εὐθυμέω (euthumeō)
euthumeō
be cheerful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb euthumeō describes a state of being in good spirits or of good courage. It appears only three times in the New Testament, occurring twice in Acts and once in James. In both instances within Acts (27:22 and 27:25), Paul uses it to encourage shipwrecked sailors who are terrified for their lives. He tells them not to lose heart, urging them to remain cheerful despite the imminent danger.
Its root combines eu ("good") with thymos ("spirit" or "courage"), literally meaning to have a good spirit. This distinguishes it from general happiness; it is a resilient cheerfulness that persists in crisis. The word implies an inner steadiness and confidence, rather than external joy. In James 5:13, believers are told to pray if they suffer, but to sing psalms if they are cheerful, suggesting euthumeō reflects a stable, faithful disposition even amid hardship.
Translators often render it as "be of good cheer" or "take heart." This captures the sense of maintaining courage when circumstances are dire. The word does not deny fear or danger but calls for a spirit that remains unshaken by them. It points to a quiet strength rooted in trust, allowing one to face uncertainty with calm resolve.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like a storm at sea, it is natural to feel fear. The Greek word euthumeō offers a different way forward. It means to have good courage or to be in good spirits, not by ignoring danger, but by trusting God’s promise. Paul used this word to encourage sailors facing shipwreck. He did not deny their terror; he pointed them to the hope that remained.
This kind of cheerfulness is a quiet strength. It is an inner steadiness that comes from knowing God is faithful. Whether you are suffering or singing, your response can reflect trust in Him. You do not need to manufacture happiness. Instead, you can rest in the truth that God holds your future.
In moments of anxiety, remember that courage is a gift. It grows as we focus on God’s character rather than our circumstances. Let this word remind you that peace is possible even when the waves are high. Your spirit can remain calm because your hope is secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to keep up your courage;1×
- take courage1×
- Is cheerful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐθυμεῖτε1×
- εὐθυμεῖν·1×
- εὐθυμεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:22
Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
Paul uses this command to stabilize terrified sailors, showing that courage is a spiritual discipline in crisis.
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Acts 27:25
Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.
The word anchors Paul’s faith in God’s specific promise, linking cheerful trust to divine reliability.
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James 5:13
Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises.
James contrasts suffering with this state, showing that cheerfulness naturally leads to worship and praise.