ἐνευλογέω

I bless

Definition

The verb ἐνευλογέω means 'to bless' or 'to bestow blessing upon,' specifically in the context of God conferring favor, prosperity, or spiritual benefit. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in quotations of the Abrahamic promise from the Old Testament, where God declares that all nations will be blessed through Abraham's offspring (Genesis 12:3, 18:18, 22:18). In Acts 3:25, Peter applies this promise to the Jewish people, while in Galatians 3:8, Paul emphasizes that this blessing extends to the Gentiles through faith in Christ. The word carries the sense of God actively imparting His covenantal favor.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times quoting the promise to Abraham from Genesis. In Acts 3:25, Peter addresses a Jewish audience, reminding them of their covenantal heritage as 'sons of the prophets and of the covenant.' In Galatians 3:8, Paul uses it to argue that Scripture foresaw God justifying the Gentiles by faith, showing the blessing was always intended to be universal. Its usage is thus tightly bound to the theme of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant through Jesus Christ.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, 'in') combined with the verb εὐλογέω (eulogeō, 'to bless' or 'to speak well of'). The prefix ἐν can intensify the meaning, suggesting blessing 'within' a context or relationship—here, within the covenant relationship established with Abraham. It is a compound form of the more common Greek word for blessing.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it directly connects the New Testament to God's foundational promise to Abraham. It underscores the continuity of God's salvation plan, showing that the blessing for all nations, promised in Genesis, finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting how the early church saw Jesus as the ultimate 'offspring' through whom this universal blessing is mediated, central to doctrines of covenant, justification by faith, and the inclusion of the Gentiles.

In its original setting, 'blessing' was understood as a powerful, effective word that conveyed tangible benefits—often including progeny, land, and divine protection—within a covenantal framework. The promise of blessing to 'all nations' through Abraham would have been a radical concept, contrasting with more tribal or nationalistic views of divine favor. The New Testament usage retains this covenantal force but re-centers it on Christ.

εὐλογέω (eulogeō, G2127) — The more general verb for 'to bless,' used in a wider range of contexts, including humans blessing God or each other. εὐλογία (eulogia, G2129) — The noun form meaning 'blessing,' 'praise,' or 'bounty.'

Word Details

Scripture References