εὐοδόω
euodóō
G2137 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cause to go well, to grant success or make prosperous (in travel, enterprise, or undertakings); by extension, to experience good fortune or success, often with the nuance of being guided or enabled to reach a favorable outcome. In passive forms, to prosper or to succeed, whether in travel, business, or broader endeavors.
Semantic Range
to make (a journey) successful, to facilitate progress, to prosper, to thrive, to help to success in business or affairs, to grant a favorable outcome, to succeed (including in travel or general endeavors)
Root / Etymology
From εὖ ('well, good') and ὁδός ('road, way, journey'); literally 'to make the way good' or 'to lead successfully along a road.' The verb εὐοδόω is a causative or resultative derivative, meaning 'to cause to go well along a way,' hence, by extension, 'to make to prosper' or 'to succeed.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, εὐοδόω and related forms most often refer to granting an easy or successful journey, particularly a safe passage or success in travel (cf. Polybius, Diodorus Siculus). Over time, especially in Koine Greek, the term also expanded to mean success in undertakings more generally, including prosperity in business, affairs, or endeavors. In the Septuagint, εὐοδόω is frequently used to translate Hebrew verbs (such as צָלַח, tsalach) indicating success or prosperity granted by God, especially in narratives about patriarchs or leaders. In the New Testament (e.g., Romans 1:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 3 John 2), it continues this range: sometimes referring to literal travel success ('prosperous journey'), often also in the broad sense of general thriving or well-being, sometimes encompassing material, relational, or spiritual prosperity. The standard English 'prosper' or 'prosperous journey' captures part but not all of the range; nuances of facilitation, enablement, and guidance are common, as is the implication of aid beyond personal effort. Notably, the term lacks solely financial connotation, entailing broader success or well-being depending on context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of εὖ and ὁδός; to help on the road, i.e. (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively, to succeed in business affairs:--(have a) prosper(-ous journey).
Root Family
εὐοδόω (euodoō) — to make go well, to grant success, to prosper
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2137-02 |
εὐοδωθήσομαι | euodothesomai | V FUT PASS IND 1P SG |
I may succeed | I will be made to prosper | I will be given success | 1 |
G2137-01 |
εὐοδῶται | euodotai | V PRS PASS SUBJ 3P SG |
he may prosper | may be made to prosper | may be made to prosper | 1 |
G2137-03 |
εὐοδοῦσθαι | euodousthai | V PRS PASS INF |
to prosper | to be prospered | to be prospered | 1 |
G2137-04 |
εὐοδοῦταί | euodoutai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
prospers | is being prospered | is being prospered | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2137-02 |
Romans 1:10 | εὐοδωθήσομαι | euodothesomai | V FUT PASS IND 1P SG |
I may succeed | I will be made to prosper | I will be given success |
G2137-01 |
1 Corinthians 16:2 | εὐοδῶται | euodotai | V PRS PASS SUBJ 3P SG |
he may prosper | may be made to prosper | may be made to prosper |
G2137-03 |
3 John 1:2 | εὐοδοῦσθαι | euodousthai | V PRS PASS INF |
to prosper | to be prospered | to be prospered |
G2137-04 |
3 John 1:2 | εὐοδοῦταί | euodoutai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
prospers | is being prospered | is being prospered |