εὔφημος
eúphēmos
G2163 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Well-spoken of, having a good reputation; regarded favorably within a community. The primary sense is denoting one who is spoken of with esteem, respected, or enjoys a positive public opinion. The term may also imply being praiseworthy or morally upright, according to collective standards.
Semantic Range
well spoken of, reputable, commendable, of good report, praiseworthy, auspicious
Root / Etymology
From the adverb εὖ (well) and the noun φήμη (utterance, report, fame) – thus, literally, 'well spoken of' or 'of good report'. Related to φημί (to speak, to say).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὔφημος initially described something or someone 'spoken of with good words', often in a ritual context to mean 'uttering words of good omen' or 'speaking auspiciously,' sometimes with the practical sense of avoiding ill-omened language. Over time, it took on the more general meaning of someone reputable or esteemed. In Hellenistic and Koine usage (including the New Testament, e.g., Philippians 4:8), it commonly refers to individuals or qualities that are widely respected, commendable, or worthy of approval. The Septuagint seldom uses it; when present, it reflects the broader Greek sense of a good reputation. Modern English translations often render it as 'of good report', 'commendable', or 'reputable', which corresponds to the later, broader sense but may marginalize the older significance of 'auspicious' or 'spoken well of'. The term is not used with a distinctly religious overtone but refers more to social and moral commendation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and φήμη; well spoken of, i.e. reputable:--of good report.
Root Family
εὐφημ- (euphēmía) — to speak well, to praise, to commend
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G2162 | εὐφημία | of commendation |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2163-01 |
εὔφημα | euphema | ADJ.P NOM N PL |
commendable | well-spoken-of things | well-spoken-of things | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2163-01 |
Philippians 4:8 | εὔφημα | euphema | ADJ.P NOM N PL |
commendable | well-spoken-of things | well-spoken-of things |