ἀγαθός – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gah-THOS (rhymes with ‘cross’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G18: Intrinsically good, morally excellent, and inherently beneficial. This word describes something that is good in its very nature and produces beneficial results, often with an emphasis on moral and spiritual excellence rather than mere external beauty or usefulness.

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Language Origin: Proto-Indo-European root *ag- meaning “good, well”

Morphology

• ἀγαθός (masculine nominative singular): good
• ἀγαθή (feminine nominative singular): good
• ἀγαθόν (neuter nominative singular): good
• ἀγαθοῦ (masculine/neuter genitive singular): of good
• ἀγαθῷ (masculine/neuter dative singular): to/for good

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγαθός has deep roots in classical Greek philosophy and literature, where it was used to describe the highest form of goodness. In Plato’s Republic, it appears frequently in discussions about the “Form of the Good” (τὸ ἀγαθόν), representing the ultimate source of all goodness and truth.

Homer used ἀγαθός to describe the ideal qualities of heroic warriors, emphasizing both moral excellence and practical effectiveness. This dual emphasis on internal character and external benefit carried forward into biblical usage.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀγαθός takes on profound theological significance, often describing God’s character and the nature of His gifts to humanity. Unlike καλός (G2570) which can describe external beauty or fitness for purpose, ἀγαθός emphasizes inherent moral excellence and beneficial impact.

Key Passages

• Luke 18:19 – Jesus declares that “No one is good (ἀγαθός) except God alone,” establishing God as the source and standard of all goodness
• Romans 8:28 – “All things work together for good (ἀγαθόν)” demonstrates God’s sovereign ability to bring beneficial outcomes
• Galatians 6:10 – Believers are called to “work what is good (τὸ ἀγαθόν)” toward all people

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek society, ἀγαθός was often associated with nobility and moral excellence. The concept of ἀγαθός was so fundamental to Greek thinking that it formed part of many personal names, such as Agathocles (“good glory”) and Agathodorus (“gift of goodness”), reflecting parents’ aspirations for their children’s character.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀγαθός in Scripture reveals that true goodness is not merely behavioral but ontological – it speaks to the very nature of being. When applied to God, it describes His essential character as the source of all genuine goodness.

This understanding transforms our view of divine providence – when Scripture declares that God works all things for good, it’s not just speaking of pleasant outcomes but of His character-shaping work in conforming us to His image.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀγαθός challenges us to evaluate our definition of “good.” Rather than measuring goodness by comfort or convenience, we’re called to recognize true goodness as that which aligns with God’s character and purposes. This perspective transforms how we view trials and difficulties, recognizing them as potential vessels of God’s ἀγαθός work in our lives.

Related Words

• χρηστός (useful, good, kind) – See G5543
• καλός (beautiful, good, noble) – See G2570
• εὖ (well, good) – See G2095
• δίκαιος (righteous, just) – See G1342

Did you Know?

• The English word “agatha” derives from ἀγαθός and was popular as a female name in early Christian communities
• In modern Greek, ἀγαθός is still used to describe moral excellence and benevolence
• The philosophical concept of “the highest good” (summum bonum) in Western philosophy traces its roots to discussions of τὸ ἀγαθόν in ancient Greek philosophy

Remember This

True goodness (ἀγαθός) flows from God’s character and always works toward His perfect purposes, even when we can’t see how.