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ἀγαθός

agathós

G18 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Fundamentally denotes that which is intrinsically good, beneficial, or of high quality. Can describe moral character (“upright, virtuous”), beneficial qualities (such as possessions that are useful or advantageous), or positive effects (something that promotes well-being or welfare). The semantic range spans from simple positive evaluation (something valuable or well-suited) to moral uprightness and ethical goodness when used of persons or actions.

Semantic Range

good in quality, beneficial, advantageous, upright, virtuous, kind, morally upright, generous, profitable, fitting, satisfactory, useful, the good (as a substantive)

Root / Etymology

From the root ἀγ- (uncertain origin), possibly related to ἄγαν (exceedingly) or ἄγασθαι (to admire), but etymology ultimately uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀγαθός is broad in scope, denoting that which is 'good' in quality, ability, or morality—contrasted with κακός ('bad', 'evil'). It is found from Homer onward denoting physical valor, skill, or social eminence as well as ethical goodness. In the Koine period (including the Septuagint and New Testament), ἀγαθός frequently carries ethical nuance ('righteous', 'morally good') and can describe things (lands, words, deeds) and people (such as 'the good man'). In the LXX ἀγαθός often translates the Hebrew טוֹב (ṭôb), indicating broad goodness or pleasantness. In the New Testament, it is sometimes contrasted with πονηρός ('wicked', 'evil') and sometimes with καλός, the latter stressing aesthetic or social 'excellence' or 'fittingness' rather than inherent or moral goodness. Standard English translations often collapse its full range to 'good', but the underlying sense can refer to moral quality, practical benefit, generosity, or suitability, depending on context. The word can be used as a substantive for 'the good' or 'what is good' (e.g., τὸ ἀγαθόν).

Translation Consistency

primary "good" 101 occurrences

‘Good’ is by far the dominant and most natural English rendering (91/101 occurrences) and covers the full range of G18—from simple positive quality or usefulness to moral uprightness and the substantive ‘the good.’ It is short, idiomatic, and will read naturally in compound forms (e.g., good, better, goodness) while allowing context to supply narrower senses like ‘beneficial,’ ‘virtuous,’ or ‘profitable’ where needed.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary word; "good" (in any sense, often as noun):--benefit, good(-s, things), well. Compare καλός.

Root Family

ἀγαθός (agathos) — good, beneficial, upright, virtuous

Root ἀγ- good, beneficial, upright, virtuous

Word Forms

11 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G18-08 ἀγαθὸν agathon ADJ.A NOM N SG good the good the good 39
G18-01 ἀγαθὰ agatha ADJ.A ACC N PL good things beneficial things good things 11
G18-09 ἀγαθὸς agathos ADJ.A NOM M SG good good (masculine singular) good (masculine singular) 10
G18-03 ἀγαθὲ agathe ADJ.A VOC M SG good O good one O good one 9
G18-10 ἀγαθοῦ agathou ADJ.A GEN M SG good of the good of the good 8
G18-04 ἀγαθήν agathen ADJ.R ACC F SG good good good 8
G18-06 ἀγαθῷ agatho ADJ.S DAT N SG good to the good good 7
G18-07 ἀγαθοῖς agathois ADJ.S DAT N PL good to good things to good things 3
G18-05 ἀγαθῆς agathes ADJ.A GEN F SG good of good of good 2
G18-02 ἀγαθάς agathas ADJ.S ACC F PL kind beneficial things good things 2

Occurrences in Scripture

101 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G18-11 Matthew 5:45 ἀγαθοὺς agathous ADJ.S ACC M PL good good ones good ones
G18-01 Matthew 7:11 ἀγαθὰ agatha ADJ.A ACC N PL good beneficial things good things
G18-01 Matthew 7:11 ἀγαθὰ agatha-2 ADJ.S ACC N PL good things beneficial things good things
G18-08 Matthew 7:17 ἀγαθὸν agathon ADJ.A NOM N SG good the good the good
G18-08 Matthew 7:18 ἀγαθὸν agathon ADJ.A NOM N SG good the good the good
G18-01 Matthew 12:34 ἀγαθὰ agatha ADJ.S ACC N PL good things beneficial things good things
G18-09 Matthew 12:35 ἀγαθὸς agathos ADJ.A NOM M SG good good (masculine singular) good (masculine singular)
G18-10 Matthew 12:35 ἀγαθοῦ agathou ADJ.A GEN M SG good of the good of the good
G18-01 Matthew 12:35 ἀγαθά agatha ADJ.S ACC N PL good things beneficial things good things
G18-08 Matthew 19:16 ἀγαθὸν agathon ADJ.S ACC N SG good the good the good
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