εὐλογέω (eulogeō)
eulogeō
to praise/bless
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 40 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eulogeō carries a dual sense of speaking well of someone or actively invoking blessing upon them. In classical Greek, it primarily meant to praise, but in the Septuagint and New Testament, it adopts the Hebrew concept of berak, meaning to confer prosperity or favor. This shift is evident when Jesus gives thanks for the bread at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26), where the act combines gratitude with a consecratory prayer that sets the elements apart for holy use.
Its usage spans from human interactions to divine action. Humans are commanded to bless those who persecute them (Romans 12:14), while God is described as the one who bestows blessings on Abraham’s descendants (Galatians 3:9). The word also appears in the titles of praise, such as "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:9), highlighting its role in acknowledging divine favor. Translators often render it simply as "bless," though this can obscure the nuance of speaking good over a person or thing.
The root combines eu ("good") and logos ("word"), suggesting that blessing begins with speech. Whether praising God in temple worship (Luke 24:53) or pronouncing benedictions, the word underscores the power of spoken words to shape reality. This linguistic feature connects the act of praise with the imparting of grace, showing how language serves as a vehicle for divine favor in biblical thought.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eulogeō reminds us that our words carry weight. It combines 'good' and 'word', showing that blessing is not just a wish but an active declaration of God’s favor. When we bless others, we are speaking good over their lives, aligning our speech with God’s intent for them.
This act extends beyond simple praise. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this word when breaking bread, linking gratitude with the setting apart of things for holy use. It invites us to see our daily interactions as opportunities to confer grace. By choosing to speak life and goodness, even to those who oppose us, we participate in a profound spiritual practice that reflects God’s character.
Ultimately, blessing is a bridge between heaven and earth. It acknowledges that every good gift comes from above. As you navigate your day, consider how your words can be a source of comfort and strength to others, reflecting the peace and favor of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 40 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Blessed [is]7×
- blessing6×
- blessed5×
- having blessed4×
- do bless4×
- He blessed3×
- we bless,2×
- you shall bless1×
- we bless1×
- is blessed.1×
- having spoken a blessing1×
- blessed [is]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐλόγησεν8×
- εὐλογημένος7×
- εὐλογήσας5×
- εὐλογεῖτε4×
- εὐλογημένη3×
- εὐλογῶν2×
- εὐλογοῦντες2×
- εὐλογοῦμεν,2×
- εὐλόγησεν,1×
- εὐλόγηκεν.1×
- εὐλογῇς1×
- εὐλογήσω1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Jesus commands his followers to actively bless those who curse them, showing that blessing is a deliberate choice to speak good over enemies rather than returning harm.
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Matthew 26:26
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
At the Last Supper, Jesus gives thanks (eulogeō) for the bread, establishing a pattern where gratitude and consecration are intertwined in Christian worship.
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Luke 1:28
Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”
The angel addresses Mary as 'blessed', indicating that being blessed is a state of divine favor and closeness to God, not merely a future hope.
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Luke 24:50
He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
Jesus’ final act before ascending is to bless his disciples, demonstrating that his parting gift is one of enduring favor and protection for the church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between eulogeō and other words for praise?
Why does Jesus tell us to bless our enemies?
How is eulogeō used in the context of meals?
Every Occurrence (40 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 6 verses
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who…
Matthew 14:19He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to…
Matthew 21:9The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed…
Matthew 23:39For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Matthew 25:34Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from…
Matthew 26:26As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat;…