most profound theological significance of "left" in the New Testament is found in [[Matthew 25:31-46]]. Here, the "left" side is the place of the "goats," those who are condemned to "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" ([[Matthew 25:41]]). This passage powerfully illustrates the consequences of failing to live out practical righteousness and compassion. It is not that the left side is inherently evil, but that it represents the position of those who are found wanting in the divine judgment.
In contrast to the glorious position of Christ at the "right hand" of God, the "left" can represent a place of separation from God's favor or presence. While not always a place of condemnation (e.g., the criminal on Jesus' left in [[Luke 23:33]] who repents), its recurring association with judgment in key eschatological texts imbues the "left" with a somber theological implication, especially when contrasted with the "right" as the place of blessing and salvation.
### Summary
εὐώνυμος (`{{G2176}}`) is a Greek term whose literal meaning of "well-named" or "good-omened" evolved into a euphemism for "left" due to ancient superstitions. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes the left side or left hand, functioning as a straightforward directional term. While the word itself is descriptive and lacks intrinsic theological meaning, the *position* it signifies carries significant biblical weight, particularly in contrast to the "right." Most notably, in [[Matthew 25:31-46]], the "left" is the designated place for those who face divine judgment, standing in stark opposition to the "right" of blessing and salvation. Thus, εὐώνυμος plays a crucial role in delineating spatial relationships that often carry profound theological implications regarding honor, authority, and ultimate destiny.
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