Pronunciation Guide: ah-reh-TAY (ἀρετή)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G703: ἀρετή describes moral excellence, virtue, and praise-worthy qualities that reflect divine power and glory. It encompasses both the intrinsic moral excellence of character and the manifestation of that excellence through concrete actions that inspire praise. In biblical usage, it particularly emphasizes the display of God’s divine power and excellence that elicits worship and admiration.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Root Derivation: Possibly from ἄρρην (arrhen, “male, strong”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Ethical discourse, virtue literature, and doxological contexts
• Literary Genre Distribution: Epistles (primarily), with notable appearances in both narrative and poetic literature

ἀρετή Morphology:

• ἀρετή (nominative singular) – excellence, virtue
• ἀρετῆς (genitive singular) – of excellence/virtue
• ἀρετῇ (dative singular) – in/with excellence/virtue
• ἀρετήν (accusative singular) – excellence/virtue (as direct object)
• ἀρεταί (nominative plural) – excellencies/virtues
• ἀρετῶν (genitive plural) – of excellencies/virtues
• ἀρεταῖς (dative plural) – in/with excellencies/virtues
• ἀρετάς (accusative plural) – excellencies/virtues (as direct object)

Origin & History

The concept of ἀρετή has deep roots in classical Greek philosophy and ethics. In Homeric literature, it initially denoted excellence in any sphere, particularly masculine valor and military prowess. Plato, in “The Republic,” expanded its meaning to encompass moral excellence and the ideal form of goodness. Aristotle, in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” further developed the concept as the golden mean between extremes of character.

In the Septuagint, ἀρετή takes on a distinctly theological character, often translating Hebrew words related to God’s glory (הוד, hod) and splendor (תפארת, tiferet). This transformation reflects the Hebraic understanding that true excellence stems from divine character rather than human achievement. The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” integrated this classical-biblical synthesis, arguing that true ἀρετή is only achievable through divine grace and the imitation of the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Divine Excellence: The manifestation of God’s glorious character and power
• Moral Virtue: Praiseworthy qualities of character that reflect godliness
• Functional Excellence: The practical demonstration of goodness in action
• Praise-worthy Achievement: Accomplishments that bring glory to God

ἀρετή Translation Options:

• “Excellence” – Best captures the breadth of meaning, encompassing both character and demonstration
• “Virtue” – Emphasizes the moral and ethical dimensions, though potentially missing the aspect of divine power
• “Moral Excellence” – Combines both the ethical standard and its achievement
• “Praiseworthy Quality” – Highlights the response that true excellence evokes
• “Divine Power” – Specifically in contexts where God’s excellent deeds are in view

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀρετή appears only five times but carries significant theological weight. Its first appearance in Philippians 4:8 places it within Paul’s list of qualities believers should contemplate, suggesting its role in spiritual formation. Peter’s usage in his epistles connects it directly to God’s character and calling.

The word bridges Greek philosophical virtue ethics with Hebrew theological understanding of divine excellence. This synthesis is particularly evident in 2 Peter 1:3, where ἀρετή is associated with God’s power and glory in calling believers to salvation.

• “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence [ἀρετή] and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
• “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [ἀρετάς] of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
• “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence [ἀρετῇ].” 2 Peter 1:3
• “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence [ἀρετήν].” 2 Peter 1:5

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, ἀρετή was often associated with the cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. However, the biblical usage transforms this concept by grounding it in God’s character rather than human achievement. This reflects the Jewish understanding of middot (character traits) as being divine attributes that humans are called to emulate through their relationship with God.

The concept parallels the Hebrew notion of kavod (glory), particularly in how it combines both internal character and external manifestation. Just as the glory of יהוה (Yahweh) was both His intrinsic nature and its visible demonstration, so ἀρετή encompasses both the reality of excellence and its display.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀρετή in the New Testament represents a profound theological statement about the nature of true excellence. Unlike Greek philosophical virtue, which was seen as achievable through human effort, biblical ἀρετή is first and foremost a divine attribute that humans can only reflect through their relationship with God.

This understanding transforms the concept from a purely ethical category to a doxological one. When Peter speaks of declaring God’s ἀρετάς (excellencies) in 1 Peter 2:9, he’s describing both God’s perfect character and the mighty acts that demonstrate it. This dual aspect of being and doing reflects the Hebrew concept of God’s name being both His character and His acts in history.

The inclusion of ἀρετή in the chain of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5 shows that while it remains fundamentally a divine attribute, it can be progressively developed in believers through their participation in divine nature. This reflects the Messianic Jewish understanding of tikkun olam – participating in God’s work of perfecting creation.

Personal Application

Living out ἀρετή in our daily lives involves both character development and active demonstration of excellence. It calls us to cultivate godly qualities while remembering that true excellence comes from God’s work in us rather than our own efforts. This balance keeps us from both passive spirituality and self-reliant moralism.

When we understand ἀρετή as divine excellence, it transforms our approach to personal growth. Instead of striving for perfection through willpower, we focus on knowing and reflecting God’s character. Our pursuit of excellence becomes an act of worship, declaring God’s glory through lives well-lived in His power.

Related Words

• καλός (kalos) – beautiful, good, noble: Describes what is inherently excellent and attractive in form or function, often paired with ἀρετή to describe moral beauty. See G2570
• δόξα (doxa) – glory, honor: Often appears in similar contexts to ἀρετή, particularly when describing God’s excellent characteristics and their manifestation. See G1391
• δύναμις (dynamis) – power, ability: Connected to ἀρετή in contexts where divine power enables human excellence. See G1411
• ἁγιωσύνη (hagiosyne) – holiness: Represents the moral purity aspect of excellence that characterizes God and His people. See G42
• τιμή (time) – honor, value: Often appears alongside ἀρετή in contexts of praising excellence. See G5092

Did you Know?

• The word ἀρετή appears on ancient Greek coins and monuments praising the excellence of rulers and cities, showing its significance in public life and civic pride. The biblical authors repurposed this cultural understanding to describe God’s supreme excellence.
• In modern Greek, ἀρετή is still used to describe exceptional moral character and excellence, particularly in educational and ethical contexts. It’s often used in phrases equivalent to “moral virtue” or “excellence of character.”
• The famous “Areté Journal” in ancient Greek athletic training focused on achieving excellence in both physical performance and character development, reflecting the holistic nature of ἀρετή in Greek thought.

Remember This

ἀρετή embodies the magnificent reality that true excellence flows from God’s character, manifests in praiseworthy deeds, and transforms believers into displays of His glory.