Original Word: εὐγενής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: eugenes
Pronunciation: yoo-gen-ace'
Phonetic Spelling: (yoog-en'-ace)
Definition: Noble, well-born, of noble character
Meaning: (a) of noble birth, of high birth, (b) noble in nature.

noble

From eu and ginomai; well born, i.e. (literally) high in rank, or (figuratively) generous -- more noble, nobleman.

see GREEK eu

see GREEK ginomai

STRONGS NT 2104: εὐγενής

εὐγενής, ἐυγενες (from εὖ and γένος);

1. well-born, of noble race: Luke 19:12 (of a prince); 1 Corinthians 1:26.

2. noble-minded: comparitive ἐυγενεστερος, Acts 17:11. (the Sept.; often in Greek writings from Aristophanes and Tragg. down.)

Word Origin: From εὖ (eu, meaning "well" or "good") and γένος (genos, meaning "race" or "kind")

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for εὐγενής, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that describe nobility or excellence of character, such as נָדִיב (nadiv, Strong's 5081), which means noble, generous, or willing. This term is used in the Old Testament to describe individuals who are generous and of noble spirit, reflecting a similar emphasis on character and disposition.

Usage: • The term is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are noble in character or of noble birth. It conveys a sense of being well-disposed, open to instruction, and possessing a noble character.

Context: • The Greek word εὐγενής appears in the New Testament primarily to describe individuals who exhibit noble qualities, either by birth or by character. In Acts 17:11, the Bereans are described as "more noble" (εὐγενέστεροι) than those in Thessalonica because they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. This usage highlights their open-mindedness and willingness to seek truth, qualities that are esteemed in the biblical narrative.
• In 1 Corinthians 1:26, Paul uses the term to remind the Corinthian believers that not many of them were of noble birth according to worldly standards, emphasizing that God often chooses the lowly and despised to accomplish His purposes, thus subverting human expectations of nobility and worth.
• The concept of εὐγενής in the biblical context extends beyond mere social status or lineage; it encompasses a disposition that is receptive to divine truth and characterized by integrity and moral excellence. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true nobility is found in one's character and relationship with God rather than in external circumstances or heritage.

ευγενεις ευγενείς εὐγενεῖς ευγενεστεροι ευγενέστεροι εὐγενέστεροι ευγενης ευγενής εὐγενὴς εύγνωστοι εύγνωστος eugeneis eugeneîs eugenes eugenēs eugenḕs eugenesteroi eugenésteroiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts