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G2165 · Greek · New Testament
εὐφραίνω
euphraino
Verb
rejoice, make glad, celebrate, be merry

Definition

Euphraino means to rejoice, to make joyful, to celebrate with gladness. It can be used for joyful feasting, celebration, and communal merriment. The word is used both for earthly celebration (the parable of the prodigal son's feast) and for eschatological joy (Revelation 12:12). It derives from eu (well) + phren (mind/heart) — the state of being in good heart.

Usage & Theological Significance

Luke 15 features euphraino at the climactic moments of all three parables of the lost: the father commands 'let us celebrate [euphraino]' when his prodigal son returns. The older brother refuses to join the celebration — and the parable ends with him outside the party. The theology is stark: to refuse to rejoice over the sinner's return is to refuse the character of the Father. In Revelation, the heavens are called to celebrate when the dragon is cast down. Eschatologically, the whole creation will euphraino when God's kingdom is fully established.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 15:23 'Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate [euphraino].
Luke 15:32 'But we had to celebrate [euphraino] and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again.'
Galatians 4:27 'Be glad [euphraino], barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud.' (quoting Isaiah 54:1)
Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice [euphraino], you heavens and you who dwell in them!
Acts 2:26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices [euphraino]; my body also will rest in hope. (quoting Psalm 16:9)

Related Words

External Resources

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