Lexical Summary euergesia: Beneficence, good deed, kindness Original Word: εὐεργεσία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance benefit, good deed done. From euergetes; beneficence (genitive case or specially) -- benefit, good deed done. see GREEK euergetes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom euergetés Definition a good deed NASB Translation benefit (1), benefit done (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2108: εὐεργεσίαεὐεργεσία, εὐεργεσίας, ἡ (εὐεργέτης); a good deed, benefit: 1 Timothy 6:2 (on which see ἀντιλαμβάνω, 2); with the genitive of the person on whom the benefit is conferred (Winer's Grammar, 185 (174)), Acts 4:9. (2 Macc. 6:13 2Macc. 9:26; Wis. 16:11, 24; in Greek authors from Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Essence The term designates a concrete act of kindness that brings real benefit to another person. It is not an abstract virtue but a tangible expression of love that meets a material or physical need. Scripture presents such benevolence as springing from a heart already transformed by God’s grace and therefore eager to extend that grace to others. Occurrences in the New Testament • Acts 4:9 records the interrogating council describing the healing of the lame man as a “kind service”, highlighting the apostles’ public witness through compassionate action. Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, civic benefactors gained honor by underwriting public works—an arrangement called euergetism. Luke and Paul intentionally employ the same vocabulary to contrast gospel-motivated generosity with pagan patronage. The early church’s beneficence was not a bid for status but a manifestation of the self-giving love of Christ, meeting needs without expectation of repayment. This distinction soon became one of the most compelling apologetics of the rising Christian community (see also Acts 2:45; Tertullian, Apology 39). Theological Significance 1. Reflects God’s character: “The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made” (Psalm 145:9). Practical Ministry Application • Diaconal care: local churches echo Acts 4:9 when they provide food, medical aid, or financial relief in Jesus’ name. Related Biblical Themes Good works (kalos ergon) – Titus 3:8 Doing good (agathopoieō) – Galatians 6:10 Mercy (eleos) – Luke 6:36 Generosity (haplotēs) – Romans 12:8 Love in deed and truth – 1 John 3:18 Christ, the Supreme Benefactor Acts 10:38 summarizes the Savior’s ministry: “Jesus of Nazareth… went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him”. Every Christian act of beneficence is therefore a continuation of His work on earth, empowered by the same Spirit. Eschatological Perspective Good deeds follow believers into eternity (Revelation 14:13) and will be remembered at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Thus, beneficence possesses lasting value far beyond its immediate earthly impact, encouraging perseverance in well-doing until His return. Forms and Transliterations ευεργεσια ευεργεσία εὐεργεσίᾳ ευεργεσιας ευεργεσίας εὐεργεσίας ευεργεσιών euergesia euergesíāi euergesias euergesíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 4:9 N-DFSGRK: ἀνακρινόμεθα ἐπὶ εὐεργεσίᾳ ἀνθρώπου ἀσθενοῦς NAS: today for a benefit done to a sick KJV: of the good deed done to the impotent INT: are examined as to a good work [to the] man crippled 1 Timothy 6:2 N-GFS Strong's Greek 2108 |
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