English · KJV
G14

ἀγαθοεργέω

agathoergéō /ag-ath-er-gheh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἀγαθός and ἔργον
Meaningto work good
KJV usagedo good.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of agathoergéō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek verb agathoergéō, represented by G14, is a compound word formed from ἀγαθός (good) and ἔργον (work). It is defined as to work good or to do good. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its very focused application.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single appearance of G14 is found in an instruction to the wealthy. In the context of the passage, those who are rich in the current world are commanded to do good G14, which is immediately elaborated upon as being "rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate" 1 Timothy 6:18. This shows that the action of "doing good" is directly linked to tangible acts of generosity and the productive use of resources for honorable deeds.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Greek words from its immediate context illuminate the meaning of G14:

  • G2041 érgon (deed, doing, labour, work): This word is a root component of agathoergéō and appears in the same verse, emphasizing that "doing good" is about performing tangible "works" 1 Timothy 6:18.
  • G4147 ploutéō (to be (or become) wealthy): The command to do good is given within the context of wealth, with the goal of becoming rich in good works, not just material goods 1 Timothy 6:18.
  • G2570 kalós (good (literally or morally)): This adjective describes the quality of the works that believers are to be rich in, framing them as valuable, virtuous, and honest 1 Timothy 6:18.
  • G2130 eumetádotos (ready to distribute): This term specifies a key outcome of doing good, highlighting a liberal and ready spirit of sharing with others. It is directly associated with the command in 1 Timothy 6:18.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G14, despite its single use, is direct and practical.

  • Active Benevolence: The term is an active verb, emphasizing that faith and spiritual status should be expressed through concrete actions. It is a command not just to be good, but to actively work good.
  • Stewardship of Wealth: Its use in 1 Timothy 6:18 places a specific responsibility on the wealthy. True richness is redefined as being rich in "good works" G2041, linking material blessing directly to generous action.
  • Community and Fellowship: The command is followed by instructions to be "ready to distribute" G2130 and "willing to communicate" G2843, grounding the abstract idea of "goodness" in the practical support of the community.

Summary

In summary, G14 agathoergéō provides a concise and potent command. While appearing only once, its context in 1 Timothy 6:18 gives it significant weight. It instructs believers, particularly those with material means, to translate their position into beneficial action. The word encapsulates the principle that true spiritual wealth is demonstrated through a life of good deeds and a readiness to share with others.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists one rendering for this word. It is counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the number is how many of them use it. Select it to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • ἀγαθοεργεῖν
  • ἀγαθουργῶν

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2041 ἔργον toil (as an effort or occupation) G4147 πλουτέω to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively) G2570 καλός of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or… G2130 εὐμετάδοτος good at imparting, i.e. liberal G2843 κοινωνικός communicative, i.e. (pecuniarily) liberal

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in 1 Timothy — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.