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ἀγαθωσύνη

agathōsýnē

G19 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἀγαθ- to be good, to be beneficial, to act uprightly

Definition

Positive moral quality characterized by uprightness, integrity, and active benevolence; the disposition or state of being good, which includes both ethical excellence and a tendency to do good toward others. In various contexts, may emphasize moral rectitude, generosity, or practical beneficence.

Semantic Range

goodness, moral excellence, uprightness, active beneficence, generosity, virtue

Root / Etymology

Formed from the adjective ἀγαθός (good, upright) with the feminine abstract noun suffix -σύνη, indicating the quality or state of being good. Closely parallel in form and sense to other -σύνη nouns such as δικαιοσύνη (righteousness).

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἀγαθωσύνη is attested primarily in post-classical Greek, especially in Jewish-Greek and Christian texts, and is uncommon in classical literature. The term surfaces in the Septuagint, notably in Psalms, to render Hebrew terms for goodness or moral uprightness. In the New Testament, it denotes the quality of moral goodness that expresses itself in active benevolence, frequently appearing in virtue lists (e.g., Galatians 5:22) alongside terms denoting ethical character. Unlike ἀρετή, which can indicate excellence or valor more generally, ἀγαθωσύνη stresses the moral and relational aspect of goodness, particularly as it results in generous or beneficial action toward others. Standard English translations (e.g., 'goodness') capture part of the sense, but do not always distinguish it from related virtues such as righteousness (δικαιοσύνη) or kindness (χρηστότης). In Hellenistic Greek, this term was often used in a distinctively Jewish or Christian moral context, with some overlap in non-biblical Koine sources describing moral quality.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀγαθός; goodness, i.e. virtue or beneficence:--goodness.

Root Family

ἀγαθωσύνη (agathōsynē) — goodness, moral excellence, uprightness, active beneficence, generosity

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G19-02 ἀγαθωσύνης agathosunes N GEN F SG of goodness of goodness 2
G19-01 ἀγαθωσύνη agathosune N NOM F SG goodness upright goodness 2

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G19-02 Romans 15:14 ἀγαθωσύνης agathosunes N GEN F SG of goodness of goodness
G19-01 Galatians 5:22 ἀγαθωσύνη agathosune N NOM F SG goodness upright goodness
G19-01 Ephesians 5:9 ἀγαθωσύνῃ agathosune N DAT F SG goodness upright goodness
G19-02 2 Thessalonians 1:11 ἀγαθωσύνης agathosunes N GEN F SG of goodness of goodness
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