The Greek word agathopoiéō, represented by G15, means to be a well-doer as either a favor or a duty. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. The term consistently refers to the act of doing good, often in a context that requires deliberate moral choice.
In scripture, G15 is used to describe both divine and human action. God himself is shown to do good by providing rain and fruitful seasons, leaving a witness of His nature Acts 14:17. Jesus uses the term to challenge the legalism of the Sabbath, asking if it is lawful to do good or to do evil on that day (Mark 3:4, Luke 6:9). The apostle Peter encourages believers that suffering for well doing is acceptable with God 1 Peter 2:20 and is better than suffering for evil doing 1 Peter 3:17. The concept is also presented reciprocally, questioning what merit there is if you only do good to those who do good to you Luke 6:33.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of doing good:
- G18 agathós: This primary word for "good" is the root of G15. The connection is clear in 3 John 1:11, which encourages believers to follow what is good G18, stating that he who doeth good G15 is of God.
- G2554 kakopoiéō: Defined as to be a bad-doer, this word is the direct antonym of G15. It is frequently used in opposition, as when Jesus asks if it is lawful to do good G15 or to do evil G2554 on the Sabbath Luke 6:9.
- G1325 dídōmi: Meaning to give, this action is presented as a form of doing good. God did good G15 and gave G1325 rain from heaven Acts 14:17, linking the act of giving directly to the principle of well-doing.
- G2556 kakós: This word for evil or bad is contrasted with the root of G15. Believers are instructed not to follow that which is evil G2556, but that which is good G18 3 John 1:11.
The theological weight of G15 is significant, highlighting a core tenet of Christian ethics.
- An Action of God: The act of doing good is fundamentally tied to the nature of God. He who doeth good is of God 3 John 1:11, and God Himself is shown to do good as a witness to humanity Acts 14:17.
- A Divine Command: Believers are commanded to do good, even to their enemies, with the promise that their reward will be great Luke 6:35. This elevates the action from a mere suggestion to a specific instruction.
- The Will of God: Doing good is explicitly identified as the "will of God," an action by which believers can put to silence the ignorance of others 1 Peter 2:15.
- A Moral Dichotomy: The Bible repeatedly frames the choice to do good G15 in direct opposition to do evil G2554, presenting it not as one option among many, but as a clear and righteous path 1 Peter 3:17.
In summary, G15 is a crucial action-oriented word in the New Testament. It moves beyond a passive state of being good to the active and deliberate choice to do good. This action is presented as an imitation of God's own character, a fulfillment of His will, and a fundamental duty for believers. Whether directed at friends or enemies, the act of doing good stands as a clear biblical mandate in direct contrast to doing evil.
TRV