εὐθυμέω
euthyméō
G2114 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be in good spirits, maintain a positive or cheerful disposition, often in contexts of moral fortitude or emotional composure in the face of adversity. Frequently implies an inner courage or resilience rather than superficial merriment. In extended usage, may refer to maintaining calm or encouragement within a group setting.
Semantic Range
to be of good courage, to maintain good spirits, to be cheerful or optimistic, to encourage oneself or others, to be resolute, (occasionally) to celebrate or exult
Root / Etymology
From εὔθυμος (eúthymos, meaning 'good-spirited' or 'cheerful'), itself composed of εὖ ('well, good') and θυμός ('spirit, mind, passion, disposition'). The verb-form conveys the action or state of possessing good spirit or courage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical literature, εὐθυμέω usually refers to being cheerful or in good spirits, often in contrast to being troubled or anxious. In the Septuagint, the term appears in advice to be of good courage, especially in the face of difficulty, emulating the Hebrew יָאַל ('to be resolute' or 'confident'). In the New Testament (Acts 27:22, 25, 36; James 5:13), εὐθυμέω is regularly used in the sense of maintaining inner courage or resolve, particularly amid hardship or danger, and is sometimes translated 'be of good cheer.' However, the semantic field places more emphasis on psychological or communal encouragement than on outward merriment. English translations with 'be merry' or 'cheer up' can flatten the richness of its nuance, which includes connotations of steadiness, encouragement, and morale, especially in group settings (e.g., Paul's exhortation during shipwreck). Related terms, such as θαρσέω ('be bold, have courage') and θαρρέω ('be confident'), have overlapping but distinguishable meanings, with εὐθυμέω often highlighting emotional steadiness rather than courage in action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὔθυμος; to cheer up, i.e. (intransitively) be cheerful; neuter comparative (adverbially) more cheerfully:--be of good cheer (merry).
Root Family
εὐθυμέω (euthymeō) — be of good spirit, be cheerful, be courageous, encourage
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2114-02 |
εὐθυμεῖν | euthumein | V PRS ACT INF |
to keep courage | to maintain good courage | to maintain good courage | 1 |
G2114-03 |
εὐθυμεῖτε | euthumeite | V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL |
take courage | Keep up your spirits | Keep up your spirits | 1 |
G2114-01 |
εὐθυμεῖ | euthumei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
cheerful | he/she is of good courage | he/she is cheerful | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2114-02 |
Acts 27:22 | εὐθυμεῖν | euthumein | V PRS ACT INF |
to keep courage | to maintain good courage | to maintain good courage |
G2114-03 |
Acts 27:25 | εὐθυμεῖτε | euthumeite | V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL |
take courage | Keep up your spirits | Keep up your spirits |
G2114-01 |
James 5:13 | εὐθυμεῖ | euthumei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
cheerful | he/she is of good courage | he/she is cheerful |