ἐπαινέω (epaineō)
epaineō
to praise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epaineō means to approve of or commend someone for their conduct. In the New Testament, it appears in only five verses, primarily within Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Romans, as well as in Luke’s Gospel. Its core sense is not merely emotional admiration but a judgment of worthiness, often linked to specific actions or decisions.
Thayer notes its etymological roots in approval, while Dodson highlights the idea of applauding or commending. The word frequently introduces a clause explaining what is praised, such as when Paul questions whether he should praise the Corinthians for their current behavior (1 Corinthians 11:22). In Luke’s account, Jesus uses it to describe how the son of this world has acted wisely, showing that the term can apply to practical discernment rather than just moral virtue.
Unlike words that emphasize loud acclaim, epaineō carries a quieter tone of validation. It suggests that an action or attitude meets a standard of excellence. Translators typically render it as "praise" or "commend," capturing the idea that the subject has earned a positive verdict from an observer.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epaineō offers a refreshing perspective on how we view approval. It is not about loud applause or emotional excitement, but a quiet, thoughtful judgment that someone has done well. When Paul uses this term in his letters, he is looking for specific actions that align with truth and love. This shifts our focus from seeking general admiration to earning genuine respect through faithful conduct.
In 1 Corinthians 11:2, Paul commends the believers for holding firm to the traditions he taught them. This shows that praise in Scripture is often tied to obedience and consistency. It encourages us to find joy in doing what is right, even when no one is watching, knowing that God sees our efforts. We can take comfort in the fact that our steady faithfulness is noticed and valued by Him.
Even Jesus used this word in Luke 16:8 to describe a manager’s shrewdness, highlighting that wisdom in practical matters also draws approval. This reminds us that God cares about how we handle our daily responsibilities. Let us strive to live in a way that invites such quiet commendation, trusting that our lives reflect His character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they should praise1×
- shall I praise1×
- praised1×
- I praise [you]!1×
- I do praise1×
- I commend1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐπαινῶ1×
- ἐπῄνεσεν1×
- ἐπαινῶ.1×
- ἐπαινῶ1×
- ἐπαινέσω1×
- ἐπαινεσάτωσαν1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
Paul uses this word to affirm the Corinthians' commitment to the teachings he delivered, linking praise directly to holding firm to tradition.
-
Luke 16:8
“His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light.
Jesus applies this term to a dishonest manager's shrewdness, showing it can describe practical wisdom even in difficult circumstances.
-
I Corinthians 11:22
What, don’t you have houses to eat and to drink in? Or do you despise God’s assembly and put them to shame who don’t have enough? What shall I tell you? Shall I praise you? In this I don’t praise you.
Paul explicitly rejects praising the Corinthians for their divisive behavior at the Lord's Supper, illustrating that this word requires worthy conduct.