I am enjoying this word, “goodness”. I’ve been meditating on the word and what it means throughout scripture. I think when you are listening to other’s stories of hardship every week it can be so easy to focus on the bad. And what I’ve found is that when so much bad does happen or you are faced with bad news or evil or the opposite of righteousness which is how “goodness” is portrayed in the Bible — “goodness” shines so much brighter. I’ve been noticing this in my own life and I’ve been starting curious in those moments when I see this in my client’s lives.

Greek Word for “Goodness” in Galatians 5:22

The Greek word used for “goodness” in Galatians 5:22-23 is ἀγαθωσύνη (agathōsynē).

This word refers to moral excellence, uprightness of heart and life, and active kindness toward others. It goes beyond merely being good in character—it emphasizes doing good and expressing goodness through actions and generosity.

The term agathōsynē appears only four times in the New Testament and is closely associated with righteousness and truth, particularly in the context of how believers should live as “children of light” (Ephesians 5:9a).

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