καλός (kalos)
kalos
good
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 91 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective kalos describes something that is good, beautiful, or noble. Its meaning shifts depending on context: it can refer to physical beauty, such as the "goodly" stones in Luke 21:5, or to moral excellence and nobility of character. In ethical usage, it points to actions that are right and honorable, as seen when Jesus teaches that good works should be visible to others (Matthew 5:16).
A key distinction lies in how kalos differs from the more common word for good, agathos. While agathos often emphasizes intrinsic moral goodness or utility, kalos highlights a quality that is self-evident and attractive to the eye or mind. As noted by scholars like Hort, kalos denotes a goodness that is immediately recognized as valuable, whether in fine fish (Matthew 13:48) or a noble confession of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
This word carries significant weight in describing leadership and service. It modifies terms for overseers, deacons, and soldiers, suggesting that those in these roles must possess a visible integrity and competence that commands respect. The term also appears in Jesus' description of Himself as the "good shepherd" (John 10:11), implying not just moral rightness but a noble, fitting quality that draws people to Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kalos points to a goodness that is not just morally right, but visibly attractive and noble. When Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd, He describes a leadership style that is fitting, protective, and worthy of trust. This quality shines through in acts of service, such as the woman who anointed Him with expensive oil. Her action was kalos because it honored His mission in a way that was both beautiful and meaningful.
In your daily life, this calls you to pursue integrity that others can see and respect. It is not enough to do what is merely legal; the goal is to do what is genuinely good and noble. When your actions reflect this kind of character, they draw people toward God rather than away from Him.
Let this shape how you view your work and relationships. Whether in small gestures or major decisions, aim for a goodness that stands out as honorable. This pursuit brings glory to the Father and strengthens your witness in the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 91 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- good53×
- better7×
- to good3×
- right3×
- of good3×
- good;3×
- good,2×
- good [is]2×
- a good2×
- [it is] good2×
- [is] good2×
- [It is] good2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καλὸν43×
- καλὴν10×
- καλόν9×
- καλὰ7×
- καλῶν6×
- καλὸς5×
- καλοῦ3×
- καλοὺς3×
- καλῆς2×
- καλῇ2×
- καλός·2×
- καλοῖς2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:10
However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.
Jesus defends the woman's costly act as a good work that honors His burial, showing that kalos involves noble sacrifice for a higher purpose.
-
Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
This verse links visible good works to the glory of God, illustrating how kalos character should attract others to the Father.
-
Mark 9:5
Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Peter's exclamation that it is good to be there highlights the immediate recognition of divine presence and favor in a holy moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kalos mean in the New Testament?
How is kalos different from agathos?
Where does kalos appear in the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (91 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 20 verses
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and…
Matthew 5:16Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify 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 7:19Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 12:33“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by…
Matthew 13:8Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.
Matthew 13:23What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and…
Matthew 13:24He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field,
Matthew 13:27The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these…
Matthew 13:37He answered them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,
Matthew 13:38the field is the world, the good seeds are the children of the Kingdom, and the darnel weeds are the children of the…
Matthew 13:45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls,
Matthew 13:48which, when it was filled, fishermen drew up on the beach. They sat down and gathered the good into containers, but the…
Matthew 15:26But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Matthew 17:4Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…
Matthew 18:8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into…
Matthew 18:9If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one…
Matthew 26:10However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.
Matthew 26:24The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would…