Lexical Summary eupeithes: Compliant, willing to yield, easily persuaded Original Word: εὐπειθής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance compliant, obedientFrom eu and peitho; good for persuasion, i.e. (intransitively) complaint -- easy to be intreated. see GREEK eu see GREEK peitho HELPS Word-studies 2138 eupeithḗs (from 2095 /eú, "well" and 3982 /peíthō, "persuade") – properly, "well-persuaded," already inclined, i.e. already willing (pre-disposed, favorable to); easy to come to terms with because already willing. 2138 /eupeithḗs ("yield") only occurs in Js 3:17. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2138: εὐπειθήςεὐπειθής, ἐυπειθες (εὖ, and πείθομαι to comply with, obey), easily obeying, compliant (A. V. easy to be intreated): James 3:17. (Aeschylus, Xenophon, Plato, and following.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 2138, εὐπειθής (eupēithēs), appears once in the New Testament, in James 3:17, where it describes a facet of “the wisdom from above.” The term profiles a disposition that readily listens, is open to reason, and willingly cooperates with what is true and righteous. Though rare in Scripture, its single use is strategically placed in a passage that contrasts heavenly wisdom with earthly, demonic wisdom (James 3:14-16). From this inspired context flow rich theological, pastoral, and practical implications. Context in James 3:13-18 James addresses teachers and would-be teachers (James 3:1), warning that unbridled tongues reveal envy and selfish ambition. Against that backdrop he spotlights the wisdom that authenticates genuine faith. Verse 17 offers a seven-fold description of this wisdom; “accommodating” (εὐπειθής) stands at the center of the list, functioning like a hinge between gentleness and mercy. The placement suggests that a willingness to yield is essential for peaceable relationships within the church. renders the verse: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” The inspired sequencing begins with moral purity and culminates in undivided sincerity; in between, εὐπειθής signals a readiness to be persuaded by sound counsel and to defer to others when no principle of righteousness is at stake. Relation to Old Testament Wisdom Tradition Proverbs repeatedly exhorts the wise to be “teachable” and “open to instruction” (for example, Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 19:20). Although Hebrew uses different vocabulary, the conceptual parallel is strong. A “listening heart” (1 Kings 3:9) marked Solomon’s God-given wisdom; James, steeped in that tradition, distills the same trait into one compact Greek term. Thus εὐπειθής bridges Old Testament emphases on teachability with New Testament portrayals of Spirit-produced character. Contrast with Earthly Wisdom Earthly wisdom, “unspiritual, demonic” (James 3:15), is characterized by stubborn self-assertion. It insists on its own way, breeds strife, and produces “disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). By contrast, εὐπειθής refuses to elevate personal preference over communal edification. It is neither spineless nor gullible; rather, it is receptive to reasoned argument grounded in Scripture and prompted by the Spirit. This readiness to yield when conscience permits is a sign of strength, not weakness (compare Philippians 2:3-4). Historical Witness Early church writers recognized the communal value of this virtue. Chrysostom viewed the accommodating believer as one who, “having subdued his private will, seeks the common good.” The Didache’s emphasis on traveling teachers being received “if they bring doctrine that accords with the gospel” reflects the same spirit: openness coupled with doctrinal discernment. Throughout church history, seasons of reformation and revival have flourished when leaders were humble enough to be persuaded by Scripture against entrenched traditions. Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Teaching and Preaching The expositor must model εὐπειθής by submitting interpretation to the whole counsel of God and remaining correctable by faithful congregants (Acts 17:11). 2. Church Leadership Elders are called to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2) and “not overbearing” (Titus 1:7). A board characterized by εὐπειθής will foster unity, handling disagreement with reasoned dialogue and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21). 3. Conflict Resolution When brethren dispute secondary matters, an accommodating spirit enables them to seek peace without compromising truth (Romans 14:19). James 3:17 thus undergirds practical peacemaking. 4. Evangelism and Apologetics The apologist “always be prepared to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15) yet must remain open to questions and objections, demonstrating the very reasonableness he commends. Personal Discipleship Believers cultivate εὐπειθής by: • Saturating mind and heart with Scripture, the ultimate persuader (Psalm 19:7). Eschatological Outlook James 3:18 concludes, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” The accommodating believer participates in this sowing, anticipating the full harvest at Christ’s return. εὐπειθής, though used only once, harmonizes with the larger biblical symphony that looks forward to a kingdom where the Lamb’s followers dwell in perfect concord. Summary Strong’s Greek 2138 encapsulates a humble, teachable spirit that readily aligns with divine wisdom. Its solitary appearance in James 3:17 belies its far-reaching relevance for Christian character, church health, and gospel witness. By embracing εὐπειθής, the people of God put on display the very wisdom that descended from above in the person of Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Forms and Transliterations ευπειθης ευπειθής εὐπειθής eupeithes eupeithēs eupeithḗsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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