The Greek Meaning of elogisthe

The Meaning of elogisthe

The Greek term 'elogisthe' (ἐλογίσθη) in Matthew 5:12 reflects a passive construction of the verb 'eulogeo,' meaning 'to speak well of' or 'to bless.'

Linguistically, 'eulogeo' combines 'eu' (good) and 'logos' (word), emphasizing the act of declaring something or someone as good. In its passive form, 'elogisthe' conveys being regarded as blessed or honored, as Jesus uses it to affirm the disciples' heavenly reward. This usage highlights divine recognition rather than mere human approval.

Unlike 'makarios' (blessed), which often denotes a state of happiness or divine favor in the Beatitudes, 'elogisthe' specifically underscores being acknowledged as blessed by others or by God. In Matthew 5:12, it reinforces the certainty of the disciples' reward as a matter of divine accounting.

elogisthe in Matthew 5:12

In Matthew 5:12, Jesus employs 'elogisthe' to frame the disciples’ suffering as divinely recognized and rewarded, anchoring their hope in God’s ultimate justice.

The phrase 'your reward is great in heaven' (Matthew 5:12) does not promise material gain but rather underscores that God will formally acknowledge and honor their faithfulness. By using 'elogisthe,' Jesus draws on the metaphor of divine accounting - where God records and celebrates the righteousness of his followers. This language echoes the Old Testament’s imagery of God’s judgment and reward (e.g., Psalm 5:12), reinforcing the certainty of divine approval.

Jesus’ reference to persecution 'for the sake of righteousness' (Matthew 5:10) and the parallel to the prophets’ fate (Matthew 5:12) situates the disciples within a lineage of faithful witnesses. The 'reward in heaven' means both a future blessing and the assurance that God will eternally vindicate us, linking the Sermon's ethical demands with its eschatological hope.

Theological Implications of elogisthe

Elogisthe in Matthew 5:12 underscores God’s active acknowledgment of the disciples’ faithfulness, framing their persecution as eternally significant.

This divine accounting language suggests a relational dynamic where God not only observes but affirms believers’ loyalty, as seen when Jesus declares, 'your reward is great in heaven' (Matthew 5:12). The passive voice of elogisthe ('shall be considered') emphasizes God’s sovereign recognition rather than human self-justification, aligning with Paul’s assertion in Philippians 4:17 that 'My God will supply every need of yours according to his glory in Christ Jesus.' Both passages depict God as an active agent who integrates believers’ lives into His redemptive narrative through intentional acknowledgment.

To be 'counted' by God implies being inscribed into His covenantal purposes, a concept echoed in Psalm 5:12 where the Lord 'blesses the righteous.' This is not mere record-keeping but a declarative act of honoring faithful alignment with divine will.

Such acknowledgment carries ethical weight, as Matthew 5:12 positions the disciples within the prophetic tradition of suffering for righteousness. This assurance of divine validation empowers believers to persevere, trusting that their fidelity is eternally registered and rewarded.

Putting 'elogisthe' into Practice

Believers can apply the promise of divine recognition by anchoring their hope in Jesus’ assurance that their suffering for righteousness will be eternally acknowledged.

In Matthew 5:12, Jesus commands persecuted disciples to 'Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,' framing their trials as investments in God’s kingdom. A missionary enduring hostility in a closed region might find strength in this promise, trusting that their faithfulness is eternally registered by God. Similarly, a believer facing personal loss or injustice could cling to the assurance that their perseverance 'for the sake of righteousness' (Matthew 5:10) aligns them with the prophetic legacy of faithful witnesses. By meditating on the truth that God 'shall be considered' them blessed (elogisthe), they can resist despair, knowing their present sacrifices are part of a divine narrative of ultimate vindication.

Going Deeper

Exploring related terms like 'martyria' (witness) and 'doxa' (glory) enriches our understanding of 'elogisthe' by highlighting themes of divine recognition and eternal reward.

The concept of 'martyria' connects to 'elogisthe' in Matthew 5:12, as both emphasize God’s acknowledgment of faithful testimony (cf. Revelation 1:2), while 'doxa' underscores the honor believers receive in His presence. Cross-referencing 2 Timothy 2:12 - 'If we endure, we will also reign with him' - reveals a shared emphasis on perseverance being rewarded with divine affirmation.