ἀγαθοεργέω (agathoergeō)
agathoergeō
to do good
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb agathoergeō means to actively perform good deeds or show kindness through concrete actions. Derived from words for "good" and "work," it describes a life characterized by positive, helpful conduct rather than mere intention. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, highlighting specific contexts where believers are called to tangible generosity.
In Acts 14:17, the word describes how God provides rain and fruitful seasons to satisfy human needs, framing divine provision as an act of doing good. Conversely, in 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul instructs the wealthy to be rich in good works, using this verb to define the practical outworking of faith through generosity toward others.
Although rare, the word carries significant weight by linking moral goodness with active labor. It suggests that true virtue is not passive but involves deliberate effort to benefit those around us, serving as a model for how spiritual beliefs translate into social responsibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agathoergeō reminds us that goodness is a verb. It is not just a feeling or a private intention, but an active engagement with the world. When we see God described as one who does good in Acts 14:17, we recognize that His care is tangible. He provides rain and food, meeting our physical needs with concrete generosity. This shows that divine love is always expressed through action.
For us, this means our faith must have hands and feet. Paul encourages believers to be rich in good works, using the same term to describe how we live out our trust in God. It invites you to look for practical ways to help others today. Whether it is a kind word or a shared resource, these small acts reflect the character of God who fills our hearts with gladness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to do good,1×
- doing good,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγαθουργῶν,1×
- ἀγαθοεργεῖν,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 14:17
Yet he didn’t leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
This verse reveals that God’s nature is defined by active provision, using rains and food to satisfy human needs rather than remaining distant.
-
I Timothy 6:18
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
Paul uses this rare verb here to command the wealthy to translate their resources into tangible generosity for those in need.