εὐώνυμος (euōnumos)
euōnumos
left/south
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective euōnumos literally means "of good name" or "good omen," yet in Scripture it is used as a euphemism for "left." This linguistic twist reflects an ancient cultural aversion to the left side, which was often associated with bad luck or sinister omens. To avoid speaking ill, writers substituted a phrase wishing for a favorable reputation, effectively masking the unlucky direction behind a polite expression.
This term appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Revelation. It describes positions relative to a central figure, such as when Jesus speaks of sitting at His right or left hand (Matthew 20:21; Mark 10:40). It also marks the placement of sheep and goats during the final judgment (Matthew 25:33) and identifies the location of criminals crucified alongside Him (Matthew 27:38). In Revelation, it describes a measuring rod held in the angel's left hand (Revelation 10:2).
The word highlights how biblical authors navigated cultural superstitions. By using a term that sounded auspicious to describe a direction considered unlucky, they maintained respect while conveying clear spatial information. This usage underscores the careful attention to detail in describing divine order and judgment, where position signifies status or fate.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euōnumos literally translates to "of good name," yet it serves as a polite substitute for "left" in the New Testament. In ancient culture, the left side was often viewed with suspicion or linked to bad omens. By using this auspicious term, biblical writers avoided negative connotations while clearly indicating direction. This linguistic choice reflects a deep respect for cultural sensitivities, ensuring that spatial descriptions remained clear without invoking superstition.
When Jesus speaks of sitting at His right or left hand, or when the sheep and goats are separated in Matthew 25, the term marks positions of significant spiritual weight. It reminds us that our standing before God is not determined by chance or unlucky signs, but by His sovereign preparation. The careful attention to these details highlights the order and justice inherent in divine judgment.
This word invites us to look beyond surface meanings and appreciate the care taken in Scripture to communicate truth respectfully. Whether describing the placement of criminals or the final separation of nations, the term underscores that every position has meaning. We can trust that God’s plans are established with precision and purpose, offering hope to those who seek His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- left2×
- [the] left hand2×
- on the left1×
- left.1×
- [the] left;1×
- [the] left.1×
- [the] left1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐωνύμων4×
- εὐώνυμον2×
- εὐωνύμων·1×
- εὐωνύμων.¶1×
- εὐωνύμων.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 25:33
He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
This verse uses the term to distinguish the final separation of the righteous from the unrighteous, highlighting the seriousness of eternal destiny.
-
Matthew 20:23
He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give, but it is for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
Here Jesus clarifies that positions at His right and left are not granted by human request but are prepared by the Father, emphasizing divine sovereignty.
-
Revelation of John 10:2
He had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land.
The angel’s posture with one foot on sea and one on land uses this term to depict authority over all creation, reinforcing the scope of God’s message.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does euōnumos mean in the Bible?
Why is the word translated as "left" instead of its literal meaning?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 5 verses
He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand…
Matthew 20:23He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on…
Matthew 25:33He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Matthew 25:41Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared…
Matthew 27:38Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.