καλοποιέω

kalopoiéō

G2569 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To do what is good or right, to act in an upright, virtuous, or beneficial manner. In context, refers to engaging in actions considered morally praiseworthy, beneficial to others, or in accord with recognized ethical standards. Semantic range includes the notions of practicing goodness, doing what is admirable, or carrying out beneficent deeds.

Semantic Range

to do what is good, to act virtuously, to perform what is commendable, to benefit others, to behave in a praiseworthy manner

Root / Etymology

From καλός ('good,' 'noble,' 'beautiful') and ποιέω ('to make,' 'to do'). Formed as a compound verb meaning 'to do good.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

καλοποιέω is a relatively rare verb, with usage primarily attested in post-classical Greek, including Hellenistic and early Christian literature. The term does not appear in classical Attic Greek but is found in Koine sources such as the New Testament (notably in 1 Peter 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:13). It denotes action rather than disposition, pointing specifically to the ethical quality of one's deeds. In LXX and NT contexts, it emphasizes public and visible acts considered righteous according to societal or religious norms, sometimes contrasted with doing harm or evil (κακοποιέω). Septuagint usage is extremely rare or absent; in the New Testament, it is directed toward encouragement to continue beneficent or praiseworthy actions regardless of adverse circumstances. Standard English translations as 'doing good' or 'well-doing' are generally accurate, but may not capture the full nuance of virtuous or noble action implied by the καλός component, which connotes moral, aesthetic, and social commendation in Greek vocabulary.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καλός and ποιέω; to do well, i.e. live virtuously:--well doing.

Root Family

καλοποιε- (kalopoiéō) — to do good, to act nobly, to perform beneficent deeds

Root καλοποιε- to do good, to act nobly, to perform beneficent deeds

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2569-01 καλοποιοῦντες kalopoiountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL doing good those doing good doing good 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2569-01 2 Thessalonians 3:13 καλοποιοῦντες kalopoiountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL doing good those doing good doing good