[Greek] εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō), [Latin] gratias agere: to give thanks, to express gratitude, to express thanks: 41 scriptural references
Background information:
Greco-Roman culture: This term means to be thankful, to give thanks, and to pray. When favor is given, an obligation of thanks is expected. This practice of giving thanks is found both in the secular and religious sense. Public secular thanksgiving is found in the bestowing of honors to public leaders and servants. Private secular thanksgiving is found as a literary device in letters. Public religious thanksgiving is found in the public worshipping of the emperor and the gods. Thanksgiving is given in response to healings, sacrifices, and petitions.
Polybius’ Histories 16.25.2: “The Athenian people sent envoys to King Attalus, both to thank him for the past, and to urge him to come to Athens to consult with them of the dangers that face them.”
Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.92: “The people erected an altar to Gratitude and the People of Athens, grateful for having rescued them from Phillip and restoring their fatherland.”
Polybius’ Histories 4.72.7: “After receiving the thanks of Aratus, Phillip dismissed the assembly, getting his army and marched toward Lasion.”
The people show an expression of thanks (eucharistia) for the emperor.
Old Testament/Judaism: There is no Hebrew equivalent to this term. Religious thanks are expressed in a Toda (thanks offering) and a song of thanksgiving. Food and drinks are objects of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving never ceases.
New Testament: The Jewish practice of giving thanks explains the use of this term in the accounts of the Last Supper. The Jewish rule states that a blessing should be announced on each food. Giving thanks is found in the multiplication of loaves and and at the Last Supper. Paul gives thanks to others. In his letters Paul gives a greeting, gives thanks to God, and states the main theme of the letter. This literary practice follows the Hellenistic tradition of thanking a god for one’s safety.
When was the term Eucharist first used? The Didache, also called the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is claimed to be the first written document referencing the Eucharist. Although not considered canonical, this book is estimated to have been written around 65-80 AD.
Scripture:
Multiplication of loaves: Jesus gives thanks
Mt.15:36, Mk.8:6, Jn.6:11
The Last Supper: Jesus gives thanks
Mt.26:27, Mk.14:23, Lk.22:17-19, 1Cor.11:24
Bread of Life Discourse: Jesus gives thanks
Jn.6:23
Paul gives thanks to others
Eph.1:16
Giving thanks to God: literary device
Rom.1:8, 1Cor.1:4, Php.1:3, Col.1:3, 1Thess.1:3, Phm.1:4
Giving thanks to God (Jesus)
Many scriptures
Etymology: The Greek prefix (eu-) means well. The Greek verb charizomai means to give freely. The Latin verb agere means to conduct, to act, to deliver. The Greek noun eucharistia means thanks offering.
Conclusion:
Eucharist, eucharistic, agent, agency
It is important to note that the emperor was seen as a divine being. Other gods (deities) often received praise from the people.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ offering was not yet called the Eucharist. Eucharist was later coined as the original first-century term for the Communion service. Some time after 100 AD, the ritual of the Lord’s Supper became to be known as the Eucharist.
President George Washington declared that Thursday November 26, 1789 as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. Thanksgiving is a day to set aside to give thanks for one’s blessings. Thanksgiving has become both a religious and secular form of giving thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving!
On this Thanksgiving, we await the coming of family and friends. Many of us prepare to eat too much because of the presence of all that food on the table. We also come together in anticipation of the coming of Jesus in this Advent season. We will again give thanks together when Jesus arrives for Christmas.
Next post: what is coming (the presence of Advent)