Strong's Lexicon
G18 — ἀγαθός
Greek entry for Bible study and original-language reference.
Definition / Gloss
| Strong's Number: | G18 |
|---|---|
| Word: | ἀγαθός |
| Part of Speech: | adjective |
| Etymology: | a primary word |
| Language: | Greek |
| Occurrences: | 102 |
| Transliteration: | agathos |
| Phonetic Spelling/Pronunciation: | ag-ath-os' |
| Meaning: | 1. good {in any sense, often as noun} |
| KJV Renderings: | benefit, good(-s, things), well |
Use Strong's responsibly
Strong's is an index and starting point, not the final meaning of a word. Do not build doctrine from a gloss, root, or number. Test meaning by sentence, grammar, authorial usage, context, and the passage argument.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἀγαθός, (ή, (akin to ἄγαμαι to wonder at, think highly of, ἀγαστός admirable, as explained by Plato, Crat., p. 412 c. (others besides; cf. Donaldson, New Crat. § 323)), in general denotes"perfectus, ... qui habet in se ac facit omnia quae habere et facere debet pro notione nominis, officio ac lege" (Irmisch ad Herodian, 1, 4, p. 134), excelling in any respect, distinguished, good. It can be predicated of persons, things, conditions, qualities and affections of the soul, deeds, times and seasons. To this general significance can be traced back all those senses which the word gathers from the connection in which it stands;
1. of a good constitution or nature: γῆ, Luk 8:8; δένδρον, Mat 7:18, in sense equivalent to ’fertile soil,’ ’a fruitful tree,’ (Xenophon, oec. 16, 7 γῆ ἀγαθή, ... γῆ κακῇ, an. 2, 4, 22 χώρας πολλῆς καί ἀγαθῆς οὔσης). In Luk 8:15 ἀγαθή καρδία corresponds to the figurative expression good ground, and denotes a soul inclined to goodness, and accordingly eager to learn saving truth and ready to bear the fruits (καρπούς ἀγαθούς, Jas 3:17) of a Christian life.
2. useful, salutary: δόσις ἀγαθή (joined to δώρημα τέλειον) a gift which is truly a gift, salutary, Jas 1:17; δόματα ἀγαθά, Mat 7:11; ἐντολή ἀγαθός a commandment profitable to those who keep it, Rom 7:12, according to a greek scholium equivalent to εἰς τό συμφέρον ἐισηγουμένη, hence, the question in Rom 7:13 : τό οὖν ἀγαθόν ἐμοί γέγονε θάνατος; ἀγαθός μερίς the ’good part,’ which insures salvation to him who chooses it, Luk 10:42; ἔργον ἀγαθόν (differently in Rom 2:7, etc.) the saving work of god, i. e. substantially, the Christian life, due to divine efficiency, Php 1:6 (cf. the commentaries at the passage); εἰς ἀγαθόν for good, to advantage, Rom 8:28 (Sir 7:13; πάντα τοῖς ἐυσεβέσι εἰς ἀγαθά ... τοῖς ἁμαρτωλοῖς εἰς κακά, Sir 39:27; τό κακόν ... γίγνεται εἰς ἀγαθόν, Theognis 162); good for, suited to something: πρός οἰκοδομήν, Eph 4:29 (cf. Winers grammar, 363 (340)) (Xenophon, mem. 4, 6, 10).
3. of the feeling awakened by what is good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy: ἡμέραι ἀγαθάς 1Pe 3:10 (Psa 33:13 (); Sir 14:14; 1Ma 10:55); ἐλπίς, 2Th 2:16 (μακαρία ἐλπίς, Tit 2:13); συνείδησις, a peaceful conscience, equivalent to consciousness of rectitude, Act 23:1; 1Ti 1:5; 1Ti 1:19; 1Pe 3:16; reconciled to god, 1Pe 3:21.
4. excellent, distinguished: so τί ἀγαθόν, Joh 1:46 (Joh 1:47).
5. upright, honorable: Mat 12:34; Mat 19:16; Luk 6:45; Act 11:24; 1Pe 3:11, etc.; πονηροί καί ἀγαθοί, Mat 5:45; Mat 22:10; ἀγαθός καί δίκαιος, Luk 23:50; καρδία ἀγαθή καί καλή, Luk 8:15 (see καλός, b.); fulfilling the duty or service demanded, δοῦλε ἀγαθέ καί πιστέ, Mat 25:21; Mat 25:23; upright, free from guile, particularly from a desire to corrupt the people, Joh 7:12; preeminently of god, as consummately and essentially good, Mat 19:17 (Mar 10:18; Luk 18:19); ἀγαθός θησαυρός in Mat 12:35; Luk 6:45 denotes the soul considered as the repository of pure thoughts which are brought forth in speech; πίστις ἀγαθός the fidelity due from a servant to his master, Tit 2:10 (WH marginal reading omits); on ἀγαθόν ἔργον, ἀγαθά ἔργα, see ἔργον. In a narrower sense, benevolent, kind, generous: Mat 20:15; 1Pe 2:18; μνεία, 1Th 3:6 (cf. 2Ma 7:20); beneficent (Xenophon, Cyril 3, 3, 4; èåá, Jer 33:11; Psa 34:9; Cicero, nat. deor. 2, 25, 64 "optimus i. e.beneficentissimus), Rom 5:7, where the meaning is, Hardly for an innocent man does one encounter death; for if he even dares hazard his life for another, he does so for a benefactor (one from whom he has received favors); cf. Winer’s grammar, 117 (111); (gifford in the Speaker’s Commentary, p. 123). The neuter used substantively denotes:
1. a good thing, convenience, advantage, and in partic.
a. in the plural, external goods, riches: Luk 1:53; Luk 12:18 f. (Sir 14:4; Wis 7:11); τά ἀγαθά σου comforts and delights which thy wealth procured for thee in abundance, Luk 16:25 (opposed to κακά, as in Sir 11:14); outward and inward good things, Gal 6:6, cf. Wieseler at the passage.
b. the benefits of the Messianic kingdom: Rom 10:15; τά μέλλοντα ἀγαθῶν, Heb 9:11; Heb 10:1.
2. what is upright, honorable, and acceptable to god: Rom 12:2; ἐργάζεσθαι τό ἀγαθόν Rom 2:10; Eph 4:28; πράσσειν, Rom 9:11; (2Co 5:10); διώκειν, 1Th 5:15; μιμεῖσθαι, 3Jn 1:11; κολλᾶσθαι τῷ ἀγαθῷ Rom 12:9; τί με ἐρωτᾷς περί τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ, Mat 19:17 g L T Tr WH, where the word expresses the general idea of right. Specifically, what is salutary, suited to the course of human affairs: in the phrase διάκονος εἰς τό ἀγαθόν Rom 13:4; of rendering service, Gal 6:10; Rom 12:21; τό ἀγαθόν σου the favor thou conferrest, Phm 1:14. ("It is to be regarded as a peculiarity in the usage of the Sept. that èåá good is predominantly (?) rendered by καλός.... The translator of genesis uses ἀγαθός only in the neuter, good, goods, and this has been to a degree the model for the other translators. ... In the greek O. T., where οἱ δίκαιοι is the technical designation of the pious, οἱ ἀγαθοί or ὁ ἀγαθός does not occur in so general a sense. The ἀνήρ ἀγαθός is peculiar only to the Proverbs (Pro 13:22; Pro 13:24; Pro 15:3); cf. besides the solitary instance in 1Ki 2:32. Thus, even in the usage of the O. T. we are reminded of Christ’s words, Mar 10:18, οὐδείς ἀγαθός εἰ μή εἷς ὁ Θεός. In the O. T. the term ’righteous’ makes reference rather to a covenant and to one’s relation to a positive standard; ἀγαθός would express the absolute idea of moral goodness" (Zezschwitz, Profangraec. u. Biblical Sprachgeist, Leipz. 1859, p. 60). Cf. Tittm., p. 19. On the comparison of ἀγαθός see B. 27 (24).)
Other Resources
Englishman's Greek Concordance
ἀγαθός (benefit)
Matthew 5:45
- KJV: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust
- GK: όπως γένησθε υιοί του πατρός υμών του εν ουρανοίς ότι τον ήλιον αυτού ανατέλλει επί πονηρούς και αγαθούς και βρέχει επί δικαίους και αδίκους
Matthew 7:11
- KJV: If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him
- GK: ει ουν υμείς πονηροί όντες οίδατε δόματα αγαθά διδόναι τοις τέκνοις υμών πόσω μάλλον ο πατήρ υμών ο εν τοις ουρανοίς δώσει αγαθά τοις αιτούσιν αυτόν
Matthew 7:17
- KJV: Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit
- GK: ούτω παν δένδρον αγαθόν καρπούς καλούς ποιεί το δε σαπρόν δένδρον καρπούς πονηρούς ποιεί
Matthew 7:18
- KJV: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit
- GK: ου δύναται δένδρον αγαθόν καρπούς πονηρούς ποιείν ουδέ δένδρον σαπρόν καρπούς καλούς ποιείν
Matthew 12:34
- KJV: O generation of vipers how can ye being evil speak good things for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh
- GK: γεννήματα εχιδνών πως δύνασθε αγαθά λαλείν πονηροί όντες εκ γαρ του περισσεύματος της καρδίας το στόμα λαλεί
Matthew 12:35
- KJV: A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things
- GK: ο αγαθός άνθρωπος εκ του αγαθού θησαυρού της καρδίας εκβάλλει τα αγαθά και ο πονηρός άνθρωπος εκ του πονηρού θησαυρού εκβάλλει τα πονηρά
Matthew 19:16
- KJV: And behold one came and said unto him Good Master what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life
- GK: και ιδού εις προσελθών είπεν αυτώ διδάσκαλε αγαθέ τι αγαθόν ποιήσω ίνα έχω ζωήν αιώνιον
Matthew 19:17
- KJV: And he said unto him Why callest thou me good none good but one God but if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments
- GK: ο δε είπεν αυτώ τι με λέγεις αγαθόν ουδείς αγαθός ει εις ο θεός ει δε θέλεις εισελθείν εις την ζωήν τήρησον τας εντολάς
Matthew 20:15
- KJV: Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own Is thine eye evil because I am good
- GK: η ουκ έξεστί μοι ποιήσαι ο έλω εν τοις εμοίς ει ο οφθαλμός σου πονηρός εστιν ότι εγώ αγαθός ειμι
Matthew 22:10
- KJV: So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all as many as they found both bad and good and the wedding was furnished with guests
- GK: και εξελθόντες οι δούλοι εκείνοι εις τας οδούς συνήγαγον πάντας όσους εύρον πονηρούς τε και αγαθούς και επλήσθη ο γάμος ανακειμένων
Matthew 25:21
- KJV: His lord said unto him Well done good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy lord
- GK: έφη δε αυτώ ο κύριος αυτού ευ δούλε αγαθέ και πιστέ επί ολίγα ης πιστός επί πολλών σε καταστήσω είσελθε εις την χαράν του κυρίου σου
Matthew 25:23
- KJV: His lord said unto him Well done good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy lord
- GK: έφη αυτώ ο κύριος αυτού ευ δούλε αγαθέ και πιστέ επί ολίγα ης πιστός επί πολλών σε καταστήσω είσελθε εις την χαράν του κυρίου σου
Mark 10:17
- KJV: And when he was gone forth into the way there came one running and kneeled to him and asked him Good Master what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life
- GK: και εκπορευομένου αυτού εις οδόν προσδραμών εις και γονυπετήσας αυτόν επηρώτα αυτόν διδάσκαλε αγαθέ τι ποιήσω ίνα ζωήν αιώνιον κληρονομήσω
Mark 10:18
- KJV: And Jesus said unto him Why callest thou me good none good but one God
- GK: ο δε Ιησούς είπεν αυτώ τι με λέγεις αγαθόν ουδείς αγαθός ει εις ο θεός
Luke 1:53
- KJV: He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away
- GK: πεινώντας ενέπλησεν αγαθών και πλουτούντας εξαπέστειλεν κενούς
Luke 6:45
- KJV: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh
- GK: ο αγαθός άνθρωπος εκ του αγαθού θησαυρού της καρδίας αυτού προφέρει το αγαθόν και ο πονηρός άνθρωπος εκ του πονηρού θησαυρού της καρδίας αυτού προφέρει το πονηρόν εκ γαρ του περισσεύματος της καρδίας λαλεί το στόμα αυτού
Luke 8:8
- KJV: And other fell on good ground and sprang up and bare fruit an hundredfold And when he had said these things he cried He that hath ears to hear let him hear
- GK: και ετέρον έπεσεν επί την γην την αγαθήν και φυέν εποίησε καρπόν εκατονταπλασίονα ταύτα λέγων εφώνει ο έχων ώτα ακουείν ακουέτω
Luke 8:15
- KJV: But that on the good ground are they which in an honest and good heart having heard the word keep and bring forth fruit with patience
- GK: το εν τη καλή γη ούτοί εισιν οίτινες εν καρδία καλή και αγαθή ακούσαντες τον λόγον κατέχουσι και καρποφορούσιν εν υπομονή
Luke 10:42
- KJV: But one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her
- GK: ενός δε εστι χρεία Μαρία δε την αγαθήν μερίδα εξελέξατο ήτις ουκ αφαιρεθήσεται απ΄ αυτής
Luke 11:13
- KJV: If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him
- GK: ει ούν υμείς πονηροί υπάρχοντες οίδατε δόματα αγαθά διδόναι τοις τέκνοις υμών πόσω μάλλον ο πατήρ ο εξ ουρανού δώσει πνεύμα άγιον τοις αιτούσιν αυτόν
Luke 12:18
- KJV: And he said This will I do I will pull down my barns and build greater and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods
- GK: και είπεν τούτο ποιήσω καθελώ μου τας αποθήκας και μείζονας οικοδομήσω και συνάξω εκεί πάντα τα γενήματά μου και τα αγαθά μου
Luke 12:19
- KJV: And I will say to my soul Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years take thine ease eat drink be merry
- GK: και ερώ τη ψυχή μου ψυχή έχεις πολλά αγαθά κείμενα εις έτη πολλά αναπαύου φάγε πίε ευφραίνου
Luke 16:25
- KJV: But Abraham said Son remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things but now he is comforted and thou art tormented
- GK: είπεν δε Αβραάμ τέκνον μνήσθητι ότι απέλαβες συ τα αγαθά σου εν τη ζωή σου και Λάζαρος ομοίως τα κακά νυν δε οδε παρακαλείται συ δε οδυνάσαι
Luke 18:18
- KJV: And a certain ruler asked him saying Good Master what shall I do to inherit eternal life
- GK: και επηρώτησέ τις αυτόν άρχων λέγων διδάσκαλε αγαθέ τι ποιήσας ζωήν αιώνιον κληρονομήσω
Luke 18:19
- KJV: And Jesus said unto him Why callest thou me good none good save one God
- GK: είπε δε αυτώ ο Ιησούς τι με λέγεις αγαθόν ουδείς αγαθός ει εις ο θεός
Luke 19:17
- KJV: And he said unto him Well thou good servant because thou hast been faithful in a very little have thou authority over ten cities
- GK: και είπεν αυτώ ευ αγαθέ δούλε ότι εν ελαχίστω πιστός εγένου ίσθι εξουσίαν έχων επάνω δέκα πόλεων
Luke 23:50
- KJV: And behold a man named Joseph a counsellor a good man and a just
- GK: και ιδού ανήρ ονόματι Ιωσήφ βουλευτής υπάρχων ανήρ αγαθός και δίκαιος
John 1:46
- KJV: And Nathanael said unto him Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth Philip saith unto him Come and see
- GK: και είπεν αυτώ Ναθανήλ εκ Ναζαρέτ δύναταί τι αγαθόν είναι λέγει αυτώ Φίλιππος έρχου και ίδε
John 5:29
- KJV: And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation
- GK: και εκπορεύσονται οι τα αγαθά ποιήσαντες εις ανάστασιν ζωής οι δε τα φαύλα πράξαντες εις ανάστασιν κρίσεως
John 7:12
- KJV: And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him some said He is a good man others said Nay but he deceiveth the people
- GK: και γογγυσμός πολύς περί αυτού ην εν τοις όχλοις οι μεν έλεγον ότι αγαθός εστιν άλλοι έλεγον ου αλλά πλανά τον όχλον
Semantic & Concept Relationships
Explore source-defined lexical senses and semantic domains related to this Strong's entry. These links support vocabulary discovery; they do not determine meaning in any passage.
The Englishman's Concordance section on this page remains the occurrence-navigation authority.
Semantic data in this module is under CC BY-SA 4.0, separate from existing page/site terms. Methodology; methodology JSON; sources and licences; attribution JSON.