εὔφημος (euphēmos)
euphēmos
commendable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective euphēmos describes something that sounds good or carries a favorable reputation. Derived from roots meaning "well" and "voice" or "report," it originally referred to uttering words of good omen or avoiding speech considered unlucky. In the New Testament, this ancient sense of auspiciousness shifts toward moral quality, describing actions or thoughts that are commendable and pleasing.
Its single New Testament appearance in Philippians 4:8 illustrates this ethical application. Paul urges believers to focus on whatever is true, honorable, and euphēmos. Here the word signifies qualities that are gracious and worthy of public praise, contrasting with speech or deeds that might be considered base or ill-omened. It captures a standard of conduct that reflects well on those who practice it.
Translators typically render this term as "commendable" or "worthy of praise." The word highlights the social and spiritual weight of reputation in the early church, where what was spoken and done had lasting impact. By focusing on euphēmos things, Christians were encouraged to cultivate a life that resonated with integrity and grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euphēmos carries the sense of something that sounds good or earns a favorable reputation. In Philippians 4:8, Paul uses it to describe thoughts and actions that are worthy of praise. This invites us to consider how our inner life reflects in our outward conduct, encouraging a focus on what is truly commendable.
Living with this standard means choosing integrity over convenience. When we align our minds with what is pure and lovely, we cultivate a character that resonates with grace. This approach helps build trust within our communities and brings peace to our own hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- admirable —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὔφημα,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Paul uses this term to define the specific qualities of thought that believers should actively cultivate, linking moral purity with public reputation.