εὐεργετέω
euergetéō
G2109 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act beneficently toward, to do good, to perform acts of kindness or generosity. The verb primarily expresses active beneficence, especially by providing help or advantage to others, often without expectation of return. In varying contexts, it can denote public-spirited acts, as well as private deeds of assistance or care; in some settings, it may connote the role of a 'benefactor' in a civic or social sense.
Semantic Range
to act beneficently, to do good, to provide material or practical help, to bestow favor or benefits, to be charitable, to perform a public or private good deed
Root / Etymology
Formed from εὖ ('well') + ἔργον ('work, deed'), with the verb ending -έω, meaning 'to do good deeds.' It is directly related to εὐεργέτης ('benefactor, one who does good').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, εὐεργετέω is commonly associated with acts of generosity characteristic of an elite benefactor who provides material support or public benefits (e.g., donations, favorable decrees, support of institutions). Such acts were often commemorated with inscriptions and civic honors. In the context of the Septuagint and the New Testament, the verb likewise conveys active good-doing, but its sense may shift from civic benefaction (as in the broader Greco-Roman world) to encompass general acts of kindness or divine benevolence. English translations often render it as 'do good' or 'act kindly,' but its sense can range from specific acts of generosity or charity to the broader cultural concept of euergetism (the system of public benefaction). Its use is distinct from verbs like ἀγαθοποιέω ('to do what is good' in a more general or moral sense) or χρησιμεύω ('to be useful'). While εὐεργετέω can overlap with moral goodness, it often highlights tangible, beneficial actions toward others, reflecting the values of patronage and benefaction in Hellenistic society.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὐεργέτης; to be philanthropic:--do good.
Root Family
εὐεργετ- (euergetéō) — to do good, to act as a benefactor, to show kindness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2109-01 |
εὐεργετῶν | euergeton | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
doing-good | doing good | doing good | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2109-01 |
Acts 10:38 | εὐεργετῶν | euergeton | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
doing-good | doing good | doing good |