εὐπειθ-ής G2138
Ready to obey, compliant; easily persuaded toward good, reasonable
This adjective describes the quality of being willing to listen to reason and respond positively to good counsel. James uses it to characterize heavenly wisdom: 'the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason' (James 3:17). This openness to reason contrasts with stubborn, factious earthly wisdom—it marks those who can be appealed to, who listen and adjust when shown better ways.
Senses
1. sense 1 — In James' contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom (3:17), being 'open to reason' appears alongside purity, peace, and gentleness. This is not spineless conformity but the humility to consider others' perspectives and yield when truth requires it. The translations ('open-to-reason,' 'dócil,' 'folgsam') capture teachability and responsiveness—hallmarks of wisdom that builds community rather than insisting on its own way regardless of evidence or appeals. 1×
AR["مُطيعَةٌ"]·ben["বাধ্য"]·DE["folgsam"]·EN["open-to-reason"]·FR["εὐπειθής"]·heb["נוֹחָה"]·HI["कहना-माननेवाली"]·ID["mudah-dibujuk,"]·IT["eupeithēs"]·jav["gampil-diajak,"]·KO["양순하고,"]·PT["tratável"]·RU["послушна,"]·ES["dócil"]·SW["ya-kutii"]·TR["uysal"]·urd["فرمانبردار٬"]
Related Senses
H8104 1. Qal: keep, observe (law/covenant) (399×)G3101 1. disciple, learner (263×)H5826 1. Qal: to help, aid (53×)H8334 1. to minister, serve (52×)H8334 2. minister, servant, attendant (46×)G5083 1. observe or obey commands (41×)H8104 2. Niphal: beware, take heed (34×)G1247 1. to serve or minister to (32×)H3256 1. discipline, chastise (Piel active) (27×)H5833 1. help, aid, assistance (26×)H8104 3. Qal: watch, look out (26×)H5341 1. keep, observe (commandments) (24×)G5083 2. guard or protect someone (23×)H5647 2. serve, minister to (a person) (21×)H5826 2. Qal participle: helper (21×)G5219 1. obey, be obedient to (20×)H5341 2. guard, protect, preserve (a person) (20×)G1398 1. serve, render service to (19×)H5828 1. help, assistance (19×)H5411 1. Nethinim, temple servants (18×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
εὐπειθ-ής, ές, (compare εὐπιθής) ready to obey, obedient, τινι Refs 5th c.BC+; -έστατοι πρὸς ἀρετήνRefs; compliant, εὐ. γεγονέναι LXX+1st c.BC+. etc.; of things, as of the voice, under control, Refs 4th c.BC+; ὕλη (material) εἰς ἅπαν εὐ. Refs 2nd c.AD+; of food, Refs 1st c.AD+ adverb -θῶςRefs __II active, persuasive, of a rein, ἐϋπειθέϊ δεσμῷ Refs 4th c.BC+