ἀγαθωσύνη (agathōsunē)
agathōsunē
goodness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun agathōsunē describes an inner moral excellence that naturally flows into outward kindness. It denotes a character marked by uprightness of heart and life, focusing on the gentle, benevolent aspect of virtue rather than strict legal righteousness. This distinction highlights a warmth in human interaction that goes beyond mere duty.
Scripture employs this term to describe both divine grace and Christian character. In Galatians 5:22, it appears as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that such goodness is a supernatural result of spiritual life rather than human effort. Similarly, Romans 15:14 uses it to commend believers for their rich store of virtue, while 2 Thessalonians 1:11 prays that God would make them worthy through His power.
The word’s emphasis on the "kindlier" side of goodness sets it apart from terms like dikaiosunē (righteousness), which often carries a sterner, judicial tone. By focusing on intrinsic moral quality, agathōsunē points to a life that is not only correct but also beneficial and gracious to others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Goodness in the New Testament is more than just following rules; it is a warm, inner quality that flows naturally from a life connected to God. When we speak of agathōsunē, we are talking about a character marked by uprightness and kindness. It is the gentle side of virtue, where moral excellence meets human interaction with grace. This is not something we manufacture through sheer willpower but something that grows within us as we remain close to the Spirit.
Paul uses this word to describe the natural output of spiritual life. In Galatians 5:22, he lists it alongside love and joy, showing that true goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. It means our actions become beneficial and gracious to others, not out of duty, but from a heart changed by God. This kind of goodness builds up communities and reflects the character of Christ in everyday moments.
As you walk in faith, remember that this quality is a gift of grace. It invites us to look beyond mere correctness and embrace a life that is truly beneficial to those around us. May you find peace in knowing that God works in you to produce this kind of character, making your life a source of light and kindness to the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of goodness2×
- goodness,1×
- goodness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγαθωσύνης2×
- ἀγαθωσύνῃ1×
- ἀγαθωσύνη,1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
This verse identifies goodness as a direct fruit of the Spirit, showing it is a supernatural result of spiritual life rather than human effort.
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Romans 15:14
I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others.
Paul uses this term to commend believers for their rich store of virtue and ability to instruct others, highlighting its role in community edification.
-
Ephesians 5:9
for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,
Here goodness is paired with righteousness and truth as the essence of living as children of light, emphasizing its integral role in Christian conduct.