Lexical Summary epainos: Praise, commendation, approval Original Word: ἔπαινος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance praise. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing -- praise. see GREEK epi see GREEK aineo HELPS Word-studies 1868 épainos (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting," which intensifies 136 /aínos, "praise") – properly, fitting (apt) praise, i.e. accurate acknowledgment (appropriate commendation, recognition); enthusiastic acknowledgment for what deserves praise. [The prefix (epi) suggests commendation that fits," i.e. is appropriate because it relates to God's will (2307 /thélēma).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and ainos Definition praise NASB Translation fame (1), praise (9), worthy of praise (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1868: ἔπαινοςἔπαινος, ἐπαινου, ὁ (ἐπί and αἶνος (as it were, a tale for another; cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Lexil. § 83, 4; Schmidt, chapter 155)); approbation, commendation, praise: Philippians 4:8; ἐκ τίνος, bestowed by one, Romans 2:29; ἔπαινον ἔχειν ἐκ τίνος, genitive of person, Romans 13:3; ὁ ἔπαινος γενήσεται ἑκάστῳ ἀπό τοῦ Θεοῦ, 1 Corinthians 4:5; with the genitive of the person to whom the praise is given, Romans 2:29; 2 Corinthians 8:18; εἰς ἔπαινον, to the obtaining of praise, 1 Peter 1:7; εἰς ἔπαινον τίνος, that a person or thing may be praised, Ephesians 1:6, 14; Philippians 1:11; (πέμπεσθαι εἰς ... ἔπαινον τίνος, 1 Peter 2:14); εἶναι εἰς ἔπαινον τίνος to be a praise to a person or thing, Ephesians 1:12. Topical Lexicon Root and Conceptual Background The term translated “praise” in English carries the sense of verbal or public approval, admiration, and commendation. In the Septuagint it is the common rendering for several Hebrew words for praise (for example, tehillah), linking it to Israel’s worship vocabulary. In the Greco-Roman world it described honor speeches at civic gatherings or inscriptions celebrating benefactors. Scripture redeems that cultural notion, redirecting praise ultimately to the Lord and defining the only praise that finally matters as the one God Himself grants. Distribution in the New Testament The word appears eleven times, concentrated in Paul’s letters (Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, Corinthians) and in 1 Peter. The occurrences fall naturally into three spheres: 1. Praise offered to God (Ephesians 1:6, 1:12, 1:14; Philippians 1:11). Praise Directed Toward God Paul piles the word three times into the opening doxology of Ephesians. Grace is “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6), redemption aims “for the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:12), and the Spirit’s sealing guarantees final inheritance “to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14). Salvation’s every stage is calibrated so that divine attributes are acclaimed. Similarly, believers in Philippians 1:11 are to be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” The early church’s theology of praise is therefore God-centered, grace-celebrating, and eschatological. Praise Granted by God While believers praise God, Scripture also promises that God will praise faithful believers. The hidden work of the heart will be unveiled, and “each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Authentic, Spirit-wrought religion earns “praise … not from men, but from God” (Romans 2:29). Peter extends the thought to tested faith: fiery trials refine trust “so that the proven character of your faith … may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). The prospect of divine commendation motivates holiness, assuring saints that unnoticed labor and suffering are not lost on their Lord. Praise in Civil and Ecclesial Life Romans 13:3 and 1 Peter 2:14 describe governing authorities who “praise those who do right.” Even in a fallen world, God ordains structures that publicly recognize good conduct. Inside the church the principle operates as well. A certain brother is “praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel” (2 Corinthians 8:18), showing that Christian communities may—and should—commend gospel faithfulness. Philippians 4:8 concludes the celebrated list of virtues with “if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things,” urging believers to cultivate an atmosphere where what is commendable is noticed and celebrated. Eschatological Dimension The divide between the already and the not-yet colors every New Testament use. Present praise offered to God anticipates the universal acknowledgment that will flood the new creation. Present praise granted by God in hidden ways foreshadows the public declaration at Christ’s return. Thus praise functions both as current encouragement and as a foretaste of the ultimate verdict. Ministry Implications • Worship: Services should spotlight the triune God’s grace, glory, and saving acts, mirroring the cadence of Ephesians 1. Historical and Cultural Insight In an honor-shame society, public praise conferred social capital. The apostles redirect that paradigm: real honor comes from God, and true praise is offered to Him. This reorientation subverts pride, relativizes human accolades, and frees believers for humble service. Early Christian writers—e.g., Clement of Rome—echoed this shift, urging the church to “praise His name in harmony” while awaiting “the praise prepared for the elect.” Practical Application Speak well of God daily, sing richly doctrinal hymns, acknowledge fellow believers’ faithful service, and set hearts on the commendation that awaits at the judgment seat of Christ. In so doing the church lives “to the praise of His glory” now and forever. Forms and Transliterations επαινον έπαινον έπαινόν ἔπαινον επαινος έπαινος έπαινός ἔπαινος επαίνω epainon épainon epainos épainosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 2:29 N-NMSGRK: οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος οὐκ ἐξ NAS: not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, KJV: whose praise [is] not INT: of whom the praise [is] not of Romans 13:3 N-AMS 1 Corinthians 4:5 N-NMS 2 Corinthians 8:18 N-NMS Ephesians 1:6 N-AMS Ephesians 1:12 N-AMS Ephesians 1:14 N-AMS Philippians 1:11 N-AMS Philippians 4:8 N-NMS 1 Peter 1:7 N-AMS 1 Peter 2:14 N-AMS Strong's Greek 1868 |
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