χρηστός (chrēstos)
chrēstos
good/kind
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective chrēstos describes something or someone that is good, kind, or serviceable. It comes from a root meaning "to use" or "to need," so it originally carried the sense of being useful or fit for purpose. Over time, this practical utility evolved into a moral quality, describing a person who is gentle, benevolent, and easy to deal with.
In the New Testament, the word appears in diverse contexts that highlight its range. Jesus describes His yoke as chrēstos in Matthew 11:30, translating it as "easy" or "pleasant," suggesting a burden that is manageable rather than crushing. Similarly, Luke 5:39 uses it to describe wine that is good or pleasant to drink.
When applied to people and God, the term emphasizes graciousness. Paul refers to the "kindness" of God in Romans 2:4, urging readers not to take this benevolence for granted. In Ephesians 4:32, believers are told to be kind one to another, mirroring the grace they have received. The word captures a quality that is both practically helpful and morally gentle.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chrēstos begins with a practical sense of being useful or fit for purpose, but in Scripture it grows into a description of gentle kindness. When Jesus calls His yoke kind in Matthew 11:30, He offers a burden that is manageable rather than crushing. This invites us to see faith not as a heavy load we carry alone, but as a shared journey with Someone who understands our limits.
This same quality defines God’s character toward us. Romans 2:4 reminds us that His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, not to be taken for granted. It is a patient goodness that meets us where we are, offering grace before judgment. We are then called to reflect this nature in our daily interactions.
Ephesians 4:32 encourages believers to be kind to one another, just as Christ forgave us. This kindness is not weakness; it is strength under control, rooted in the reality that we too have received mercy. Let this truth shape how you view God and how you treat those around you, finding rest in His gentle care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- good2×
- kindness1×
- kind,1×
- kind1×
- [is] good1×
- [is] easy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χρηστός2×
- χρηστὸς2×
- χρηστὸν1×
- χρηστὰ1×
- χρηστοί,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus uses this word to describe His yoke as easy, showing that following Him involves a burden that is manageable and not crushing.
-
Romans 2:4
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Paul identifies God's kindness as the specific attribute intended to lead people toward repentance rather than fear.
-
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
Believers are commanded to mirror the forgiveness they received from Christ by extending genuine kindness to each other.
-
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
The text describes God as kind toward the unthankful and evil, highlighting that His benevolence extends even to those who do not deserve it.