εὐπρόσδεκτος

well-received, acceptable

Definition

The adjective εὐπρόσδεκτος means 'well-received,' 'acceptable,' or 'pleasing.' It describes something that finds favor or is received with approval, often in the context of a gift or offering presented to God. In Romans 15:16, Paul speaks of the Gentile offering being 'acceptable' to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, it refers to the 'acceptable time' of salvation, a favorable moment for receiving God's grace. The term also applies to human actions, as in 2 Corinthians 8:12, where a willing gift is 'acceptable' according to what one has, not what one does not have.

Biblical Usage

This word is used five times in the New Testament, primarily in Paul's letters (Romans, 2 Corinthians) and once in 1 Peter. It consistently appears in contexts of divine acceptance. In Romans 15:16 and 31, it describes offerings or service that are pleasing to God. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, it modifies 'time' (καιρός), referring to the era of salvation. In 2 Corinthians 8:12, it qualifies a financial gift from believers. In 1 Peter 2:5, it describes 'spiritual sacrifices' offered by believers as a holy priesthood. The usage pattern shows it is applied to offerings, times, and actions deemed favorable in God's sight.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek prefix εὖ (eu), meaning 'well' or 'good,' combined with the verb προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, G4327), meaning 'to receive,' 'to accept,' or 'to welcome.' The compound form literally means 'well-received.' The verb προσδέχομαι itself comes from πρός (pros, 'toward') and δέχομαι (dechomai, 'to receive'), emphasizing a receptive orientation. Thus, εὐπρόσδεκτος carries the sense of something being received favorably or with welcome.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the concept of divine acceptance. It underscores that offerings, service, and even the present time of salvation are rendered 'acceptable' not by human merit but through God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16). It connects to doctrines of sanctification, stewardship, and the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5). Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by emphasizing that what is pleasing to God is defined by His standards and enabled by His Spirit, not by external measures of sufficiency.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of an 'acceptable' offering or gift was common in religious and social contexts, often tied to rituals seeking favor from deities or patrons. The New Testament usage reorients this idea around the one true God, where acceptability is based on spiritual sincerity and divine grace rather than ritual purity or material value alone. This contrasts with some cultural expectations that prioritized the size or prestige of a gift.

δεκτός (dektos, G1184) — also means 'acceptable,' but can emphasize being received or welcome, used in Luke 4:19 for the 'acceptable year of the Lord.' εὐάρεστος (euarestos, G2101) — means 'well-pleasing' or 'acceptable,' often describing what is pleasing to God (Romans 12:1-2), with a stronger focus on moral alignment. ἀπόδεκτος (apodektos, G587) — means 'acceptable' or 'approved,' used in 1 Timothy 2:3 and 5:4 for what is pleasing to God, with a sense of being fully received.

Word Details

Scripture References