ἐπαινέω (G1867) — Greek Lexicon

ἐπαινέω

epainéō

G1867 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To express approval or recognition of worth through spoken or written words; to praise, commend, or speak well of someone or something. In various contexts, it includes the act of publicly affirming positive qualities, congratulating, or acclaiming achievements or virtues. The semantic range extends from simple verbal praise to formal commendation.

Semantic Range

to praise, to commend, to applaud, to congratulate, to express approval publicly, to speak favorably of, to recognize merit

Root / Etymology

Formed from ἐπί (upon, on, in addition to) and αἰνέω (to praise). The prefix ἐπί intensifies or focuses the root action, often indicating direction or emphasis. Thus, ἐπαινέω is 'to praise upon' or 'to praise further/intensely'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Classically attested from the 5th century BCE and widely used in Hellenistic, Septuagint, and New Testament Greek. The verb ἐπαινέω is more specific and often stronger than αἰνέω alone, frequently indicating a formal or public commendation rather than general or casual praise. In the New Testament, the word commonly denotes recognition of virtuous behavior, faithfulness, or good deeds, but is not limited to divine subjects; it can refer to human affairs and interpersonal approval. In both secular and religious settings, the verb suggests approval that may confer honor or recognition. English translations such as 'commend,' 'praise,' or 'laud' capture the core meaning but may not always reflect the public or formal aspect in Greek usage. Distinguished from δοξάζω (to glorify), which has a broader sense of honor or glory beyond verbal or written commendation.

Translation Consistency

primary "praise" 5 occurrences

ἐπαινέω primarily means to express approval or commendation; the most natural, common English verb that covers praising, applauding, and congratulating is “praise.” It is simple, broadly applicable across public and private contexts, and matches the typical biblical usage better than more formal alternatives like “commend.”

Alternatives (1 occurrence):

"commended" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and αἰνέω; to applaud:--commend, laud, praise.

Root Family

ἐπαινέω (epaineō) — to praise, to commend, to applaud, to approve

Root αἰνέ- to praise, to commend, to applaud, to approve

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1867-03`	ἐπαινῶ	epaino	`V PRS ACT IND 1P SG`	I praise	I commend	I praise	3
`G1867-04`	ἐπῄνεσεν	epenesen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	commended	he praised	commended	1
`G1867-01`	ἐπαινεσάτωσαν	epainesatosan	`V AOR ACT IMP 3P PL`	let praise	let them praise	let them praise	1
`G1867-02`	ἐπαινέσω	epaineso	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG`	shall I praise	I might praise	I might praise	1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1867-04`	Luke 16:8	ἐπῄνεσεν	epenesen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	commended	he praised	commended
`G1867-01`	Romans 15:11	ἐπαινεσάτωσαν	epainesatosan	`V AOR ACT IMP 3P PL`	let praise	let them praise	let them praise
`G1867-03`	1 Corinthians 11:2	ἐπαινῶ	epaino	`V PRS ACT IND 1P SG`	I praise	I commend	I praise
`G1867-03`	1 Corinthians 11:17	ἐπαινῶ	epaino	`V PRS ACT IND 1P SG`	I praise	I commend	I praise
`G1867-02`	1 Corinthians 11:22	ἐπαινέσω	epaineso	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG`	shall I praise	I might praise	I might praise
`G1867-03`	1 Corinthians 11:22	ἐπαινῶ	epaino	`V PRS ACT IND 1P SG`	I praise	I commend	I praise

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