εὐλογία (eulogia)
eulogia
praise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun eulogia denotes a blessing or benediction, rooted in the idea of speaking well. While its literal sense is praise, Scripture often uses it to describe the concrete benefit that flows from God’s favor. In Revelation 5:12 and 7:12, heavenly beings offer this praise to Christ, highlighting His worthiness to receive honor and power.
The word carries a dual edge depending on context. In Romans 16:18, Paul warns against those who use "fair speaking" and smooth words to deceive others, showing that the term can describe flattering rhetoric used for selfish ends. Conversely, in passages like Galatians 3:14 and Ephesians 1:3, it refers to the spiritual blessings believers receive through faith.
This tension reveals that eulogia is not merely about pleasant words but about the substance of what is spoken or given. Whether describing the deceptive charm of false teachers or the profound grace of God’s covenant promises, the term always points to a powerful verbal act that shapes reality for those who hear it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eulogia reminds us that language carries weight. It can describe the sweet praise offered to God in heaven or the smooth words used to deceive hearts. In our daily lives, this tension invites us to examine what we say. Are our words building others up with truth, or are they merely pleasing sounds that hide empty promises? Scripture calls us to use our speech for good, reflecting the character of Christ.
At its best, eulogia points to the spiritual blessings God freely gives. When Paul speaks of receiving the blessing of Abraham through faith, he highlights a gift that transforms our standing before God. This assurance grounds our hope. We do not earn these benefits; we receive them by grace. Let this truth comfort you when you feel unworthy or uncertain about your future.
Ultimately, every tongue and every heart will join in praising the Lamb. Revelation shows us a future where all creation offers blessing to God. This gives our current struggles perspective. Our words matter because they participate in God’s story. May your speech always point others toward that eternal hope and the goodness of your Father.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- blessing7×
- of blessing2×
- blessings2×
- of the blessing1×
- flattery1×
- blessing!1×
- a blessing1×
- Blessing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐλογίας4×
- εὐλογίαν4×
- εὐλογία4×
- εὐλογίαις2×
- εὐλογίᾳ1×
- εὐλογίαν.1×
Key Verses
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Romans 16:18
For those who are such don’t serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
This verse warns that eulogia can describe deceptive flattery, showing the word’s capacity for misuse when detached from truth.
-
Galatians 3:14
that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Here the term refers to the concrete spiritual inheritance believers receive through faith in Christ, fulfilling the promise to Abraham.
-
Revelation of John 5:12
saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!”
Heavenly beings attribute blessing to the Lamb alongside power and wisdom, highlighting His worthiness for ultimate honor.
-
James 3:10
Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
This passage contrasts eulogia with cursing, emphasizing that consistent speech reflects a heart aligned with God’s will.