ἀγαθός

ἀγαθός, -ή, -όν,

[in LXX chiefly for טוֹב ;]

in general, good, in physical and in moral sense, used of persons, things, acts, conditions, etc., applied to that which is regarded as "perfect in its kind, so as to produce pleasure and satisfaction, . . . that which, in itself good, is also at once for the good and the advantage of him who comes in contact with it" (Cremer, 3): γῆ, Luke 8:8; δένδρον, Matthew 7:18; καρδία, Luke 8:15; δόσις, James 1:17; μέρις, Luke 10:42; ἔργον (frequently in Pl.), Philippians 1:6; ἐλπίς, 2 Thessalonians 2:16; θησαυρός, Matthew 12:35; μνεία, 1 Thessalonians 3:6 (cf. 2Ma.7.20); as subst., τὸ ἀ, that which is morally good, beneficial, acceptable to God, Romans 12:2; ἐργάζεσθαι τὸ ἀ, Romans 2:10, Ephesians 4:28; πράσσειν, Romans 9:11, 2 Corinthians 5:10; διώκειν, 1 Thessalonians 5:15; μιμεῖσθαι, 3 John 11; κολλᾶσθαι τῷ ἀ, Romans 12:9; ερωτᾶν περὶ τοῦ ἀ., Matthew 19:17; διάκονος εἰς τὸ ἀ., Romans 13:4; τὸ ἀ. σου, thy favour, benefit, Phm 14; pl., τὰ ἀ., of goods, possessions, Luke 12:18; of spiritual benefits, Romans 10:15, Hebrews 9:11; 10:1. ἀ is opposite to πονηρός, Matthew 5:45; 20:5; κακός, Romans 7:19; φαῦλος, Romans 9:11, 2 Corinthians 5:10 (cf. MM, VGT, see word).

Synonyms: καλός, δίκαιος. κ. properly refers to goodliness as manifested in form: ἀ. to inner excellence (cf. the cl. καλὸς κἀγαθός and ἐν καρδία κ. καὶ ἀ., Luke 8:15). In Romans 5:7, where it is contrasted with δ., ἀ. implies a kindliness and attractiveness not necessarily possessed by the δίκαιος, who merely measures up to a high standard of rectitude (cf. ἀγαθωσύνη).