Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides deeper insight into the text and its cultural context. The Greek word καλός (kalos), translated as “good,” “beautiful,” or “noble,” is significant in both New Testament interpretation and the broader ancient Greek literature. Its usage reflects the emphasis on moral and aesthetic ideals prevalent in early Christian teachings and Hellenistic thought.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καλός, transliterated as kalos, pronounced [ka-LOS].
• Etymology: Derived from Proto-Indo-European roots, related to beauty and goodness.
• Part of Speech: Adjective; follows the first and second declension pattern in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Good: Morally right or virtuous.
• Beautiful: Aesthetic beauty or attractiveness.
• Noble: Of high moral or ethical quality.
• Honorable: Worthy of respect or admiration.

Similar Words: ἀγαθός (agathos) [a-ga-THOS], meaning “good” in a more moral and ethical sense. While καλός emphasizes beauty and nobility, ἀγαθός focuses on intrinsic goodness or virtue.

Further Insights: καλός is an adjective that captures both aesthetic and ethical dimensions. It can describe objects, people, actions, and even abstract concepts that are considered desirable. The word is highly flexible and appears in various forms depending on its grammatical use. Here is the declension table for καλός:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines καλός as “beautiful,” “good,” “noble,” emphasizing its aesthetic and moral dimensions across different contexts, from descriptions of people to actions.
• Thayers: Focuses on its dual meaning of “beautiful” and “good,” noting how it can be used to describe both physical beauty and moral virtue.
• Vines: Highlights its use in describing good works or deeds that are both beneficial and attractive, often used in ethical exhortations.
• LSJ: Lists καλός primarily as “beautiful” or “noble,” with secondary meanings related to moral goodness.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines it as “beautiful,” “good,” or “valuable,” noting its frequent use in the New Testament to denote qualities admired in Christian teachings.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good [καλά] works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
• John 10:11: “I am the good [καλός] shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
• 1 Timothy 4:6: “If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good [καλὸς] minister of Christ Jesus.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καλός (G2570)

The Greek word καλός is a rich term encompassing both aesthetic beauty and moral goodness. Found throughout the New Testament and classical Greek literature, it reflects the Greek ideal of harmony between beauty and virtue. It is a key term for understanding early Christian ethics and the broader Greek philosophical context.

Did You Know?

• καλός is often paired with ἀγαθός to form the ideal of the “noble and good” person in Greek philosophy.
• The root of καλός appears in many English words related to beauty and goodness, such as “calligraphy” (beautiful writing).
• In ancient Greek thought, καλός was often used to describe warriors, emphasizing both their physical beauty and moral nobility.

Understanding καλός helps one appreciate how early Christian writers drew from Greek cultural ideals to convey their message of a virtuous life.