From eu ('well/good') and ergon ('work/deed'). Euergeteo means to actively do good works for others โ to be a benefactor. It is the verb behind the noun euergetes ('benefactor/patron'), a title of honor in Greco-Roman culture.
Acts 10:38 uses euergeteo to summarize Jesus' entire ministry: 'who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.' The entire life of Christ was characterized by active benefaction โ healing, feeding, teaching, raising the dead. This sets the pattern for Christian living. We are not called to passive non-evil but to active good-doing. Galatians 6:10 commands us to 'do good to all people, especially to those of the household of faith.' The world calls its powerful patrons 'benefactors' (Luke 22:25) โ Jesus redefines greatness as serving, not being served.