εὐφημία
euphēmía
G2162 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The quality or act of speaking well of someone or something; praise, commendation, or being spoken of in a favorable manner. The term primarily conveys positive speech about an individual or group, often indicating public esteem or honor accorded through words. In extended contexts, it can also imply being held in good repute or reputation.
Semantic Range
good report, good reputation, commendation, praise, being spoken well of, honorable mention, auspicious speech, favorable utterance
Root / Etymology
From the root εὐφημ- (from εὖ 'well' + φημί 'to speak'), meaning 'to speak well.' εὐφημία is thus constructed as the noun form denoting the presence or state of good speech or favorable utterance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐφημία had a range of cultic and general meanings. In ritual or religious context, it could denote the use of words deemed favorable or the avoidance of words considered inauspicious, sometimes reflecting the ritual practice of using positive language as an auspicious act (cf. LSJ). More broadly, it came to designate praise, honor, or good reputation conferred verbally. In Hellenistic and later Koine usage, the sense narrows to general commendation, praise, or the condition of being spoken well of. In the New Testament, the word refers to being of good repute or deserving praise, often as a moral or social quality (Philippians 4:8). English translations such as 'good report,' 'praise,' or 'commendation' generally convey the primary force but sometimes fail to reflect the nuance of speech as favorable utterance rather than mere reputation or honor. The related root appears in adjectives like εὔφημος ('speaking good things,' auspicious) and verbs like εὐφημέω ('to speak words of good omen'). Contrast with terms like αἰσχρολογία (shameful or abusive speech) and ἀτιμία (dishonor).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὔφημος; good language ("euphemy"), i.e. praise (repute):--good report.
Root Family
εὐφημία (euphēmia) — speaking well, praise, commendation, good report, favorable reputation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2162-01 |
εὐφημίας | euphemias | N GEN F SG |
of commendation | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2162-01 |
2 Corinthians 6:8 | εὐφημίας | euphemias | N GEN F SG |
of commendation |