Greek Word Study | 2128: blessed (eulogetos)

Note: This is a different word than the “blessed” found in the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-10), which is is makarios (3107).

Hodge says, “The word eulogetos is used in the NT only of God… It expresses at once gratitude and adoration.  Adored be God! is the expression of the highest veneration and thankfulness.”  (Charles Hodge, An Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, 2 Cor 1:3.)

G. Campbell Morgan says, “Praise be is the meaning of ‘Blessed.’ It is the eucharistic expression of worship and adoration.”  (The Corinthian Letters of Paul, p. 227, 2 Cor 1:3-7.)

Lenski says, "to bless is to speak well of God."  We do this “when we truly say what he is and does in his attributes and works, and no task should be more delightful to us.” (The Interpretation of 1 and 2 Corinthians, 2 Cor 1:3-7.)

The NIV Study Bible (Eph 1:3) says, “Jewish people used the word “bless” to express both God’s kindness to us and our thanks or praise to him.”

The ESV Study Bible (2 Cor 1:3) says, “This is a standard Jewish praise formula….”

The NKJV Study Bible (2 Cor 1:3) says, “Blessed expresses adoration and praise.”

The Pulpit Commentary (2 Cor 1:3) says, “The ascription begins with “blessed,” the strongest term the apostle could employ as representing the highest and strongest emotions, the head-word in the vocabulary of gratitude and praise, found in the Old and New Scriptures, and common to Jews and Gentile Christians. “Blessed;” the best in us acknowledging the God of grace, an anthem in a single utterance, and embodying the whole nature of man in reverence and adoration.”

Barnes’ Notes (2 Cor 1:3) says, “… it is the language of a heart that is full of joy, and that bursts forth with gratitude in view of mercy.”  He adds, “The phrase 'blessed be God,' is equivalent to 'praised be God,' or is an expression of thanksgiving. It is the usual formula of praise (comp. Eph. 1:3); and shows his entire confidence in God, and his joy in him, and his gratitude for his mercies.”

Adam Clarke (2 Cor 1:3) says it means, “Let God have universal and eternal praise.”