ἀγαθοποιέω – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gath-op-oy-EH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G15: To do good, to confer benefits, to act virtuously. This compound verb combines ἀγαθός (good) and ποιέω (to do/make), literally meaning “to make good” or “to do what is beneficial for others.”

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Language Origin: Greek compound word
• ἀγαθός (good, beneficial)
• ποιέω (to do, make, create)

Morphology:

• ἀγαθοποιῶν – doing good (present active participle)
• ἀγαθοποιεῖτε – you do good (present active indicative)
• ἀγαθοποιοῦντες – doing good (present active participle plural)

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγαθοποιέω emerged during the Hellenistic period, though its components have deep roots in classical Greek philosophy. Plato and Aristotle frequently discussed the concept of ἀγαθός (good) in their ethical writings, particularly in relation to virtue and moral excellence.

In the Septuagint (LXX), this word and its cognates appear in translations of Hebrew texts discussing righteous behavior, particularly where the Hebrew emphasizes active demonstrations of goodness rather than mere passive virtue.

Biblical Usage

The word appears predominantly in the epistles, where it carries the weight of active, intentional goodness that goes beyond mere moral correctness to encompass beneficial action toward others. It often appears in contexts discussing the Christian’s response to persecution or opposition, suggesting a transformative approach to confrontation.

Key Passages:

• 1 Peter 2:15 – “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”
• 1 Peter 2:20 – “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”
• 3 John 1:11 – “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God.”

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, benefaction was a crucial social institution where wealthy patrons would “do good” to cities or individuals, expecting honor in return. The New Testament transforms this cultural practice by calling believers to do good without expectation of reciprocity, mirroring God’s unconditional goodness.

Theological Significance

This word powerfully illustrates the active nature of Christian virtue. It demonstrates that genuine faith manifests in tangible actions that benefit others, reflecting God’s own character of active goodness toward His creation. This concept connects directly to the Messiah’s ministry, where He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).

The term emphasizes that Christian goodness isn’t merely the absence of evil but the presence of active, beneficial behavior toward others, even enemies.

Personal Application

Believers are called to move beyond passive morality to active engagement in doing good. This might involve seeking opportunities to benefit others, especially when it’s costly or uncomfortable. Consider starting each day asking, “How can I actively do good today?” rather than simply avoiding wrong.

Related Words

• καλοποιέω (to do what is beautiful/noble) – See G2569
• εὐεργετέω (to do good, benefit) – See G2109
• ἀγαθός (good, beneficial) – See G18
• εὐποιΐα (doing good, beneficence) – See G2140

Did you Know?

• The word appears most frequently in 1 Peter, where it’s used to describe the Christian response to persecution.
• Modern Greek still uses this word in phrases describing philanthropic work.
• The concept influenced early Christian charity and hospitality practices, leading to the establishment of the first hospitals.

Remember This

True goodness isn’t passive – it’s an active force that transforms both the doer and the recipient through Christ-like love in action.