2130. eumetadotos

Lexical Summary

eumetadotos: Generous, willing to share

Original Word: εὐμετάδοτος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: eumetadotos
Pronunciation: yoo-met-AD-ot-os
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-met-ad'-ot-os)
KJV: ready to distribute
NASB: generous
Word Origin: [from G2095 (εὖ - well) and a presumed derivative of G3330 (μεταδίδωμι - impart)]

1. good at imparting, i.e. liberal

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

generous

From eu and a presumed derivative of metadidomi; good at imparting, i.e. Liberal -- ready to distribute.

see GREEK eu

see GREEK metadidomi

HELPS Word-studies

2130 eumetádotos (from 2095 /eú, "well, good" and 3330 /metadídōmi, "give over, impart") – properly, give from a liberal (generous) attitude that is ready to share (reach out).

2130 /eumetádotos ("giving over what is good") refers to spontaneous, willing giving and emphasizes being ready for outreach. 2130 (eumetádotos) describes someone who "open-handedly" (willingly) shares, i.e. stands "ready to impart" (Souter).

[The prefix (eu) "emphasizes the nuance either of liberality, or the ease, promptitude, and joy with which one makes one's wealth useful to others (cf. Ac 20:35; Wis 7:13 – wisdom passes on without regret [aphthonōs metadidōmi] that which is gained, without afterthought). If this is indeed the meaning of the prefix, then it transforms simple 'sharing' into a full-fledged virtue. The teaching is Christian: John the Baptist had instructed people to give spontaneously to the needy (Lk 3:11)" (C. Spicq, 2, 121).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from eu and metadidómi
Definition
ready to impart
NASB Translation
generous (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2130: εὐμετάδοτος

εὐμετάδοτος, ἐυμεταδοτον (εὖ and μεταδίδωμι), ready or free to impart; liberal: 1 Timothy 6:18 (A. V. ready to distribute). (Antoninus 1, 14; 6, 48.)

Topical Lexicon

Definition and Nuance

The term denotes an open-handed readiness to distribute material resources for the benefit of others. It is more than an occasional gift; it describes a settled disposition that finds joy in sharing because one’s security rests in God. Closely related ideas include liberality (Proverbs 11:25), cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), and the fellowship of sharing (Hebrews 13:16).

New Testament Usage

1 Timothy 6:18 stands as the sole occurrence: “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share”. Paul addresses believers who possess earthly wealth. He neither condemns prosperity nor idealizes poverty; instead, he commands stewardship that transforms riches into eternal capital (1 Timothy 6:19). The word appears alongside “rich in good works,” indicating that financial generosity must spring from an overall lifestyle of practical benevolence.

Theological Themes

1. Imitation of God’s Generosity
• God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). Christian liberality mirrors the Father’s openhanded character (James 1:17).
• The gospel itself is the gift of Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9). Believers who have received such grace become channels of grace to others (2 Corinthians 9:8-11).

2. Stewardship and Eternal Perspective
• Wealth is a temporary trust (Luke 16:9-12). Generosity converts “uncertain riches” into a “firm foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:19).
• The practice guards hearts from arrogance and misplaced hope (1 Timothy 6:17; Matthew 6:19-21).

3. Fellowship and Equality in the Body
• Paul commends the Macedonians who, despite poverty, begged for the privilege of sharing (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).
• Such giving fosters “equality” so that “your surplus might supply their need” (2 Corinthians 8:14).

Old Testament Foundations

Divine law inculcated liberality: “You shall freely open your hand to your brother” (Deuteronomy 15:8-11). Wisdom literature echoes the promise of blessing to the giver (Proverbs 19:17; Isaiah 58:10-11). These strands form the soil from which the New Testament exhortation springs.

Early Church Practice

Acts records believers “having everything in common” and selling property to meet needs (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35). The appointment of deacons (Acts 6:1-6) institutionalized equitable distribution. Later, Justin Martyr and Tertullian testify that offerings supported orphans, widows, the sick, prisoners, and travelers—concrete expressions of the attitude captured by the term.

Pastoral and Discipleship Implications

• Teaching the wealthy: Paul’s approach combines warning, instruction, and promise. Modern pastors likewise guide affluent believers to intentional, systematic generosity that aligns with kingdom priorities.
• Cultivating a culture of sharing: Local congregations can model the New Testament vision through benevolence funds, hospitality, and global missions support.
• Accountability and joy: Encouraging testimonies of giving affirms that generosity is not loss but participation in God’s provision account (Philippians 4:17-19).

Historical Illustrations

• Cappadocian relief: Basil of Caesarea’s “New City” for the poor fulfilled the mandate of 1 Timothy 6:18, channeling wealth into hospitals and hostels.
• Reformation almsgiving: Reformers such as Martin Bucer structured citywide poor relief, insisting that civic and ecclesial leaders embody gospel generosity.

Contemporary Relevance

In an age of global disparity, the call to be “generous and ready to share” confronts consumerism and fear of scarcity. Trust in God’s provision liberates believers to support evangelism, disaster relief, adoption, and community development. Where such generosity flourishes, the church presents a credible witness that Christ, not wealth, is life’s true treasure.

Forms and Transliterations

ευμεταδοτους ευμεταδότους εὐμεταδότους ευμήκη eumetadotous eumetadótous

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 6:18 Adj-AMP
GRK: ἔργοις καλοῖς εὐμεταδότους εἶναι κοινωνικούς
NAS: works, to be generous and ready to share,
INT: works good generous in distributing to be ready to share

Strong's Greek 2130
1 Occurrence

εὐμεταδότους — 1 Occ.