### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun αἴνεσις (aínesis, `{{G133}}`) derives from the verb αἰνέω (ainéō, `{{G134}}`), meaning "to praise" or "to commend." As a noun, αἴνεσις denotes the *act* of praising, the concrete expression of laudation. Its core meaning centers on the verbal or active demonstration of approval, admiration, or worship. The base definition provided further specifies a nuanced application, particularly as "a thank(-offering)," suggesting that this praise is often offered in gratitude or as a form of spiritual sacrifice. It is not merely an internal feeling, but an outward, deliberate act of acknowledgment and exaltation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, αἴνεσις (aínesis, `{{G133}}`) appears only once, in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **[[Hebrews 13:15]]**: "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise (θυσία αἰνέσεως) to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name."
This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant. The phrase "sacrifice of praise" (θυσία αἰνέσεως) directly echoes Old Testament concepts of thank-offerings (e.g., תּוֹדָה, todah, `{{H8426}}` in [[Leviticus 7:12-15]], [[Psalm 50:14]], [[Psalm 50:23]], [[Jeremiah 33:11]]). The author of Hebrews, writing to a community familiar with temple rituals, reinterprets the sacrificial system through the lens of Christ's singular and perfect sacrifice. Here, αἴνεσις represents the New Covenant equivalent of an offering: not an animal, but a spiritual sacrifice. The nature of this sacrifice is explicitly defined as "the fruit of lips that confess his name," emphasizing that this praise is a verbal, articulate expression of faith and devotion. The adverb "continually" (διαπαντός) underscores the ongoing, habitual nature of this offering, marking praise as an enduring posture of the believer. Furthermore, "through him" (δι' αὐτοῦ) highlights the Christological foundation of this praise; access to God and the efficacy of our offerings are solely by means of Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of αἴνεσις (aínesis, `{{G133}}`) includes several related Greek terms for praise and worship:
* **αἰνέω (ainéō, `{{G134}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to praise, commend." αἴνεσις is the noun form, representing the *act* or *result* of αἰνέω.
* **ἔπαινος (epainos, `{{G1868}}`)**: Commendation, approval, or praise, often from people, but also used of divine praise (e.g., [[Ephesians 1:6]]). While similar, αἴνεσις in [[Hebrews 13:15]] carries the specific connotation of an offering.
* **δοξάζω (doxazō, `{{G1392}}`)** and **δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`)**: "To glorify" and "glory." These terms often relate to acknowledging God's inherent majesty and divine nature. While praise naturally glorifies God, αἴνεσις focuses on the *act* of expressing that glory.
* **ὑμνέω (hymneō, `{{G5214}}`)** and **ὕμνος (hymnos, `{{G5215}}`)**: "To sing hymns" and "a hymn." These specifically refer to praise expressed through song.
* **εὐχαριστία (eucharistia, `{{G2169}}`)**: "Thanksgiving" or "gratitude." This word is very closely aligned with the "thank-offering" aspect of αἴνεσις, as much praise is rooted in gratitude for God's actions and character.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term תּוֹדָה (todah, `{{H8426}}`), meaning "thanksgiving" or "thank-offering," provides a crucial conceptual background for αἴνεσις in [[Hebrews 13:15]]. The Septuagint (LXX) often translates תּוֹדָה with αἴνεσις or related terms, establishing a strong continuity between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the New Testament understanding of spiritual worship. Other Hebrew terms like הַלֵּל (halal, `{{H1984}}`), the root of "Hallelujah," also broadly relate to praise.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of αἴνεσις (aínesis, `{{G133}}`) in [[Hebrews 13:15]] encapsulates profound theological truths concerning Christian worship:
1. **The Nature of New Covenant Sacrifice**: αἴνεσις signifies that animal sacrifices are superseded by spiritual offerings in the new covenant. The "sacrifice of praise" is a primary form of worship, replacing the old ritual system. It underscores that God desires a heart of gratitude and expressed devotion more than burnt offerings.
2. **Christ as Mediator**: The phrase "through him" (δι' αὐτοῦ) is critical. All acceptable praise and worship to God are mediated through Jesus Christ. It is His High Priestly work and perfect sacrifice that grants believers access to God's presence, enabling their offerings of praise to be received.
3. **A Continuous Act**: The call to "continually offer up" highlights praise not as an occasional event but as an ongoing, habitual practice of the believer. It is a lifestyle of acknowledging God's worthiness and goodness in every circumstance.
4. **Verbal Confession**: Defining the "sacrifice of praise" as "the fruit of lips that confess his name" emphasizes the importance of articulate, verbal expression in worship. This includes spoken prayers, songs, testimonies, and sharing the gospel, all of which acknowledge God's identity and saving work.
5. **Ethical Dimension**: Positioned within the concluding exhortations of Hebrews 13, the call to offer praise is not isolated from ethical living. It follows admonitions to brotherly love, hospitality, remembering prisoners, and honoring marriage. True praise flows from a life transformed by God's grace and committed to righteous living.
### Summary
αἴνεσις (aínesis, `{{G133}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "praise," specifically denoting the *act* of praising, often with the connotation of a "thank-offering." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 13:15]] is highly significant, portraying it as the "sacrifice of praise" that New Covenant believers are to offer. This sacrifice is spiritual, consisting of the "fruit of lips that confess his name," and is to be offered "continually" through Jesus Christ. Theologically, αἴνεσις represents a central aspect of Christian worship, emphasizing that true devotion involves an ongoing, Christ-mediated, verbal expression of gratitude and adoration, replacing the old sacrificial system and flowing from a life of faith and obedience.
TRV