ἔπαινος (epainos)
epainos
praise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epainos denotes praise or commendation, specifically that which is earned through good conduct. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where approval is linked to visible righteousness. For instance, Paul notes that rulers do not bear the sword in vain because they are God’s servant to execute wrath on evildoers, but to be a terror to bad behavior and thus receive praise from people (Romans 13:3). This suggests a social dimension where right living invites positive recognition from others.
Its etymology combines the preposition epi, meaning "upon," with a root related to song or acclaim. The sources indicate it is often used in contrast to shame or blame. In Ephesians, believers are described as being for the praise of His glory, highlighting that their sanctified life serves as a testament to God’s work rather than human merit (Ephesians 1:12). Similarly, Peter connects doing good with silencing ignorance and receiving praise from men (1 Peter 2:15), showing how ethical behavior can disarm critics.
Translators sometimes render this word as "commendation" to emphasize the aspect of being approved by an authority. It is not merely empty flattery but a response to tangible virtue. The term appears in lists of virtues, such as when Paul urges believers to think on whatever is true, honorable, and just, including anything that is praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). This usage frames epainos as a quality inherent in actions that align with divine standards.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word epainos points to genuine commendation earned through right living. It is not empty flattery, but a real response to visible righteousness. When we live with integrity, our actions naturally invite positive recognition from others. This social dimension reminds us that faith has a public impact, influencing how the world perceives God’s work in our lives.
Yet Scripture also teaches that true approval comes from God alone. Paul contrasts human praise with the commendation received from the Lord, who sees what is hidden and judges with perfect justice (Romans 2:29). Our goal should not be to chase the applause of people, but to live in a way that honors God. This shift in focus frees us from the anxiety of performance and allows us to serve with humility.
Ultimately, this word invites us to consider where our motivation lies. Are we seeking glory for ourselves, or are we living to reflect the grace of Christ? By focusing on virtues that are true, honorable, and just, we align our hearts with divine standards. This path leads to a deeper peace, knowing that our worth is secured by God’s love rather than human opinion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- praise7×
- [the] praise3×
- praise —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔπαινον7×
- ἔπαινος3×
- ἔπαινος,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 2:29
but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
This verse contrasts human approval with the superior commendation that comes directly from God, highlighting the inward nature of true faith.
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Romans 13:3
For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the authority,
Here the word links righteous conduct to positive social recognition, showing how good works can earn respect from authorities.
-
I Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
Paul uses this term to describe the final judgment where God alone reveals the true motives of the heart and grants approval.
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Ephesians 1:6
to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely gave us favor in the Beloved.
This occurrence shifts the focus from human merit to divine grace, showing that believers exist to reflect God’s glorious character.
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I Peter 2:14
or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well.
Peter connects doing good with receiving praise from governors, illustrating how ethical behavior can silence critics and honor God.