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ἀγαθοεργέω

agathoergéō

G14 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To perform acts characterized by beneficence or moral excellence; to do what is helpful, beneficial, or ethically right for others. The verb primarily signifies the act of performing good deeds or practical acts of goodness; secondary senses include active engagement in works of kindness, charity, or generosity, especially in relation to helping others.

Semantic Range

to perform good deeds, to practice beneficence, to do acts of kindness or charity, to act in a morally upright manner, to be active in doing good

Root / Etymology

Formed from ἀγαθός (good, beneficial, upright) and ἔργον (work, deed, action); thus a compound meaning 'to do good works' or 'to perform what is beneficial.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Used rarely in extant Greek literature, ἀγαθοεργέω appears in Koine Greek as a purposefully composed verb to denote active benevolence—performing works that are morally commendable or socially helpful. In the New Testament, its occurrence is notably restricted (e.g., 1 Timothy 6:18), where it underscores practical acts of charity, generosity, or beneficence, especially in contrast to mere intention or internal virtue. The term does not inherently refer to religious or ritual acts but focuses instead on concrete acts of aid or moral action. In wider Hellenistic usage, verbs of this pattern (ἀγαθοεργέω, ἐλεημοσύνην ποιεῖν, καλοεργεῖν) often appear in ethical philosophical literature to highlight actions towards others, especially in beneficence or civic virtue. Standard English translations frequently render it as 'to do good,' but this underrepresents its emphasis on tangible good works. Compared to related terms such as εὖ ποιέω ('to do well'), ἀγαθοεργέω accentuates both the moral quality and the active dimension of good deeds.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀγαθός and ἔργον; to work good:--do good.

Root Family

ἀγαθοεργέω (agathoergeō) — to do good, to perform beneficent actions, to act helpfully

Root ἀγαθοεργ- to do good, to perform beneficent actions, to act helpfully

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G14-02 ἀγαθουργῶν agathourgon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG doing good one doing good works doing good 1
G14-01 ἀγαθοεργεῖν agathoergein V PRS ACT INF to do good to be doing good works to be doing good works 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G14-02 Acts 14:17 ἀγαθουργῶν agathourgon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG doing good one doing good works doing good
G14-01 1 Timothy 6:18 ἀγαθοεργεῖν agathoergein V PRS ACT INF to do good to be doing good works to be doing good works
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