ἀγαθός (agathos)
agathos
good
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 91 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective agathos denotes something that is genuinely good, whether in moral character or practical benefit. It describes a quality that is inherently excellent and advantageous to those who encounter it. In the New Testament, this word appears frequently to describe God’s nature, as when Jesus asks why people call him "good" in Mark 10:18, and to characterize the generous gifts given by believers in Romans 12:13.
While often translated simply as "good," agathos carries a specific nuance of inner excellence and usefulness. Lexical sources distinguish it from kalos, which emphasizes external beauty or form; agathos points instead to the internal virtue that produces positive results. This distinction is visible in Luke 8:15, where good soil represents a heart that internally receives and sustains the word.
The term is versatile enough to cover physical possessions as well as spiritual blessings. In Luke 12:18, it refers to material goods stored in barns, while in Romans 12:2, it describes God’s will as what is "good" and acceptable. This breadth shows that the concept of goodness in Scripture encompasses both tangible provision and moral integrity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Scripture uses the word agathos, it points to a quality of goodness that is rooted in character rather than appearance. Unlike words that describe external beauty, this term highlights inner virtue and practical benefit. It suggests that true goodness produces positive results in the lives of others, much like healthy soil that sustains growth.
This understanding invites us to look beyond surface-level actions. Jesus reminds us that a good person brings forth good from a hidden treasure within (Luke 6:45). This means our daily choices and inner attitudes matter deeply. God’s goodness is not just a trait; it is an active force that provides for our needs, as seen when He fills the hungry with good things (Luke 1:53).
We can trust in this consistent nature of God. Whether we face moral questions or practical struggles, His goodness remains steady. It offers a reliable foundation for faith, encouraging us to seek that same inner integrity in our own lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 91 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- good59×
- good,11×
- good.6×
- good things4×
- good?3×
- good;3×
- good things,2×
- good [thing]2×
- with good things1×
- kind,1×
- goods1×
- good things?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγαθὸν21×
- ἀγαθὸς7×
- ἀγαθοῦ7×
- ἀγαθόν,6×
- ἀγαθὰ6×
- ἀγαθῷ5×
- ἀγαθὴν5×
- ἀγαθῶν3×
- ἀγαθός3×
- ἀγαθόν.3×
- ἀγαθήν,3×
- ἀγαθέ,3×
Key Verses
-
Luke 6:45
The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.
This verse links the word directly to the heart's internal state, showing that outward speech reflects hidden moral character.
-
Mark 10:18
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God.
Jesus uses this term to distinguish His divine nature from human perfection, pointing to God as the sole standard of absolute goodness.
-
Luke 1:53
He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.
Here the word describes tangible provision, showing God’s goodness meets physical needs by filling the hungry.
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Matthew 7:17
Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
The metaphor of fruit illustrates that genuine inner goodness inevitably produces visible, positive outcomes in behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does agathos mean in the New Testament?
How is agathos different from kalos?
Where does Jesus use this word in a key theological moment?
Every Occurrence (91 verses across 21 books)
Matthew 12 verses
that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and…
Matthew 7:11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven…
Matthew 7:17Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
Matthew 7:18A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
Matthew 12:34You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth…
Matthew 12:35The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil…
Matthew 19:16Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
Matthew 19:17He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life,…
Matthew 20:15Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’
Matthew 22:10Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…
Matthew 25:21“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you…
Matthew 25:23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you…