εὐαρεστέω

I please

Definition

The verb εὐαρεστέω means 'to please' or 'to be well-pleasing.' In the New Testament, it consistently describes actions that are pleasing to God, not merely to humans. In Hebrews 11:5-6, it is used to describe Enoch's life of faith, which was so pleasing to God that he was taken up without seeing death. The passage emphasizes that without faith it is impossible to please God. In Hebrews 13:16, the pleasing act is the sacrifice of doing good and sharing with others, which God finds acceptable. Thus, the word carries a strong connotation of divine approval earned through faithful obedience and godly conduct.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Epistle to the Hebrews. All three occurrences (Hebrews 11:5, 11:6, 13:16) are in contexts discussing what is acceptable or pleasing to God. The usage pattern ties 'pleasing' directly to core themes of the book: faith (Hebrews 11) and practical, sacrificial worship (Hebrews 13). It is never used for pleasing other people, always for actions directed toward God.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective εὐάρεστος (euarestos, G2101), meaning 'well-pleasing' or 'acceptable.' This adjective itself combines εὖ (eu, 'well') and ἀρέσκω (areskō, 'to please'). Thus, εὐαρεστέω carries the intensified sense of 'to please well' or 'to be thoroughly acceptable.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it defines the proper object and basis of a life of faith. It shifts the focus of 'pleasing' from human opinion to divine approval. It teaches that faith is the indispensable prerequisite for pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6) and that this faith expresses itself in practical acts of love and sacrifice (Hebrews 13:16). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical 'pleasing' is about covenant faithfulness and worship, not general likability.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'pleasing' a deity through sacrifices and rituals was common. The New Testament use, especially in Hebrews, redefines this: the truly pleasing 'sacrifice' to God is not a ritual animal offering but a life of faith and practical goodness. This contrasted with both pagan and some Jewish understandings of divine service.

ἀρέσκω (areskō, G700) — A more general verb for 'to please,' which can be directed toward people or God, without the intensified 'well-' prefix. εὐάρεστος (euarestos, G2101) — The adjective form meaning 'well-pleasing' or 'acceptable,' describing the state of being pleasing rather than the act.

Word Details

Scripture References