εὐάρεστος (euarestos)
euarestos
well-pleasing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective euarestos describes something that is well-pleasing or acceptable to a person. It combines the root for "good" with a term meaning "to be pleased by," creating a sense of approval that meets a specific standard. In the New Testament, this word appears nine times, primarily in Paul’s letters to Romans, Philippians, and Colossians, as well as in Titus and Hebrews.
The sources highlight a consistent pattern: euarestos is frequently used with a dative of person or a prepositional phrase indicating the one who is pleased. For instance, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable [euarestos] to God" in Romans 12:1. Similarly, he describes gifts sent by the Philippians as a "fragrant offering, acceptable [euarestos] and well-pleasing to God" in Philippians 4:18.
This usage distinguishes it from general moral goodness; it specifically denotes favor or satisfaction from another party. The word often appears in contexts of worship, service, or ethical conduct that align with divine will. Translators typically render it as "acceptable" or "well-pleasing," capturing the relational dynamic where human actions find approval in the sight of God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euarestos describes an action or attitude that brings genuine satisfaction to another person. In the New Testament, it is most often used to describe our relationship with God. When we offer our lives as a living sacrifice, Romans 12:1 tells us this is acceptable to Him. This acceptance does not come from our own perfection, but from aligning our daily choices with His will.
Paul encourages the Philippians to see their gifts and service as a fragrant offering that pleases God (Philippians 4:18). This perspective shifts our focus from human approval to divine satisfaction. Whether in family obedience or church service, we aim for what is well-pleasing in His sight. It is a call to live with intentionality, knowing that our efforts are seen and valued by the Creator.
This concept invites us to rest in the assurance that our service matters. We do not need to strive for an impossible standard of human praise. Instead, we can find peace in offering our best to God, trusting that He receives it with grace through Jesus Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- well-pleasing6×
- well pleasing1×
- pleasing1×
- [is] well-pleasing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐάρεστον5×
- εὐάρεστόν1×
- εὐάρεστος1×
- εὐάρεστοι1×
- εὐαρέστους1×
Key Verses
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Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
This verse defines the Christian’s entire life as a living sacrifice that is acceptable to God, establishing the baseline for all other service.
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Philippians 4:18
But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
Paul uses this term to describe financial gifts from the church as a fragrant offering, showing that practical support is spiritual worship.
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II Corinthians 5:9
Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.
Here Paul states his personal ambition is simply to be well-pleasing to the Lord, regardless of whether people are present or absent.
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Hebrews 13:21
make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
The letter concludes by praying that God would work in believers what is well-pleasing in His sight, linking divine enablement to acceptable service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does euarestos mean in the Bible?
How is euarestos different from general moral goodness?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 7 books)
Romans 3 verses
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to…
Romans 12:2Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the…
Romans 14:18For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.