εὐωδία (G2175) — Greek Lexicon

εὐωδία

euōdía

G2175 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A pleasant or sweet smell; specifically, a fragrance or aroma that is agreeable. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, used both literally of pleasing odors (as from incense, perfume, or sacrifices) and metaphorically of actions, gifts, or persons that are viewed as delightful or well-pleasing.

Semantic Range

pleasant aroma, fragrance, sweet smell; metaphorically: something (especially a deed, offering, or person) regarded as delightful or well-pleasing

Root / Etymology

Formed from the adverb εὖ ('well, good') and ὀδή ('smell', from the verb ὄζω, 'to smell'). The compound literally means 'good odor' or 'pleasant smell.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, εὐωδία typically denotes a pleasing scent from perfumes or sacrifices. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew phrases such as רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ (rēaḥ nîḥōaḥ), referring to the odor of sacrifices considered pleasing to God. In the New Testament, εὐωδία appears metaphorically (e.g., Philippians 4:18; Ephesians 5:2) for acts of generosity or self-offering regarded as spiritually pleasing. English Bible translations often render it as 'fragrant offering,' 'sweet-smelling savor,' or 'pleasing aroma,' but these do not always convey the nuance of acceptance or pleasure implied in ancient usage. The term's metaphorical extension to non-material acts is well attested in later Jewish and Greco-Roman literature as well. Not to be confused with θυμίαμα (incense) or μῦρον (aromatic oil).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of εὖ and a derivative of ὄζω; good-scentedness, i.e. fragrance:--sweet savour (smell, -smelling).

Root Family

εὐωδία (euōdia) — good smell, pleasant odor, fragrance

Root εὐωδ- good smell, pleasant odor

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2175-02`	εὐωδίας	euodias	`N GEN F SG`	aroma	of pleasant fragrance	of pleasant fragrance	2
`G2175-01`	εὐωδία	euodia	`N NOM F SG`	fragrance	pleasant fragrance	pleasant fragrance	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2175-01`	2 Corinthians 2:15	εὐωδία	euodia	`N NOM F SG`	fragrance	pleasant fragrance	pleasant fragrance
`G2175-02`	Ephesians 5:2	εὐωδίας	euodias	`N GEN F SG`	aroma	of pleasant fragrance	of pleasant fragrance
`G2175-02`	Philippians 4:18	εὐωδίας	euodias	`N GEN F SG`	fragrant	of pleasant fragrance	of pleasant fragrance

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