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εὐποιΐα

eupoiḯa

G2140 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The quality or act of doing good, particularly in the sense of beneficent action or showing kindness. The term refers to practical expressions of goodwill, such as acts of kindness, charity, or generosity toward others. In certain contexts, it can encompass broader acts of moral goodness or benevolence.

Semantic Range

beneficence, doing good, acts of kindness, practical charity, moral goodness in action, philanthropy

Root / Etymology

From the compound of εὖ (well, good) and ποιέω (to do, to make), literally 'well-doing' or 'doing good.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

εὐποιΐα is a rare noun, primarily attested in later Koine Greek and Christian texts, including the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 13:16). In classical Greek, its cognate verb εὐποιέω ('to do well') is more commonly used. In the New Testament and early Christian literature, εὐποιΐα is associated with ethical exhortation, encouraging tangible acts of generosity or kindness within the community. Its usage overlaps with but is more specific than virtues such as ἀγάπη (love) or ἐλεημοσύνη (almsgiving), focusing on concrete charitable behaviors. Traditional English translations, such as 'to do good' or 'beneficence,' often do not capture the full nuance of the term, which emphasizes not just moral intent but actual deeds for the benefit of others. εὐποιΐα is less frequent than other terms for 'goodness' (such as ἀγαθωσύνη) and is closely connected with communal and ethical practices promoted in post-Second Temple synagogue and early church contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of εὖ and ποιέω; well-doing, i.e. beneficence:--to do good.

Root Family

εὐποιΐα (eupoiia) — well-doing, beneficence, doing good, practical goodness

Root ποι- to do, to make, to accomplish

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2140-01 εὐποιΐας eupoiias N GEN F SG doing good of beneficence of beneficence 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2140-01 Hebrews 13:16 εὐποιΐας eupoiias N GEN F SG doing good of beneficence of beneficence
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