εὔθυμος (euthumos)
euthumos
encouraging
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective euthumos describes a state of being in good spirits or possessing good courage. Its roots combine eu ("good") and thymos ("spirit" or "heart"), pointing to an inner disposition that remains steady and encouraging even when circumstances are difficult. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the narrative of Paul’s voyage to Rome.
The most notable usage occurs in Acts 27:36, where Paul encourages the sailors and prisoners during a storm. He calls them to be euthumos, urging them to maintain their courage and hope despite the danger. This usage highlights the word's function as a call to resilience, reminding readers that inner strength can sustain them through external chaos.
Translators often render this term as "encouraging" or "of good cheer," capturing the sense of a heart that is not easily discouraged. It reflects a spiritual and emotional stability that looks beyond immediate fears to find peace. The word serves as a reminder that hope is not merely an emotion but a deliberate stance of the spirit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word euthumos combines roots for 'good' and 'spirit,' pointing to a steady inner courage that remains intact even when outside circumstances are chaotic. In Acts 27:36, Paul uses this term to urge those on the ship to take heart during a terrifying storm. This is not a superficial happiness dependent on good news, but a deliberate choice to trust God’s promise despite visible danger.
When life feels unstable, we often look for external signs of safety before we can relax. This word invites a different path: finding peace from the inside out by anchoring our hope in who God is. It reminds us that true encouragement comes from a spirit aligned with divine faithfulness, not just favorable conditions.
May you find this quiet strength in your own storms, knowing that courage is a gift we can receive through trust rather than a reaction to perfect safety.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- encouraging1×
- Encouraged1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὔθυμοι1×
- εὐθύμως1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:36
Then they all cheered up, and they also took food.
Paul uses this term to command the crew and prisoners to maintain hope and take food, showing that spiritual courage enables physical sustenance in crisis.
-
Acts 24:10
When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
Though often translated as 'cheerfully,' this instance reflects Paul’s unshaken confidence and good spirit when facing legal judgment, demonstrating the word's link to steadfastness.