Original Word: εὐπρόσεδρος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: euprosedros
Pronunciation: yoo-pros'-ed-ros
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-pros'-ed-ros)
KJV: X attend upon
Word Origin: [from G2095 (εὖ - well) and the same as G4332 (προσεδρεύω - To attend constantly)]

1. sitting well towards
2. (figuratively) assiduous (neuter, diligent service)

attend to

From eu and the same as prosedreuo; sitting well towards, i.e. (figuratively) assiduous (neuter, diligent service) -- X attend upon.

see GREEK eu

see GREEK prosedreuo

Word Origin
variant reading for euparedros, q.v.

STRONGS NT 2145: εὐπρόσεδρος

εὐπρόσεδρος, εὐπρόσεδρον (εὖ, and πρόσεδρος (sitting near)), see εὐπάρεδρος.

Definition and Conceptual Overview

Though rare, the word conveys the idea of being readily at someone’s side, poised for attentive, undivided service. In the New Testament it depicts a believer’s free, unhindered nearness to Christ.

Biblical Usage

Single occurrence—1 Corinthians 7:35. Paul explains his counsel on marriage and singleness “not to restrict you, but to promote proper order and secure undistracted devotion to the Lord”. The expression “undistracted devotion” translates εὐπάρεδρον.

Context in 1 Corinthians 7

Corinthian Christians were torn between marital responsibilities and ministry opportunities. Paul honors marriage (1 Corinthians 7:2–5) yet points out a unique liberty enjoyed by the unmarried and widows (7:32–34). εὐπάρεδρον captures that liberty: freedom from legitimate but consuming domestic claims, enabling an immediacy of fellowship and obedience to Christ.

Historical and Cultural Background

Greco-Roman households demanded constant attention—especially from women—while civic life pulled men in other directions. Choosing singleness for gospel purposes allowed first-century believers to mirror the role of a court attendant who sat beside a ruler, alert for the next command. The image evokes honor as well as readiness.

Intertextual Parallels

• Psalm 16:8—continuous focus on the LORD.
• Isaiah 6:8—prophetic readiness.
• Luke 10:39—Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, contrasted with Martha’s distraction.

All three scenes illustrate the posture of εὐπάρεδρος: undivided attention and immediate availability.

Implications for the Christian Life

1. Undivided Attention: Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts believers to lay aside every weight; εὐπάρεδρος names the positive goal—eyes fixed on Jesus without distraction.
2. Vocational Flexibility: Mission, church planting, and relief work often require individuals who can move quickly (Acts 13:2-3).
3. Voluntary, Not Compulsory: Paul rejects legalistic mandates (1 Timothy 4:3); the choice of singleness remains a gift (1 Corinthians 7:7).
4. Mutual Support in Marriage: Spouses can structure family life so each is better able to attend to the Lord (Ephesians 5:21-33).

Application in Ministry and Discipleship

• Pastoral counseling: guide singles and couples to evaluate whether their current season maximizes availability for kingdom service.
• Church strategy: deploy believers whose circumstances allow them to respond swiftly to mission needs.
• Personal devotion: adopt practices—technology fasts, silent retreats, scheduled prayer—that foster undistracted nearness to Christ.

Theological Significance

While εὐπάρεδρος appears only once, it underscores a sweeping biblical call: wholehearted love for God (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). The term epitomizes a life seated beside the Master—free, focused, and ready to act at His word.

ευπαρεδρον εὐπάρεδρον ευπρόσεδρον euparedron eupáredronInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts