εὐπορία

wealth, gain

Definition

Eὐπορία (eyporia) refers to a state of having abundant resources or material wealth, specifically denoting a prosperous condition or financial gain. In its single New Testament occurrence, it describes the source of wealth for a specific trade guild. The word carries the sense of 'plenty' or 'prosperity,' focusing on the means and resources that enable economic activity and livelihood. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, its conceptual opposite, ἀπορία (aporia, G639), means 'perplexity' or 'lack of resources,' highlighting eyporia's core meaning of resourceful abundance.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:25. It appears in the context of a speech by Demetrius the silversmith, who states that the craft of making silver shrines of Artemis provides 'not only this trade of ours a means of wealth (eyporia)' but also great renown. Here, it specifically denotes the financial prosperity and gain derived from their idol-making business, directly linking the word to commercial profit and economic sustenance.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective εὔπορος (eyporos, G2141), meaning 'well-off' or 'prosperous,' which itself comes from εὖ (eu, 'well, good') and πόρος (poros, 'a way, passage, or resource'). Thus, εὐπορία literally means 'a good passage' or 'good resource,' evolving to signify 'plenty,' 'wealth,' or the 'means' to acquire it. It is the noun form expressing the state or condition of having such resources.

Semantic Range

While used only once, this word offers a pointed commentary on misplaced trust in wealth derived from sinful activity. In Acts 19:25, the 'eyporia' is directly tied to the idolatrous trade of crafting silver shrines for Artemis. This highlights a biblical theme: prosperity gained from ungodly sources is spiritually empty and opposed to God's kingdom. It serves as a caution against defining success and security by material gain, especially when that gain conflicts with the worship of the true God. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing the stark contrast between worldly prosperity built on false religion and the true riches found in Christ.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'eyporia' described tangible economic prosperity and the secure livelihood provided by a trade or business. For the silversmiths in Ephesus, their 'eyporia' was not abstract wealth but the very income and social standing generated by their craft, which was deeply intertwined with the popular worship of Artemis. This cultural context shows that their protest in Acts 19 was not merely religious but also a direct defense of their economic survival and social status, which were threatened by the spread of Christianity.

πλοῦτος (ploutos, G4149) — general term for riches or wealth, often used in a broader, more abstract sense. χρῆμα (chrēma, G5536) — refers to money, property, or things possessed, emphasizing the tangible items of wealth. ὠφέλεια (ōpheleia, G5622) — means 'profit, advantage, or benefit,' which can be material but also extends to spiritual or general usefulness.

Word Details

Scripture References