εὖ (eu)
eu
well/well done!
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb eu means "well" or "in a good way," derived from the root for goodness itself. In Scripture, it appears in five verses to describe states of prosperity, actions done rightly, or exclamations of approval. It functions as a simple but powerful descriptor of what is beneficial or successful.
Its usage varies by context. In Acts 15:29, it describes how things are going well ("fare well"), while in Mark 14:7, it qualifies an action as being done "well" or rightly. Notably, Matthew 25:21 and Luke 19:17 use it as a commendation, rendered as "Well done!" when servants prove faithful. This turns a simple adverb into a direct expression of divine approval.
Translators often capture this dual sense by using "well" for general conditions and "well done" for praise. The word carries no complex theological baggage; it simply affirms that something aligns with what is good, whether describing a person’s welfare or a job completed successfully.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word εὖ (eu) is simple yet profound, appearing in Scripture to describe both our general welfare and moments of divine approval. In Acts 15:29 and Ephesians 6:3, it points to a state of well-being that comes from living in alignment with God’s will. This is not merely about material success, but about the peace and stability found in obedience.
Perhaps most touching are the instances in Matthew 25 where Jesus uses this word as a direct commendation. When He says “Well done,” He is affirming faithfulness in small things. This reminds us that God notices our quiet efforts. His approval is not based on grandeur, but on the sincerity of our hearts.
We can find comfort in knowing that our daily acts of kindness and loyalty are seen. Whether we seek a life that goes well or desire to hear those words of praise, εὖ invites us to trust God’s goodness in every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- well2×
- Well done,2×
- good1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὖ3×
- εὖ,2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 25:21
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
This verse captures the word as a direct commendation from the Lord, affirming faithfulness over small responsibilities.
-
Acts 15:29
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”
Here the adverb describes the outcome of obedience, indicating that keeping these instructions leads to well-being for the believers.
-
Ephesians 6:3
“that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”
Paul uses this term to quote the promise of longevity and prosperity attached to honoring parents, grounding it in practical wisdom.