εὔθυμος
eúthymos
G2115 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Being in good spirits, showing cheerfulness or a positive disposition; characterized by a mental state of encouragement, optimism, or inner confidence. The term can refer to internal emotional well-being or external expression of cheerfulness, especially in contexts involving exhortation to maintain a confident and uplifted attitude.
Semantic Range
having good spirits, being cheerful, maintaining inner confidence or a positive disposition, showing encouragement or optimism, being of good cheer
Root / Etymology
From εὖ ('well, good') and θυμός ('spirit, soul, temperament, mind'). The compound literally means 'well-spirited' or 'of good temperament.' Both elements are common in Greek and used in the formation of adjectives describing mental or emotional states.
Historical & Contextual Notes
εὔθυμος appears infrequently in extant Greek literature but is attested in Classical and Hellenistic Greek. In classical authors, the word often denotes a person who is resolute or has a courageous spirit. In Koine Greek, such as in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 27:22, 25), it functions as an encouragement, urging others to be 'of good cheer' or to retain a positive outlook in adversity. English translations often use 'cheerful,' 'courageous,' or 'of good cheer,' but these renderings can obscure the term's focus on inner emotional state rather than outward joy. The semantic emphasis lies on sustained inner confidence and steadiness, not merely transient happiness. The term contrasts with other Greek words such as θαρσέω ('to be bold, confident'), which leans toward active courage, whereas εὔθυμος is more about inner well-being and positive morale. There is no strong ethnic, geographic, or religious identity associated with this word; it is a general descriptor of emotional state across Greek literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and θυμός; in fine spirits, i.e. cheerful:--of good cheer, the more cheerfully.
Root Family
εὔθυμος (euthymos) — good mind, well-spirited, cheerful
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G21157 | good-spiritedly |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2115-01 |
εὔθυμοι | euthumoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
encouraged | well-spirited ones | well-spirited ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2115-01 |
Acts 27:36 | εὔθυμοι | euthumoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
encouraged | well-spirited ones | well-spirited ones |