2110. euergetés

Lexicon

euergetés: Benefactor

Original Word: εὐεργέτης
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: euergetés
Pronunciation: yoo-er-GHE-tace
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-erg-et'-ace)
Definition: Benefactor
Meaning: a benefactor, well-doer.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

benefactor.

From eu and the base of ergon; a worker of good, i.e. (specially) a philanthropist -- benefactor.

see GREEK eu

see GREEK ergon

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from eu and the same as ergon
Definition
a doer of good, i.e. a benefactor
NASB Translation
benefactors (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2110: εὐεργέτης

εὐεργέτης, Αὐεργέτου, ὁ, a benefactor (from Pindar and Herodotus down); it was also a title of honor, conferred on such as had done their country service, and upon princes; equivalent to Sorer, Pater Patriae: Luke 22:25. (Cf. Herodotus 8, 85; Thucydides 1, 129; Xenophon, vect. 3, 11; Hell. 6, 1, 4; Plato, de virt., p. 379 b.; others; cf. 2 Macc. 4:2; joined with σωτήρ, Josephus, b. j. 3, 9, 8; Additions to Esther 6:12 [Esther 8:308:12n] (Tdf. viii. 1,25); Diodorus 11, 26.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning "well" or "good") and ἔργον (ergon, meaning "work" or "deed").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for εὐεργέτης, the concept of a benefactor or one who does good can be related to Hebrew terms such as גָּמַל (gamal, Strong's 1580), which means to deal bountifully or to recompense, and חֶסֶד (chesed, Strong's 2617), which refers to loving-kindness or mercy. These terms capture the essence of benevolent actions and the character of one who acts as a benefactor.

Usage: The term εὐεργέτης is used in the New Testament to describe someone who is a benefactor, particularly in the context of rulers or leaders who are seen as doing good for their people.

Context: The Greek term εὐεργέτης appears in the New Testament in the context of discussing leadership and authority. In Luke 22:25, Jesus contrasts the worldly rulers who are called benefactors with the kind of leadership He advocates for His disciples. The passage reads: "Jesus said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.'" (BSB)

In the Greco-Roman world, the title of "benefactor" was often used for rulers or wealthy individuals who provided public services or gifts to their communities, thereby gaining favor and honor. This practice was common in Hellenistic societies, where public benefaction was a means of demonstrating power and securing loyalty.

Jesus' teaching in Luke 22:25 challenges the conventional understanding of leadership by suggesting that true greatness in His kingdom is not about exercising authority or being recognized as a benefactor, but about serving others. This reflects a radical redefinition of power and status, emphasizing humility and service over self-promotion and public recognition.

Forms and Transliterations

ευεργεται ευεργέται εὐεργέται εύζωνοι ευήκοον ευήχοις ευήχων ευθαλή ευθαλών euergetai euergétai

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 22:25 N-NMP
GRK: ἐξουσιάζοντες αὐτῶν εὐεργέται καλοῦνται
NAS: them are called 'Benefactors.'
KJV: them are called benefactors.
INT: exercising authority over them benefactors are called

Strong's Greek 2110
1 Occurrence

εὐεργέται — 1 Occ.