Lexical Summary epaineó: To praise, to commend Original Word: ἐπαινέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance commend, laud, praise. From epi and aineo; to applaud -- commend, laud, praise. see GREEK epi see GREEK aineo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1867 epainéō (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" which intensifies 134 /ainéō, "to praise") – to praise in a fitting (apt) manner, i.e. as appropriate (adequate) to the situation; hence, to accredit in full (proper) measure. See 1868 (epainos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and aineó Definition to praise NASB Translation praise (5), praised (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1867: ἐπαινέωἐπαινέω, ἐπαινῶ; future ἐπαινέσω (1 Corinthians 11:22, for the more common ἐπαινέσομαι, cf. Winers Grammar, 86 (82); (Buttmann, 53 (46)); L text Tr marginal reading ἐπαινῶ); 1 aorist ἐπῄνεσα; (ἔπαινος); from Homer down; the Sept. for הִלֵּל and שִׁבַּח; to approve, to praise (with the ἐπί cf. German be- inbeloben (Passow, under the word ἐπί, IV. C. 3 cc.)): τινα, Romans 15:11; 1 Corinthians 11:22; τινα, followed by ὅτι (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 30, 9 b.), Luke 16:8; 1 Corinthians 11:2; absolutely, followed by ὅτι, 1 Corinthians 11:17. Topical Lexicon Essence of Praise and Commendation The verb behind Strong’s Greek 1867 portrays an explicit verbal approval aimed either vertically toward God or horizontally toward people. Scripture presents praise as an act that can edify, correct, or expose the moral worth of its object. Hence, the term functions both as an expression of worship and as a pastoral instrument of evaluation. Occurrences in the New Testament Canon 1. Luke 16:8 These six appearances span the Synoptic Gospels and Pauline epistles, providing a balanced lens on divine praise, human commendation, and the corrective withholding of approval. Praise Directed to God (Romans 15:11) Paul cites Psalm 117:1 to demonstrate that Gentile inclusion fulfills prophetic expectation: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and extol Him, all you peoples.” By employing the verb, the apostle underscores that worship is not limited by ethnicity; every redeemed tongue is summoned to voice grateful admiration. The context roots Gentile praise in the finished work of Christ, validating the missionary thrust of the church. Measured Commendation among Believers (1 Corinthians 11:2) “Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.” Paul models pastoral balance—he affirms genuine obedience before addressing errors. Commendation here functions as a spiritual motivator, reinforcing behaviors that align with apostolic teaching without lapsing into flattery. Withholding Praise for Correction (1 Corinthians 11:17; 1 Corinthians 11:22) “Now in these instructions I have no praise for you, because your gatherings do more harm than good” (11:17). Again in verse 22 he bluntly asks, “Shall I commend you? In this matter I do not commend you.” In first-century Corinth, social stratification had infiltrated the Lord’s Supper, betraying the gospel’s egalitarian ethos. Paul’s refusal to commend functions as prophetic rebuke, calling the church to penitence and genuine unity. Even within the same epistle, the verb swings from approval (11:2) to disapproval (11:17, 22), illustrating that praise in biblical leadership is not indiscriminate but tethered to covenantal faithfulness. Commendation in Secular Contexts (Luke 16:8) “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.” Here the verb captures worldly applause for pragmatic cunning. Jesus does not endorse the steward’s ethics; rather, He leverages the account to shame spiritual sluggishness among “the sons of light.” The passage warns that earthly praise can crown short-sighted ingenuity, whereas eternal commendation belongs to those who invest shrewdly in the kingdom. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman rhetoric, an epainos speech lauded virtues and noble deeds. Paul, trained in such rhetoric, repurposes the familiar category for gospel ends, but he subjects all human approval to divine standards. His Jewish heritage further links praise to the Hebrew concept of halal, enriching the term with covenantal overtones. Doctrinal and Ministry Implications • Praise of God is the natural overflow of salvation and the ultimate goal of missions (Romans 15). Practical Application for Contemporary Ministry 1. Encourage biblical traditions that align with apostolic teaching; verbal affirmation nurtures perseverance. Summary Strong’s Greek 1867 charts a spectrum from doxology to disciplinary restraint. Used wisely, it directs glory to God, builds up the church, and exposes the vanity of praise severed from truth. Forms and Transliterations επαινεθήσεται επαινεθησόμεθα επαινεθήσονται επαίνει επαινείσθαι επαινείσθε επαινείται επαινέσατε επαινεσατωσαν ἐπαινεσάτωσαν επαινέσει επαινέσουσί επαινεσω επαινέσω ἐπαινέσω επαινούντές Επαινω επαινώ Ἐπαινῶ επηνέθησαν επήνεσα επήνεσαν επηνεσεν επήνεσεν ἐπῄνεσεν epainesatosan epainesatōsan epainesátosan epainesátōsan epaineso epainesō epainéso epainésō Epaino Epainô Epainō Epainō̂ epḗinesen epenesen epēnesenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 16:8 V-AIA-3SGRK: καὶ ἐπῄνεσεν ὁ κύριος NAS: And his master praised the unrighteous KJV: the lord commended the unjust INT: And praised the master Romans 15:11 V-AMA-3P 1 Corinthians 11:2 V-PIA-1S 1 Corinthians 11:17 V-PIA-1S 1 Corinthians 11:22 V-ASA-1S 1 Corinthians 11:22 V-PIA-1S Strong's Greek 1867 |
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