εὔνοια
eúnoia
G2133 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Goodwill; a favorable disposition toward another person or group characterized by kindness, friendliness, or benevolence. In various contexts, can indicate a positive attitude or intention, personal affection, or goodwill expressed in action. Occasionally, in specific idiomatic usage, may refer to conjugal goodwill or favor between spouses.
Semantic Range
goodwill, favor, benevolence, kindly intention, supportive disposition, personal affection, favorable attitude, conjugal goodwill
Root / Etymology
From εὖ (well, good) + νόος/νοῦς (mind, disposition), indicating a 'good mind' or 'well-disposed thinking.' The formation emphasizes favorable intent or attitude toward another.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὔνοια generally expresses goodwill, favor, or affection, whether between individuals, within households, or among political allies. It is commonly found in philosophical texts to describe friendly or benevolent intentions. In Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term remains associated with positive disposition and good intent, and is found in writings such as Polybius, the New Testament, and LXX (Septuagint). In Ephesians 6:7, it denotes rendering service 'with good will,' contrasting with reluctance or mere duty. At times, as in some marriage contexts, εὔνοια can euphemistically refer to goodwill specific to marital relations (i.e., conjugal benevolence), though this is a secondary meaning evident in later or contextualized usage. Standard English translations such as 'benevolence' or 'good will' typically capture the general sense but may obscure situational nuances, such as its technical use within household instructions or Greco-Roman ethical discussions. Distinct from similar terms like χάρις (grace) or φίλον (affection), εὔνοια emphasizes a decided attitude of positive regard, not merely emotional attachment or unmerited favor.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as εὐνοέω; kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty:--benevolence, good will.
Root Family
εὔνοια (eunoia) — goodwill, favor, benevolence, well-disposed intention
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2133-01 |
εὐνοίας | eunoias | N GEN F SG |
good will | of goodwill | of goodwill | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2133-01 |
Ephesians 6:7 | εὐνοίας | eunoias | N GEN F SG |
good will | of goodwill | of goodwill |