Lexical Summary eupsucheó: To be of good courage, to be cheerful, to be in good spirits. Original Word: εὐψυχέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be of good comfort, have courageFrom a compound of eu and psuche; to be in good spirits, i.e. Feel encouraged -- be of good comfort. see GREEK eu see GREEK psuche HELPS Word-studies 2174 eupsy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of eu and psuché Definition to be of good courage NASB Translation encouraged (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2174: εὐψυχέωεὐψυχέω, εὐψυχῶ; (εὔψυχος); to be of good courage, to be of a cheerful spirit: Philippians 2:19. (Josephus, Antiquities 11, 6, 9; (Pollux 3, 28 § 135 at the end); in epitaphs, ἐυψυχει! equivalent to Latinhavepiaanima!) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Spiritual Nuance Strong’s Greek 2174 expresses a state of inner buoyancy that arises when the soul is relieved of anxious care and filled with confident expectation in the Lord. It is more than mere optimism; it is a settled, Spirit-wrought cheerfulness grounded in God’s faithfulness. While other Greek verbs for comfort focus on being summoned alongside (parakaleō) or refreshed (anapauō), this word highlights the positive, healthy condition of the soul once comfort has taken effect. Biblical Context: Philippians 2:19 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.” (Philippians 2:19) Paul writes from Roman custody (Philippians 1:13) amid uncertain legal outcomes. The Philippian congregation had already encouraged him with gifts (Philippians 4:15-18), yet he longs for fresh news of their spiritual welfare. Their progress in Christ will restore his own cheerful spirit. Thus the term frames encouragement as reciprocal: apostolic ministry strengthens churches, and the steadfastness of churches strengthens the apostle. Paul’s Pastoral Strategy 1. Commissioning a trusted envoy – Timothy had proven his character “as a son with his father” (Philippians 2:22). Mutual Encouragement in the New Testament • “Take courage! It is I.” (Matthew 14:27) The single use of 2174 stands amid a wider apostolic insistence that Christians actively pursue one another’s good cheer. God’s comfort overflows through human agents, preventing isolation and fostering perseverance. Historical Setting Around AD 60-62, Paul is under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30-31). Travel from Rome to Philippi (nearly 1,000 miles) posed dangers, expense, and months of delay, heightening the value of reliable news. In that context, 2174 captures how a simple report of faithfulness could lift an apostle’s heart higher than favorable legal news or improved physical conditions. Theological Themes • Providence: Joy depends on God’s work, not circumstances. Practical Implications for Ministry 1. Regular updates between mission fields and supporting churches are vital for sustained courage. Old Testament Resonance Joshua 1:9 calls Israel to “be strong and courageous” because the Lord is with them. The Septuagint uses related vocabulary, preparing the conceptual backdrop for Paul’s New Testament usage: divine presence produces moral and emotional strength. Church History and Devotional Practice Early Christian letters (e.g., Polycarp to the Philippians) mirror Paul’s desire for reports that gladden the soul. Throughout centuries, missionary correspondence, prayer newsletters, and modern digital updates function in the same vein, sustaining 2174-type cheer across distances. Summary The lone New Testament occurrence of 2174 in Philippians 2:19 shines a spotlight on the God-given, relational joy that springs up when believers hear of each other’s faithfulness. It underscores the need for intentional communication, trustworthy partners in ministry, and an unwavering expectation that the Lord continues to advance His gospel, thereby turning anxious hearts into cheerful ones. Forms and Transliterations ευψυχω ευψυχώ εὐψυχῶ ευψύχως ευώδους eupsucho eupsuchō eupsycho eupsychô eupsychō eupsychō̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |