Lexical Summary euporeó: To prosper, to have abundance, to be well-supplied. Original Word: εὐπορέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to have financial means, prosperFrom a compound of hetoimazo and the base of poreia; (intransitively) to be good for passing through, i.e. (figuratively) have pecuniary means -- ability. see GREEK hetoimazo see GREEK poreia NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of eu and the same as poreuomai Definition to prosper NASB Translation had means (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2141: εὐπορέωεὐπορέω, and (especially in later Greek) middle ἐυπορέομαι, ἐυποροῦμαι: imperfect 3 person singular ηὐπορεῖτό (R G) and εὐπορέω (L T Tr WH; for references see εὐδοκέω, at the beginning); (εὔπορος, well off); to be well off, have means: Acts 11:29 (A. V. according to his ability). (Leviticus 25:26, 28, 49; often in the classics.) Topical Lexicon Overview of euporeo in Scripture The verb translated “was able” or “had means” (Acts 11:29) denotes material sufficiency that enables practical care for others. While the term appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its solitary use encapsulates a key dimension of Christian discipleship: possessing resources is measured not by accumulation but by readiness to relieve need within the body of Christ. Historical Setting of Acts 11:29 The prophecy of Agabus concerning a widespread famine (Acts 11:27-28) prompted believers in Syrian Antioch to assess their capacity to help. “So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea” (Acts 11:29). First-century historians (Josephus, Suetonius) record serious shortages in the reign of Claudius, matching Luke’s timeframe. The Antioch church—composed of Jews and Gentiles—responded to impending crisis by channeling their comparative prosperity to the mother church at Jerusalem. Euporeo marks the point where stewardship intersects with compassion: those who “were well-provided” leveraged that provision for kingdom service. Theological Themes 1. Stewardship and Accountability. Scripture consistently ties material blessing to responsibility (Deuteronomy 8:17-18; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Euporeo highlights that ability is God-given and God-directed. Interrelation with Pauline Teaching on Giving Though Luke alone records euporeo, Paul develops its implications. He urges proportionate giving—“as he prospers” (1 Corinthians 16:2)—and commends eagerness to share from surplus so that “your abundance may supply their need” (2 Corinthians 8:14). The Acts precedent likely informed Paul’s collection for Jerusalem (Galatians 2:10). Old Testament Foundations Provisions for the poor within Israel (Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 15:7-11) established the pattern that those “having much” sustain those “having little” (Exodus 16:18). Wisdom literature links generosity to righteousness (Proverbs 11:25) while warning against trusting riches (Proverbs 11:28). Euporeo continues this trajectory in the new covenant community. Lessons for Christian Stewardship • Evaluate resources through the lens of mission rather than personal security. Practical Implications for Church Ministry Today Local assemblies can mirror Antioch by: – Maintaining benevolence funds ready for crises. – Partnering with global congregations in areas prone to famine, persecution, or disaster. – Encouraging members to set aside a percentage of income for mercy ministry. – Framing financial reports around ministry impact rather than mere budgets, reinforcing that resources are tools for gospel advance. Conclusion Although Strong’s Greek 2141 appears only once, its placement amid the first recorded inter-church relief effort gives it enduring significance. Euporeo reminds believers that prosperity finds its highest purpose when it answers another’s poverty, thereby displaying the self-giving character of the Lord Jesus Christ “who, though He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Forms and Transliterations ευπορειτο εὐπορεῖτό ευπορηθείς ευπορηθή ηυπορείτό euporeito euporeîtóLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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