εὐδοκέω (eudokeō)
eudokeō
to delight
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eudokeō describes a state of being well-pleased or finding delight in someone or something. Its structure combines a prefix meaning "good" with a root meaning "thought" or "opinion," suggesting that this pleasure arises from a positive judgment rather than mere impulse. In the New Testament, it appears twenty-one times, often translating Hebrew verbs that express God’s favorable regard for people or actions.
It functions in several distinct ways depending on its grammar. When used with an infinitive, it indicates consent or determination, as seen when Paul writes that it pleased them to share resources (Romans 15:27). When paired with a preposition like "in," it expresses delight, such as the Father’s voice declaring He is well pleased with Jesus at his baptism (Matthew 3:17). In Hebrews, it highlights God’s pleasure in the sacrifice of Christ’s body (Hebrews 10:5-8).
A key feature of this word is its frequent use in contexts of divine approval. It does not describe casual liking but a settled, intentional favor. This theological weight distinguishes it from simple emotional satisfaction, framing God’s pleasure as an active, purposeful alignment with His will and character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eudokeō carries a weight far deeper than casual liking. It describes a settled, intentional favor that arises from a positive judgment of value. When Scripture speaks of God’s delight, it is not referring to a fleeting emotion or an impulsive reaction. Instead, it points to a purposeful alignment with His own character and will.
This truth offers profound comfort. At Jesus’ baptism, the Father declared He was well pleased with Him (Matthew 3:17). This same divine approval extends to believers who live by faith. Even when life brings weakness or distress, we can rest in the knowledge that our standing before God is secure because of Christ’s perfect obedience.
For your daily walk, this means you do not need to strive for a favor that might be withdrawn. God’s pleasure in His people is rooted in His grace. You can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He delights in those who trust in His Son and seek to follow His path with a sincere heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was pleased3×
- I am well pleased.2×
- we were pleased1×
- we thought it best1×
- we are pleased1×
- was well pleased1×
- took delight1×
- takes pleasure1×
- having delighted1×
- has found delight1×
- found delight.1×
- You have delighted in;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐδόκησεν6×
- εὐδόκησα.¶3×
- εὐδόκησαν2×
- εὐδοκοῦμεν2×
- εὐδόκησας·1×
- εὐδόκησας,1×
- εὐδόκησα·1×
- εὐδόκησα.1×
- εὐδοκῶ1×
- εὐδοκήσαντες1×
- εὐδοκήσαμεν1×
- εὐδοκεῖ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 3:17
Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
This verse establishes the baseline of divine approval, showing the Father’s delight in the Son’s identity before any public ministry began.
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Luke 12:32
“Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
Here the word shifts from Jesus to the believers, revealing that God’s good pleasure is the active source of His gift of the Kingdom.
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Hebrews 10:6
You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.
The author uses this term to contrast the old sacrificial system with Christ’s body, showing God finds no pleasure in mere ritual without obedience.
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II Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul demonstrates a human response that mirrors divine intent, finding true strength and delight precisely when weakness is embraced for Christ’s sake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eudokeō mean in the New Testament?
How is this word different from simple happiness?
Does God delight in human sacrifices or rituals?
Can believers experience this kind of divine pleasure?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 12:18“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him. He…
Matthew 17:5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying,…