εὐεργέτης
euergétēs
G2110 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A person who does good deeds, especially one who acts for the benefit of others; a benefactor, doer of good, or patron. In specific contexts, refers to a person who displays generosity or public-spiritedness, particularly toward a community or city, often with a connotation of notable or official status as a 'benefactor.' The term can denote both actual acts of kindness or the formal title given to those recognized for such service.
Semantic Range
benefactor, doer of good, one who benefits others, patron, formal title of honor for a public benefactor, one who shows generosity or does good deeds
Root / Etymology
From εὖ ('well, good') + ἔργον ('work, deed'); literally 'one who does good work.' The word is a compound noun formed regularly in Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐεργέτης refers to anyone who does acts of kindness or renders valuable service. By the Hellenistic period, particularly in civic or royal contexts, it increasingly acquired the sense of a title for individuals recognized for public generosity—benefactors who supported cities, funded public works, or gave large gifts. Inscriptions and documents from the Hellenistic and Roman eras record the conferral of 'εὐεργέτης' as an honorary title for rulers or wealthy individuals who provided notable benefits to communities or the state. In the New Testament (Luke 22:25), Jesus refers to rulers being called 'benefactors,' indicating common knowledge of the title's honorific and sometimes ironic or self-serving use. Septuagint usage is rare; the term is attested in broader Koine sources. The English 'benefactor' conveys the core institutional and honorific sense; 'philanthropist' is possible, but does not always capture the social or formal standing involved. Active meanings ('one who does good deeds') can also be in view, apart from the title.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and the base of ἔργον; a worker of good, i.e. (specially) a philanthropist:--benefactor.
Root Family
εὐ-εργ- (euergétēs) — to do good, to benefit, to work
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2110-01 |
εὐεργέται | euergetai | N NOM M PL |
Benefactors | benefactors | benefactors | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2110-01 |
Luke 22:25 | εὐεργέται | euergetai | N NOM M PL |
Benefactors | benefactors | benefactors |