What Does “Good” Mean in the Bible?

good

Good is a word that evokes positive feelings. It can be used to express well-being, prosperity, or even happiness. Many biblical verses use this word to convey these feelings. Here are some examples: Yahweh is good (1 Samuel 25:15); and, likewise, God is good to Israel, the entire world, and all mankind.

In the Bible, “good” occurs in a variety of Greek words and phrases. In Luke 2:14, it’s substituted for “better,” while in Philippians 1:15, it’s used instead of “happy.” In the New Testament, “good” substitutes for “honesty” and “generosity” (Acts 6:3).