ΕΥΜΕΤΑΔΟΤΟΣ
The term eumetadotos, rare in classical literature but pivotal in the New Testament, describes the virtue of generous and willing impartation, especially of material possessions. It signifies not merely "to give," but "to give well" and "to share readily," reflecting a deeper ethical disposition. Its lexarithmos (1395) suggests the fullness and completion that selfless giving brings.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, *eumetadotos* (εὐμετάδοτος) means "readily imparting, liberal, generous." It is a compound adjective derived from *eu* (εὖ, "well, good"), the prefix *meta-* (μετά-, indicating transfer or sharing), and the verb *didomi* (δίδωμι, "to give"). This composition highlights not merely the act of giving, but the quality and disposition with which it is performed.
The word holds particular significance in Christian ethics, appearing uniquely in the New Testament in the First Epistle to Timothy (6:18), where the Apostle Paul exhorts the wealthy to be "eumetadotous, koinonikous" (εὐμεταδότους, κοινωνικούς), i.e., "ready to impart, willing to share." Here, *eumetadosia* (εὐμεταδοσία, the quality of being *eumetadotos*) is not merely philanthropy, but an active participation in the community through the willing distribution of goods, as an expression of love and justice.
Its meaning extends beyond material offering, implying a general readiness to share, whether it be knowledge, spiritual gifts, or emotional support. The *eumetadotos* soul is one that does not hoard for itself but is open and willing to share what it possesses, for the benefit of others and the community.
Etymology
From the same root DO-/DIDOMI, a rich family of words related to the act of giving, donation, and distribution emerges. Derivatives such as *doron* (δῶρον, "gift"), *dosis* (δόσις, "act of giving"), as well as compound verbs like *metadidomi* (μεταδίδωμι, "to share, impart") and *apodidomi* (ἀποδίδωμι, "to give back, render"), demonstrate the breadth of its semantic scope. *Eumetadotos* integrates this concept of giving with the added dimension of quality and willingness.
Main Meanings
- Ready to impart, liberal, generous — The primary meaning, referring to one's willingness to share what they possess.
- Philanthropic, charitable — Specifically in the New Testament, referring to generosity with material wealth towards those in need.
- Sociable, willing to share — Implies an attitude of active participation and contribution to the community.
- Beneficent, benefactor — One who does good, who performs good deeds.
- Willing to share knowledge or spiritual gifts — Extends to non-material forms of giving.
- Easily transferable (literal sense) — In rare contexts, it may refer to something that can be easily moved or given.
Word Family
DO-/DIDOMI (root of the verb *didomi*, meaning 'to give')
The Ancient Greek root DO-/DIDOMI forms the basis for an extensive family of words revolving around the concept of offering, donation, and distribution. From this fundamental root arise both simple and compound verbs and nouns, which describe the action of "giving" in various nuances: from the simple handing over of an object to the ethical act of generosity. The addition of prefixes such as *meta-* and *eu-* enriches the meaning, imparting the sense of sharing and good, willing impartation.
Philosophical Journey
The word *eumetadotos*, though compounded from ancient Greek roots, gains its theological weight primarily in the Koine Greek of the early Christian era.
In Ancient Texts
The most significant passage for *eumetadotos* is found in Paul's First Epistle to Timothy.
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΕΥΜΕΤΑΔΟΤΟΣ is 1395, from the sum of its letter values:
1395 decomposes into 1300 (hundreds) + 90 (tens) + 5 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΕΥΜΕΤΑΔΟΤΟΣ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 1395 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 9 | 1+3+9+5 = 18 → 1+8 = 9. The Ennead symbolizes completion, perfection, and spiritual awakening, reflecting the fullness of generous giving. |
| Letter Count | 11 | 12 letters. The number 12 is associated with completeness, harmony, and organization, like the 12 months of the year or the 12 Apostles, signifying a well-rounded and balanced virtue. |
| Cumulative | 5/90/1300 | Units 5 · Tens 90 · Hundreds 1300 |
| Odd/Even | Odd | Masculine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | E-U-M-E-T-A-D-O-T-O-S | Noble Sharing Gives Complete Salvation (Εὐγενὴς Μετάδοσις Δίδει Ὁλοκληρωμένη Σωτηρία). |
| Grammatical Groups | 6V · 2S · 3M | 6 vowels (E, U, E, A, O, O), 2 semivowels (M, S), 3 mutes (D, T, T). The balance of sounds suggests the harmony of the virtue. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Venus ♀ / Cancer ♋ | 1395 mod 7 = 2 · 1395 mod 12 = 3 |
Isopsephic Words (1395)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1395) as *eumetadotos*, highlighting the numerical complexity of the Greek language:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 57 words with lexarithmos 1395. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
- Nestle-Aland — Novum Testamentum Graece. 28th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.
- Paul — First Epistle to Timothy.
- John Chrysostom — Homilies on First Timothy. PG 62.
- Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics.