εὐφραίνω (euphrainō)
euphrainō
to celebrate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb euphrainō describes the act of making someone glad or cheering up another person. It carries a sense of active encouragement, often standing in direct contrast to causing sorrow or grief. In 2 Corinthians 2:2, Paul uses this word to urge the church to reaffirm their love for a repentant member, ensuring that their comfort restores rather than overwhelms him.
Its roots combine a prefix meaning "well" with a verb meaning "to gladden," pointing to a wholesome, deep-seated joy. This term frequently appears in contexts of celebration and feasting, such as when the father in Luke 15 calls for a feast to celebrate his returned son. It also surfaces in Revelation to describe the earth’s rejoicing over the fall of Babylon, highlighting a communal shift from mourning to delight.
While it can mean simply to rejoice, its active usage emphasizes the social dimension of joy—bringing happiness to others. Translators often render it as "gladden" or "make merry," capturing the lively, festive atmosphere associated with its use in Luke and Acts. The word underscores that true joy is often shared and expressed through communal celebration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euphrainō invites us to see joy not as a private feeling, but as an active gift we give to others. It describes the deliberate act of cheering someone up or restoring their spirit when they are down. In our daily lives, this means looking for opportunities to lift up those who are weary or discouraged. A kind word, a shared meal, or a moment of genuine presence can serve as a tangible expression of this biblical encouragement.
This concept is vividly illustrated in the story of the prodigal son, where the father commands a feast to celebrate his return. The celebration was not just about personal happiness; it was a public declaration of restored relationship and hope for the lost. Similarly, Paul urges the church to use this kind of joy to comfort those who have been grieved by sin or hardship.
When we choose to gladden others, we participate in a deeper spiritual rhythm. We become instruments of God’s comfort, helping to turn mourning into delight. This shared joy strengthens our communities and reflects the heart of God, who delights in restoration. Let us look for ways to bring light and gladness to those around us this week.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do rejoice3×
- was glad1×
- to be merry.1×
- they were rejoicing1×
- making good cheer1×
- let us be merry,1×
- gladdening1×
- does make merry1×
- do rejoice you1×
- do be merry.1×
- To make merry1×
- I may make merry.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ηὐφράνθη1×
- εὐφράνθητι1×
- εὐφράνθητε1×
- εὐφραίνων1×
- εὐφραίνου.1×
- εὐφραίνου1×
- εὐφραίνοντο1×
- εὐφραίνονται1×
- εὐφραίνεσθε1×
- εὐφραίνεσθαι.¶1×
- εὐφρανθῶμεν,1×
- εὐφρανθῶ.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 15:23
Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate;
The father initiates a communal feast specifically to mark the return of his lost son, showing that celebration is a response to restoration.
-
II Corinthians 2:2
For if I make you grieve, then who will make me glad but he who is made to grieve by me?
Paul links the act of making someone glad directly with the responsibility to comfort those who have been grieved by their own actions.
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Luke 15:32
But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’”
The father explains that celebration is appropriate because it acknowledges a transition from death to life and loss to finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word euphrainō mean?
How is euphrainō different from other words for joy?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 6 books)
Luke 6 verses
I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”’
Luke 15:23Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate;
Luke 15:24for this, my son, was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:29But he answered his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours,…
Luke 15:32But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and…
Luke 16:19“Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.