### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word kallíon (`{{G2566}}`) is the neuter form of the irregular comparative of kalós (`{{G2570}}`). The root word kalós carries a rich semantic range, encompassing concepts of goodness, beauty, excellence, nobility, and moral uprightness. It describes that which is intrinsically good, aesthetically pleasing, functionally effective, and morally praiseworthy.
As the comparative form, kallíon therefore signifies "better," "more beautiful," "more excellent," or "more noble." When used adverbially, as it is in its sole New Testament occurrence, it intensifies the degree of an action or state, meaning "very well," "excellently," or "with greater clarity/perfection than usual." It denotes a superior quality or a heightened level of knowledge or performance, surpassing what is merely good to reach a level of distinct excellence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term kallíon (`{{G2566}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 25:10]]. This singular occurrence, while limiting a broad comparative study, offers a poignant and significant insight into its usage:
In [[Acts 25:10]], the Apostle Paul, standing before Festus, declares: "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well [καλλίον]."
Here, kallíon functions as an adverb modifying Festus's knowledge. Paul asserts that Festus does not merely know that Paul is innocent, but he knows it "very well," "excellently well," or "with superior clarity." This implies that Festus's awareness of Paul's blamelessness is not superficial or vague, but profound, undeniable, and beyond dispute. Paul appeals to a truth that Festus, as a judge, possesses with a high degree of certainty, placing the onus of justice squarely on the governor. The use of kallíon underscores the unassailable nature of Paul's innocence, a fact so evident that even his accusers' judge is fully aware of it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is kalós (`{{G2570}}`), from which kallíon is derived. Kalós is a versatile term often contrasted with agathós (`{{G18}}`), another Greek word for "good." While agathós often denotes intrinsic or beneficial goodness, kalós frequently emphasizes aesthetic, moral, or qualitative excellence. For example, a "good" tree (agathos) produces "good" fruit (kalos). Kallíon inherits this qualitative emphasis, signifying not just a quantitative increase in goodness, but a qualitative superiority.
The concept of "better" or "more excellent" is also found in other comparative forms, such as kreissōn (`{{G2909}}`), which also means "better" but often in terms of strength or advantage. Kallíon, rooted in kalós, retains the nuance of moral or aesthetic excellence.
In the context of [[Acts 25:10]], kallíon is deeply connected to the concepts of truth, knowledge, and justice. Paul's appeal to Festus's knowledge being "very well" established speaks to the clarity of the truth concerning his innocence. It implies an undeniable awareness that should lead to a just verdict, highlighting the moral imperative placed upon the one who knows the truth "excellently well."
### Theological Significance
Though kallíon (`{{G2566}}`) appears only once, its singular usage in [[Acts 25:10]] carries significant theological weight. Paul's declaration to Festus is not merely a legal argument but an assertion of divine truth in a human court. By stating that Festus knows "very well" Paul's blamelessness, Paul implicitly appeals to a higher standard of knowledge and justice.
This highlights the principle that truth, especially regarding God's servants and their righteous conduct, is often undeniable, even to those in positions of worldly authority. Festus's "very well" knowledge implies a moral culpability if he were to act contrary to that clear understanding.
Theologically, this can be extended to the divine perspective: God knows "very well" the hearts, motives, and actions of all humanity. His judgment is based on perfect, "excellently well" knowledge, ensuring ultimate justice. Paul's confident assertion before Festus foreshadows the ultimate vindication of the righteous by a God who knows all things kallíon, perfectly and without error. It underscores the conviction of a believer who rests in the truth, even when facing unjust accusation, trusting that the clarity of their innocence is known, if not by all, then certainly by the One who truly matters.
### Summary
Kallíon (`{{G2566}}`) is the neuter comparative form of kalós (`{{G2570}}`), meaning "better," "more excellent," or, adverbially, "very well." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 25:10]] is highly significant, where Paul asserts that Festus knows "very well" (καλλίον) his innocence. This usage emphasizes the undeniable clarity and profound depth of Festus's knowledge, highlighting that Paul's blamelessness was an unassailable fact. Theologically, kallíon points to the clarity of truth, the unassailable nature of righteousness, and implicitly, the perfect and excellent knowledge of God, who ultimately vindicates His servants based on His own perfect understanding.
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