αἴνεσις (ainesis)
ainesis
praise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ainesis denotes praise or commendation, appearing only once in the New Testament at Hebrews 13:15. In this context, it describes the "sacrifice of praise" that believers offer to God through Jesus. This usage connects directly to the Old Testament tradition where similar terms translated as thanksgiving or praise were part of temple worship rituals.
Its root verb, aineō, carries the sense of commending or praising. While often used for general acclaim, in biblical literature it frequently parallels Hebrew words like todah (thanksgiving) and tehilah (praise). The specific phrase "sacrifice of praise" evokes the idea that verbal worship is an offering presented to God, not merely a human expression but a spiritual act of gratitude.
Translators typically render this word as "praise," capturing its core meaning of giving honor and thanks. The singular occurrence in Hebrews highlights the Christian understanding that worship replaces or fulfills older sacrificial systems. By offering praise, believers participate in a continuous act of thanksgiving that reflects their faith and devotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ainesis appears just once in the New Testament, tucked into Hebrews 13:15. It refers to a sacrifice of praise offered through Jesus. Unlike animal offerings that ended with the old covenant, this is a spiritual act. You offer it by speaking allegiance to God’s name with your lips.
This connects your daily life to ancient temple worship. When you praise, you are not just making noise. You are presenting something valuable to God. It is an act of gratitude that acknowledges who He is and what He has done.
Let this encourage you today. Your voice matters in worship. Even simple words of thanks are a sacrifice God receives. Keep offering this praise, knowing it pleases Him and strengthens your heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of praise1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰνέσεως1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 13:15
Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name.
This verse uniquely applies the term to the continuous Christian offering of verbal allegiance through Jesus.