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εὐδοκέω

eudokéō

G2106 verb

SILEX Entry

Root εὐδοκ- to take pleasure, to approve, to be willing, to be favorably disposed

Definition

To take pleasure in, to approve, to be favorably disposed toward (someone or something). The word primarily denotes finding something pleasing, approving of it, or being willing for it to occur. In various contexts, it may imply choosing, being well-satisfied with, or consenting to an action or person.

Semantic Range

to take pleasure in, to approve, to consent or be willing, to choose with favor, to be delighted, to regard with satisfaction

Root / Etymology

From the adverb εὖ ('well') and the verb δοκέω ('to think, to seem'). The compound thus literally means 'to think well' of something or someone. Cognate nouns include εὐδοκία (good pleasure, approval).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, εὐδοκέω is rare, but it becomes more common in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in Jewish and Christian writings (e.g., the LXX and New Testament). In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew roots expressing delight, approval, or favor (e.g., חָפֵץ, רָצָה). In the New Testament, it is often used of divine approval or pleasure—especially of God's favorable attitude toward individuals or actions (e.g., 'with whom I am well pleased' in descriptions of Jesus) or God's intention or will (e.g., Colossians 1:19). English translations frequently render it as 'to be well pleased,' 'to take pleasure,' 'to approve,' or 'to will,' but none of these fully capture its sense of both internal delight and active approval. The nuances of consent, choice, and pleasure can overlap depending on context. Its noun form εὐδοκία often refers to God's or a person's favorable will or good pleasure. Contrast with δοκέω alone (to seem, to think, to suppose), as εὐδοκέω involves active approval or delight, not mere opinion or impression.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from εὖ and δοκέω; to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing):--think good, (be well) please(-d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing.

Root Family

εὐδοκέω (eudokeō) — to take pleasure, to approve, to be willing, to be favorably disposed

Word Forms

9 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2106-07 εὐδόκησεν eudokesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG was pleased approved 6
G2106-02 εὐδόκησα eudokesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I am well pleased I took pleasure 5
G2106-04 εὐδόκησαν eudokesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL have been pleased they approved 2
G2106-09 εὐδοκοῦμεν eudokoumen V PRS ACT IND 1P PL we were well pleased we take pleasure 2
G2106-06 εὐδόκησας eudokesas V AOR ACT IND 2P SG you approved 2
G2106-08 εὐδοκῶ eudoko V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I take pleasure 1
G2106-05 εὐδοκήσαντες eudokesantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL took pleasure having approved 1
G2106-03 ηὐδοκήσαμεν eudokesamen V AOR ACT IND 1P PL we thought good we approved 1
G2106-01 εὐδοκεῖ eudokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG he/she takes pleasure 1

Occurrences in Scripture

21 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2106-02 Matthew 3:17 εὐδόκησα eudokesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I took pleasure
G2106-07 Matthew 12:18 εὐδόκησεν eudokesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG approved
G2106-02 Matthew 17:5 εὐδόκησα eudokesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I took pleasure
G2106-02 Mark 1:11 εὐδόκησα eudokesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I am well pleased I took pleasure
G2106-02 Luke 3:22 εὐδόκησα eudokesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I am well pleased I took pleasure
G2106-07 Luke 12:32 εὐδόκησεν eudokesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG has chosen approved
G2106-04 Romans 15:26 εὐδόκησαν eudokesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL have been pleased they approved
G2106-04 Romans 15:27 εὐδόκησαν eudokesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they were pleased they approved
G2106-07 1 Corinthians 1:21 εὐδόκησεν eudokesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG was well-pleased approved
G2106-07 1 Corinthians 10:5 ηὐδόκησεν eudokesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG was pleased approved
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