εὐχή (euchē)
euchē
a vow/prayer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun euchē refers to a solemn promise made to God, often expressed through prayer. In the New Testament, it appears in only three verses, linking the act of speaking to God with the commitment to fulfill a specific obligation. This term captures the intersection of devotion and duty, where words spoken in faith become binding commitments.
Its usage highlights two primary contexts: as a vow in Acts 18:18 and 21:23, where individuals dedicate themselves to religious practices or journeys, and as a prayer for healing in James 5:15. In the latter case, the prayer itself carries the weight of a vow, emphasizing the seriousness with which believers are called to intercede for one another.
The word derives from euchomai, meaning "to pray" or "to vow," reflecting its dual nature. While it can simply mean prayer, its stronger sense involves a pledge, reminding readers that communication with God is not merely expressive but also covenantal. This duality underscores the integrity required in spiritual promises.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euchē bridges the gap between our spoken desires and our solemn commitments to God. In the New Testament, it appears in only three verses, yet each instance reveals a profound truth: communication with God is not merely expressive but covenantal. Whether Paul shaving his head as part of a vow or the elders asking believers to fulfill their promises, this term reminds us that our words carry weight.
In James 5:15, the prayer for healing is described with the same gravity as a vow. This suggests that when we intercede for others, we are entering into a serious spiritual engagement. It invites us to approach God with integrity, ensuring that our prayers reflect a heart willing to trust His will completely. Our faith is not just about asking but about aligning our lives with the promises we make.
Ultimately, euchē teaches us that devotion and duty are intertwined. When we speak to God, we enter into a relationship where our words shape our actions. This awareness encourages us to be thoughtful in our petitions and faithful in our follow-through. It is a call to live with honesty before Him, knowing that He honors the sincerity of our hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- prayer1×
- a vow.1×
- a vow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐχήν.1×
- εὐχὴν1×
- εὐχὴ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 18:18
Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.
This verse shows Paul fulfilling a vow by shaving his head, demonstrating that vows are tangible acts of dedication to God's service.
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Acts 21:23
Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.
Here, the reference to four men who have taken a vow highlights how personal commitments were visible markers of religious devotion in the early church.
-
James 5:15
and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
By using this term for the prayer of faith, James elevates intercession to the level of a solemn pledge, emphasizing the seriousness of praying for the sick.