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καλῶς

kalōs

G2573 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a good or proper manner; fittingly, rightly, appropriately—describing an action done according to a recognized standard of quality or excellence. Also used to convey doing something commendably, correctly, or advantageously. In certain contexts, can mean 'well' in the sense of 'healthily' or 'successfully.'

Semantic Range

in a good manner, rightly, properly, excellently, commendably, appropriately, advantageously, successfully, (in some contexts) healthily, rightly (morally or socially)

Root / Etymology

Adverbial form from the adjective καλός ('good, beautiful, noble'). Formed by adding the adverbial ending -ως to the stem καλ(ο)-, yielding καλῶς ('well').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καλῶς primarily signified something done in a fine, excellent, or beautiful way, often with implications of both moral and aesthetic value. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it most often designates actions done correctly, commendably, or suitably, sometimes carrying moral overtones (e.g., doing what is right or proper in a social or ethical sense). In medical or miracle contexts (e.g., Mark 7:37), καλῶς may indicate complete recovery or restoration of function ('entirely well'). The term might contrast with κακῶς ('badly, wrongly'). Traditional English translations such as 'well' or 'rightly' sometimes obscure the evaluative or qualitative nuance the Greek can convey; the word can imply more than mere adequacy, suggesting excellence or moral appropriateness. In contrast to related terms like εὖ ('well, favorably, skillfully'), καλῶς typically focuses more on the character or worthiness of the action rather than technical skill or fortune. The sense of 'well' as a marker of health is contextually driven, not an inherent core meaning.

Translation Consistency

primary "well" 36 occurrences

“Well” is the most natural, broadly applicable English adverb to cover the typical senses of καλῶς — doing something properly, commendably, successfully, or healthily. It reads smoothly in the widest range of contexts (moral/right action, good performance, success, health) and is more idiomatic in English than alternatives like “rightly” or “properly.”

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from καλός; well (usually morally):--(in a) good (place), honestly, + recover, (full) well.

Root Family

καλῶς (kalōs) — goodness, nobility, beauty expressed in action; properly, fittingly

Root καλ- to be good, to be noble, to be beautiful (in form or character)
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2570 καλός rightly

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2573-01 καλῶς kalos ADV well rightly well 36

Occurrences in Scripture

36 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2573-01 Matthew 12:12 καλῶς kalos ADV good rightly well
G2573-01 Matthew 15:7 καλῶς kalos ADV rightly rightly well
G2573-01 Mark 7:6 καλῶς kalos ADV Well rightly well
G2573-01 Mark 7:9 καλῶς kalos ADV Well rightly well
G2573-01 Mark 7:37 καλῶς kalos ADV well rightly well
G2573-01 Mark 12:28 καλῶς kalos ADV well rightly well
G2573-01 Mark 12:32 καλῶς kalos ADV Well rightly well
G2573-01 Mark 16:18 καλῶς kalos ADV well rightly well
G2573-01 Luke 6:26 καλῶς kalos ADV well rightly well
G2573-01 Luke 6:27 καλῶς kalos ADV good rightly well
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