Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies, such as καλῶς (kalōs), is essential for grasping the nuanced meanings in the New Testament. καλῶς holds significance as it appears in various contexts, meaning “well,” “rightly,” or “properly.” Its usage provides insights into moral and ethical standards in ancient Greek culture, as well as theological concepts in Christian teachings.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καλῶς, transliterated as kalōs, pronounced [ka-LOHS].
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root καλός (kalos), meaning “good,” “beautiful,” or “noble.”
• Part of Speech: Adverb, used to modify verbs and convey the sense of doing something “well” or “properly.”
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Well: To do something in a good, satisfactory, or efficient manner.
• Rightly: In accordance with what is morally right or proper.
• Properly: In a way that is correct, suitable, or appropriate.

Similar Words: ἄριστα (arista) [AH-rees-tah], meaning “excellently” or “in the best way,” is another adverb that conveys doing something exceptionally well. While καλῶς often suggests moral or qualitative goodness, ἄριστα focuses on the idea of supreme excellence or perfection.

Further Insights: καλῶς is an adverb that carries a strong moral and ethical connotation in Greek. It emphasizes the quality of action, often with an underlying implication of virtue or appropriateness. While adverbs do not decline like nouns or adjectives, they are essential in understanding the tone and intent of verbs they modify.
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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines καλῶς as “well,” “rightly,” “properly,” often used to indicate actions done in accordance with moral or divine standards.
• Thayers: Notes that καλῶς is used to denote actions that are “good” or “right,” often in the context of ethical behavior or proper conduct.
• Vines: Explores καλῶς in the context of moral teachings in the New Testament, emphasizing its use to describe actions that align with God’s will.
• LSJ: Lists καλῶς as “well,” “rightly,” “appropriately,” highlighting its use in both classical and Koine Greek literature to describe proper or virtuous behavior.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies καλῶς as an adverb meaning “well” or “rightly,” underscoring its varied applications in biblical and non-biblical texts.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 7:37: “They were utterly astonished, saying, ‘He has done all things well [καλῶς]; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.'”
• James 2:8: “If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well [καλῶς].”
• Romans 11:20: “Quite right [καλῶς], they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καλῶς (G2573)

The Greek adverb καλῶς translates to “well,” “rightly,” or “properly.” It is frequently used in the New Testament to express actions done in accordance with ethical standards, divine law, or virtuous conduct. The word carries significant moral and ethical weight, helping to convey the quality and intent of actions in a variety of contexts, from everyday behavior to profound theological teachings.

Did You Know?

• The term καλῶς is closely related to καλός (kalos), meaning “beautiful” or “good,” emphasizing the aesthetic and moral dimensions of actions.
• καλῶς is often used in moral teachings to encourage believers to act in accordance with God’s will, reflecting the ethical emphasis in early Christian communities.
• The adverb καλῶς appears in various classical Greek texts to describe actions that are not only effective but also morally commendable.

Understanding καλῶς provides valuable insights into the ethical and moral considerations of the New Testament and classical Greek literature.