εὐεργεσία
euergesía
G2108 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The act of doing good, benefaction, or a deed characterized by generosity or kindness. In general Greek usage, εὐεργεσία refers to the practical action of doing good to others, particularly acts of public benefit, charitable giving, or beneficence. In certain contexts, it can also refer to a particular benefit received, a favor granted, or an act of protection by a benefactor.
Semantic Range
beneficent action, act of kindness, benefit, charitable deed, favor, public service, act of public benefaction
Root / Etymology
From εὐεργέτης (benefactor, doer of good), itself derived from εὖ (well) and ἔργον (work, deed). The abstract noun εὐεργεσία denotes the quality or act of performing good deeds or services.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, εὐεργεσία often described tangible benefits or public works contributed by citizens or rulers, such as gifts to cities or acts of patronage. In the context of the New Testament (1 Timothy 6:2), it refers to acts of benefit or kindness, often material assistance or favorable treatment. The term carried social and ethical implications in Greco-Roman society, where public benefaction (εὐεργεσία) was a significant mark of status and civic virtue. While English translations frequently use 'benefit' or 'good deed,' the concept in Greek could include extensive acts of public service, charity, and the ongoing relationship between benefactors and recipients. The word is less common in the Septuagint, typically rendered as a concrete act of doing good or bestowing benefit. Distinct from related terms such as χρηστότης (kindness) or φιλανθρωπία (love for humanity), εὐεργεσία emphasizes the actionable and often socially recognized nature of the good deed.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὐεργέτης; beneficence (genitive case or specially):--benefit, good deed done.
Root Family
εὐεργεσ- (euergesía) — to do good, to benefit, to do a good deed
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2108-01 |
εὐεργεσίᾳ | euergesia | N DAT F SG |
a good deed | for benefaction | a good deed | 1 |
G2108-02 |
εὐεργεσίας | euergesias | N GEN F SG |
benefit | of benefaction | of benefaction | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2108-01 |
Acts 4:9 | εὐεργεσίᾳ | euergesia | N DAT F SG |
a good deed | for benefaction | a good deed |
G2108-02 |
1 Timothy 6:2 | εὐεργεσίας | euergesias | N GEN F SG |
benefit | of benefaction | of benefaction |