### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀγαθοποιέω (agathopoiéō, `{{G15}}`) is a compound term derived from the adjective ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`), meaning "good," and the verb ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`), meaning "to do" or "to make." Thus, its core meaning is "to do good," "to do what is good," or "to perform good deeds." This active sense emphasizes the outward manifestation of goodness through concrete actions. The definition provided, "to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)," highlights a semantic range that encompasses both voluntary acts of kindness and the fulfillment of moral or ethical obligations. It denotes not merely the absence of evil, but the active pursuit and performance of beneficial, righteous, and benevolent acts. The term implies an intentional and purposeful engagement in actions that are inherently good, beneficial to others, and aligned with divine standards.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀγαθοποιέω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each occurrence is highly significant, shedding light on the nature of Christian conduct.
In the Synoptic Gospels, it appears in the context of Jesus's ministry, specifically regarding the Sabbath:
* [[Mark 3:4]]: "And he said to them, 'Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?' But they remained silent." Here, Jesus contrasts "doing good" (ἀγαθοποιέω) with "doing harm," challenging the rigid legalism of the Pharisees who prioritized Sabbath regulations over compassionate action. "Doing good" is equated with saving life, underscoring its vital and beneficial nature.
* [[Luke 6:9]]: A parallel passage to Mark 3:4, similarly highlighting the ethical imperative of doing good even on the Sabbath.
* [[Luke 6:33]]: "And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus elevates the standard of ethical conduct beyond reciprocal altruism. True "doing good" extends to enemies and those who cannot repay, reflecting God's indiscriminate goodness.
In the Pauline and Petrine epistles, the term takes on broader implications for Christian living and witness:
* [[Romans 13:3]]: "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will receive its approval." Here, "doing good" (ἀγαθοποιέω) is presented as a civic virtue, demonstrating submission to governing authorities and aligning with their God-ordained purpose of maintaining order and commending righteousness.
* [[1 Peter 2:15]]: "For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." This verse connects "doing good" directly to the divine will. It serves as a powerful apologetic, silencing critics and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel through righteous living in a hostile world.
* [[1 Peter 3:6]]: "as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are her daughters if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening." In the context of wives' conduct, "doing good" is linked to inner beauty, obedience, and courage in the face of fear.
* [[1 Peter 3:17]]: "For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." This verse acknowledges that "doing good" may lead to suffering, but affirms that such suffering, when it is God's will, is honorable and preferable to suffering for wrongdoing.
Finally, in 3 John:
* [[3 John 1:11]]: "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God." This verse offers a stark moral dichotomy, presenting "doing good" as an indicator of one's spiritual origin and true knowledge of God, contrasting it with the imitation of evil.
Across these contexts, ἀγαθοποιέω consistently denotes active, intentional, and often challenging acts of righteousness and beneficence, frequently in circumstances where such actions are counter-cultural or lead to opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀγαθοποιέω is rich and interconnected with several crucial New Testament concepts. Its most direct lexical relatives include:
* ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`): The root adjective, signifying inherent goodness, beneficence, and moral excellence. *Agathopoiéō* is the active expression of this quality.
* ἀγαθοποιός (agathopoios, `{{G16}}`): The noun form, meaning "a doer of good," "a good person," or "one who does good deeds." This noun describes the agent of the action denoted by *agathopoiéō*.
* ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosynē, `{{G19}}`): The abstract noun for "goodness," often listed as a fruit of the Spirit ([[Galatians 5:22]]). While *agathosynē* refers to the quality, *agathopoiéō* describes its active manifestation.
Other related concepts and terms include:
* ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`): The general verb "to do" or "to make," forming the action component of *agathopoiéō*.
* ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`): "Work" or "deed." While *ergon* is a general term for any action, *agathopoiéō* specifies that the action is good.
* δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`): "Righteousness." Doing good is an integral part of living a righteous life, aligning with God's standards.
* ἀγάπη (agapē, `{{G26}}`): "Love." The active "doing good" is often the practical outworking of divine love, especially when extended to those who are undeserving or hostile.
* καλός (kalos, `{{G2570}}`): "Good," "beautiful," "noble." While *agathos* often refers to inherent goodness or utility, *kalos* can emphasize moral beauty or excellence, often in a public or exemplary sense. Actions that are *agathopoiéō* are frequently also *kalos*.
* Obedience: Doing good is intrinsically linked to obeying God's will and commands.
* Witness: As seen in 1 Peter, doing good serves as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel.
* Suffering for Christ: The willingness to endure hardship as a consequence of doing good is a recurring theme.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀγαθοποιέω is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the essence of Christian discipleship, and the believer's role in the world.
Firstly, *agathopoiéō* reflects the very character of God. God is inherently good (ἀγαθός), and His actions are always good. When believers are called to "do good," they are called to imitate their heavenly Father, who "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" ([[Matthew 5:45]]). The call to love enemies and do good to those who harm us ([[Luke 6:33]]) directly mirrors divine benevolence.
Secondly, "doing good" is presented as a fundamental expression of genuine faith and a hallmark of true discipleship. It is not merely an optional virtue but a necessary fruit of salvation, demonstrating that one is "from God" ([[3 John 1:11]]). This active goodness distinguishes believers from those who "do evil" and serves as a practical outworking of the new life in Christ. It underscores that Christianity is not just about belief, but about transformed behavior.
Thirdly, *agathopoiéō* is inextricably linked to God's will. [[1 Peter 2:15]] explicitly states that "this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." This highlights the missional dimension of good deeds: they serve as a powerful apologetic, disarming critics and commending the Gospel through exemplary conduct. Even in suffering, doing good is presented as God's will ([[1 Peter 3:17]]), elevating suffering for righteousness to a divine purpose.
Finally, the concept challenges passive piety. It calls believers to active, intentional, and often costly engagement in beneficial and righteous deeds, whether in personal relationships, civic responsibilities, or in the face of opposition. It emphasizes that Christian ethics are not merely about avoiding sin, but about proactively pursuing and performing what is inherently good and beneficial, even when it leads to personal sacrifice.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀγαθοποιέω (agathopoiéō, `{{G15}}`) signifies the active, intentional, and beneficial performance of good deeds. Rooted in the concept of inherent goodness (ἀγαθός, `{{G18}}`), it describes the outward manifestation of moral excellence and benevolent action. Biblical occurrences reveal its multifaceted importance: it challenges legalistic interpretations of divine law by prioritizing compassionate action ([[Mark 3:4]]); it elevates ethical standards beyond mere reciprocity, calling believers to extend goodness even to enemies ([[Luke 6:33]]); it defines righteous civic conduct under governing authorities ([[Romans 13:3]]); and it serves as a powerful witness to the world, silencing critics and demonstrating the will of God, even in the face of suffering ([[1 Peter 2:15]]; [[1 Peter 3:17]]). Ultimately, *agathopoiéō* is presented as a core characteristic of those who are "from God" ([[3 John 1:11]]), reflecting the divine nature and serving as a practical, active expression of Christian faith and love in the world.
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