καλλίον (kallion)
kallion
good
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word kallion is the neuter comparative form of kalos, meaning "good" or "beautiful." In everyday usage, it simply means "better." However, in the New Testament, it appears with a specific emphasis on quality and correctness, often translated as "very well" or "excellent."
This term occurs only once in the Greek New Testament, in Acts 25:10. Here, the Apostle Paul uses it to describe his legal standing before King Agrippa. He states that he has done no wrong, implying his case is handled "very well" or justly according to Roman law and Jewish custom.
While kalos often refers to moral beauty or intrinsic goodness, kallion focuses on the comparative advantage of a situation or action. It highlights that one course is superior to another in terms of righteousness or propriety. In Paul's defense, it underscores the clarity and fairness of his position before the king.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kallion appears just once in the New Testament, found in Acts 25:10. Paul uses this comparative form of "good" to describe his legal standing before King Agrippa. He is not claiming moral perfection in a vacuum, but rather that his conduct has been handled with clarity and fairness according to established law.
This single usage reminds us that integrity matters in how we present ourselves before authority. When you find yourself in a difficult situation or facing unfair judgment, remember that truth and right standing are valuable. You do not need to shout your case; often, a clear conscience speaks for itself.
God sees the quality of your heart and actions. Even when others misunderstand or judge unfairly, your commitment to doing what is right remains a solid foundation. This assurance allows you to rest in the knowledge that your life is ordered correctly before God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- very well1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κάλλιον1×
Key Verses
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Acts 25:10
But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well.
Paul uses this comparative term to assert that his handling of affairs has been done with such correctness and fairness that it stands above suspicion.