Biblical Love in Action: ἀγαθοποιέω (Strong’s G15: agathopoieo) Shows Divine Service
ἀγαθοποιέω
Pronounced: ah-gah-thoh-poy-EH-oh
Strong’s G15: A compound verb combining ἀγαθός (good) and ποιέω (to do/make), meaning to do good, show kindness, or act beneficially. Used in early Christian texts to emphasize active expressions of divine love through good works, reflecting God’s character in human actions.
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U – Unveiling this Word
The verb ἀγαθοποιέω represents a profound theological concept in New Testament teaching, combining the notion of inherent goodness (ἀγαθός) with active doing (ποιέω). This compound word emphasizes that true goodness must be expressed through concrete actions, not merely held as an abstract concept. In early Christian usage, it carried the weight of divine imperative – believers were called to mirror God’s own nature by actively doing good to others. The word appears in contexts where Jesus challenges religious norms about doing good on the Sabbath, highlighting that beneficial action aligned with God’s character should not be restricted by human traditions. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to move beyond passive faith to active demonstration of God’s goodness in practical service to others.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: ἀγαθοποιέω, agathopoieo, /a.ga.tho.poi.e.ō/
- Detailed pronunciation: ah-gah-thoh-poy-EH-oh
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- ἀγαθός (agathos) – prefix meaning “good, beneficial”
- ποιέω (poieo) – root verb meaning “to do, make, perform”
The combination creates a verb meaning “to do what is good/beneficial”
D – Defining Meanings
- To do good
- To act beneficially toward someone
- To perform actions that benefit others
For compound words:
ἀγαθός (prefix) contributes the quality or nature of the action being good/beneficial
ποιέω (root) provides the active component of doing/performing
Translation Options:
- “to do good” – captures the basic meaning and active nature
- “to act beneficially” – emphasizes the beneficial impact on others
- “to perform good deeds” – highlights the concrete nature of the actions
R – Reviewing Morphology
Verbal Features:
- Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative, Infinitive, Participle
- Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)
Example morphological changes:
- ἀγαθοποιῶ (I do good)
- ἀγαθοποιεῖς (you do good)
- ἀγαθοποιήσω (I will do good)
Related words:
- ἀγαθοποιία (noun) – good deed
- ἀγαθοποιός (adjective) – doing good
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
The lexical sources provide rich insights into ἀγαθοποιέω. BDAG emphasizes its concrete expression of beneficial action toward others, while Thayer’s highlights its moral and ethical dimensions. LSJ traces its usage in wider Greek literature, showing its development from general beneficence to specifically virtuous action. Vine’s connects it to divine character, suggesting it represents not just human kindness but participation in God’s nature. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its practical usage in early Christian communities. The word consistently carries the sense of active, intentional beneficence rather than passive good intention.
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T – Tracing Related Scriptures
First appearance:
And He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good [ἀγαθοποιέω] or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent.
Additional References:
Luke 6:9, 1 Peter 2:15, 1 Peter 2:20, 1 Peter 3:6, 1 Peter 3:17, 3 John 1:11
A– Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Plutarch: Moralia | “The wise man performs good deeds [ἀγαθοποιέω] not for reputation but because it aligns with virtue.” |
Philo: On the Special Laws | “Those who do good [ἀγαθοποιέω] to others fulfill the divine law.” |
Josephus: Antiquities | “The king was known to do good [ἀγαθοποιέω] to all who approached him seeking justice.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
The word ἀγαθοποιέω embodies a fundamental principle of Christian ethics: that genuine goodness must be expressed through concrete actions. When Jesus used this term in questioning the religious leaders about Sabbath regulations, He was challenging them to understand that doing good is always lawful because it reflects God’s own nature. This word beautifully captures the essence of the gospel message – that God’s goodness was not just declared but demonstrated through the sacrificial action of sending His Son. It reminds us that following the Messiah involves actively participating in God’s mission of doing good to others.
D – Did You Know?
- The word appears prominently in early Christian martyrdom accounts, describing believers who continued doing good even to their persecutors.
- It was adopted by early Christian philosophers to bridge Greek ethical thought with biblical teaching.
- The compound structure of the word influenced the development of Christian virtue ethics, emphasizing the unity of character and action.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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