2570. kalos
Lexical Summary
kalos: Good, beautiful, noble, excellent, honorable

Original Word: καλός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: kalos
Pronunciation: kah-LOS
Phonetic Spelling: (kal-os')
KJV: X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy
NASB: good, better, fine, what is right, beautiful, commendable manner, excellent
Word Origin: [of uncertain affinity]

1. (properly) beautiful
2. (chiefly, figuratively) good
3. (literally) valuable
4. (morally) virtuous
{for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from G18, which is properly intrinsic}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
good

Of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. Valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from agathos, which is properly intrinsic) -- X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.

see GREEK agathos

HELPS Word-studies

2570 kalósattractively good; good that inspires (motivates) others to embrace what is lovely (beautiful, praiseworthy); i.e. well done so as to be winsome (appealing).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
beautiful, good
NASB Translation
beautiful (1), better (5), better* (2), commendable manner (1), excellent (1), fair (1), fine (2), good (79), high (1), honest (1), honorable (1), right thing (1), sound (1), treasure* (1), what is right (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2570: καλός

καλός, καλή, καλόν (probably primarily 'sound,' 'hale,' 'whole ;' cf. Vanicek, p. 140f; Curtius, § 31), the Sept. for יָפֶה beautiful, but much more often for טוב good; beautiful, applied by the Greeks to everything so distinguished in form, excellence, goodness, usefulness, as to be pleasing; hence (according to the context) equivalent to "beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable";

a. beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent: λίθοις καλοῖς κεκόσμηται (A. V. goodly), Luke 21:5.

b. good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends: joined to the names of material objects, universally, 1 Timothy 4:4 (equivalent to pure); especially of things so constituted as to answer the purpose for which that class of things was created; good of its kind: τά καλά, of fish, opposed to such as are thrown away (τά σαπρά), Matthew 13:48; σπέρμα, Matthew 13:24, 21, 37f; καρπός, Matthew 3:10; Matthew 7:17-19; Matthew 12:33; Luke 3:9 (L WH brackets καλόν); ; δένδρον, opposed to σαπρόν, Matthew 12:33; Luke 6:43; γῆ, Matthew 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:15; καλόν τό ἅλας (is an excellent thing), Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34; so too νόμος, good in its substance and nature, and fitted to beget good, Romans 7:16; 1 Timothy 1:8; διδασκαλία, true and approved teaching, 1 Timothy 4:6; καρδία καλή καί ἀγαθή, Luke 8:15; παραθήκη (which see) (containing (rather, consisting of) καλά), 2 Timothy 1:14; μέτρον, ample measure (rabbinical, טובה מדה; English good measure), Luke 6:38; βαθμός (firm (but see βαθμός)), 1 Timothy 3:13; also θεμέλιος, 1 Timothy 6:19; equivalent to genuine, approved, πάντα δοκιμάζετε, τό καλόν κατέχετε, 1 Thessalonians 5:21; equivalent to precious (A. V. goodly), μαργαρῖται, Matthew 13:45; equivalent to superior to other kinds, οἶνος, John 2:10; joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be: ποιμήν, John 10:11, 14; διάκονος, 1 Timothy 4:6; οἰκονόμος, 1 Peter 4:10; στρατιώτης, 2 Timothy 2:3; joined to nouns denoting an effect estimated by the power it involves, or by its constancy, or by the end aimed at by its author, equivalent to praiseworthy, noble: στρατεία, 1 Timothy 1:18; ἀγών, 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; ὁμολογία, 1 Timothy 6:12f; ἔργον, Matthew 26:10; Mark 14:6; John 10:33; 1 Timothy 3:1; plural John 10:32. καλόν ἐστιν, it is expedient, profitable, wholesome: followed by an infinitive as subject, 1 Corinthians 7:1; with τίνι added (so in 1 Corinthians, the passage cited also), Matthew 18:8f (cf. Winers Grammar, 241 (226); Buttmann, § 149, 7); Mark 9:43, 45, 47, R G (also L Tr marginal reading in 47); 1 Corinthians 7:26; 1 Corinthians 9:15; καλόν ἐστιν followed by the accusative and infinitive, Mark 9:43, 45, 47, L (but see above) T Tr (but not marginal reading, see above) WH; Hebrews 13:9; followed by εἰ (cf. Buttmann, 217 (187f); Winer's Grammar, 282 (265)), Matthew 26:24; Mark 9:42; Mark 14:21; followed by ἐάν (Buttmann and Winer's Grammar, as above), 1 Corinthians 7:8; it is pleasant, delightful, followed by an accusative with an infinitive: Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:5; Luke 9:33.

c. beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy; morally good, noble, (Latinhonestus; (cf. Aristotle, τό καθ' αὐτό καλόν)): διάκρισις καλοῦ τέ καί κακοῦ, Hebrews 5:14; ἔργα, Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 5:10, 25; 1 Timothy 6:18; Titus 2:7, 14; Titus 3:8, 14; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 2:12, and Lachmann in 2 Peter 1:10; ἀναστροφή, James 3:13; 1 Peter 2:12; καλή συνείδησις, consciousness of good deeds (A. V. a good conscience), Hebrews 13:18; καλά, καλόν ἐνώπιον τίνος, in one's judgment, Romans 12:17; 2 Corinthians 8:21; 1 Timothy 2:3 and Rec. in 1 Timothy 5:4; ζηλοῦσθαι ἐν καλῷ, Galatians 4:18; τό καλόν κατεργάζεσθαι, Romans 7:18; ποιεῖν, Romans 7:21; 2 Corinthians 13:7; Galatians 6:9; James 4:17; καλόν ἐστιν, it is right, proper, becoming, followed by an infinitive: Matthew 15:26 (L T ἔξεστιν); (Mark 7:27); Galatians 4:18 (here Tr marginal reading imperative); Romans 14:21.

d. honorable, conferring honor: μαρτυρία, 1 Timothy 3:7; ὄνομα, James 2:7; οὐ καλόν τό καύχημα ὑμῶν, 1 Corinthians 5:6.

e. affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming: Θεοῦ ῤῆμα (the Sept. for טוב דָּבָר, which is spoken of the divine promises, Joshua 21:45; Zechariah 1:13), the gospel and its promises full of consolation, Hebrews 6:5. Compar. καλλίων, κάλλιον, better: neut, adverbially, σύ κάλλιον ἐπιγινώσκεις, i. e. better than by thy question thou seemest to know, Acts 25:10 (Winers Grammar, 242 (227)). The word is not found in the Apocalypse. (Cf. Trench, § cvi. at the end; Zezschwitz, Profangräcität as above with, p. 60f (cf. ἀγαθός, at the end); Westcott on John 10:11.)

Topical Lexicon
Semantic Range and Nuances

Strong’s 2570 gathers ideas of intrinsic excellence, moral beauty, suitability, and beneficence. Unlike ἀγαθός, which often stresses benevolence, this word accents worth that is recognized and admired. The term therefore moves easily between aesthetic, ethical, and practical spheres, allowing Scripture to describe actions, objects, persons, and outcomes as “good” in God’s sight.

Association with God’s Character

The adjective frequently points back to the goodness of God Himself. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Because God is the ultimate standard of καλός, whatever bears this quality reflects Him. John 10 applies the term directly to Christ: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Here the word signals both noble character and sacrificial action.

Moral and Ethical Dimensions

Romans 12:17 exhorts believers to “give thought to do what is right in the sight of everyone” (καλὰ), making visible conduct that even unbelievers can recognize as honorable. 1 Peter 2:12 urges Christians to maintain “good conduct among the Gentiles, so that…” unbelievers may glorify God. In James 4:17 the adjective defines sin by omission: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” καλός therefore delineates a positive moral obligation.

Good Works and Christian Witness

Matthew 5:16 frames good works as evangelistic: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Titus underlines their strategic value for church life and mission: “Those who have believed God should be careful to devote themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8); such works are “excellent and profitable for the people.” Hebrews 10:24 calls believers to “consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.”

Contrasted with Evil or Worthless

Many texts set 2570 over against κακός or φαῦλος. Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” Romans 7 contrasts law’s goodness with indwelling sin: “I agree with the law that it is good” (Romans 7:16). The word thereby serves eschatological discernment: “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Fruitfulness Metaphor

Parables of the Sower and of the Net use καλός to describe productive soil and select fish (Matthew 13:8, 48; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:15). The adjective characterizes what receives the word, perseveres, and yields a harvest. It also identifies trees by their output: “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Fruitfulness, therefore, authenticates discipleship.

Christ as the Pattern of Noble Service

Beyond John 10, Mark 9:50 declares, “Salt is good,” but only as it retains character—mirroring disciples who must not lose their distinctiveness. Jesus praises a woman’s anointing as “a beautiful thing to Me” (Mark 14:6), affirming acts of devotion that align with His redemptive purpose.

Noble Warfare and Ministry

Paul employs 2570 to dignify gospel service: “Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and later, “I have fought the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). The adjective links the Christian struggle to the noble cause of truth and salvation. Timothy is urged to “wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18), and elders must “have a good testimony from outsiders” (1 Timothy 3:7).

Goodness in Church Leadership

Overseers who serve well acquire “a good standing” (1 Timothy 3:13). Deeds of mercy likewise accrue a “good reputation” for widows (1 Timothy 5:10). Such usage ties organizational qualifications to observable excellence.

Eschatological Good

Romans 14:21 and 1 Corinthians 8 situate καλός within the weaker-brother debate: the strong must forego lawful liberties when they cease to be “good” for a neighbor’s conscience. Future reward is implied: “Storing up for themselves treasure as a good foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:19).

Historical and Jewish Background

In Septuagint usage καλός often translates טוֹב (tov), describing creation (“God saw that it was good,” Genesis 1) and covenant life (Micah 6:8). The New Testament continues this theological lineage, anchoring goodness in God’s creational intent and covenant faithfulness while intensifying its Christological focus.

Patristic Reflection

Early church writers employed καλός to express the integrity and attractiveness of martyrdom and charity. Ignatius of Antioch speaks of “good athletes” who finish the race, echoing Pauline imagery. Such writings perpetuated the New Testament vision that moral beauty draws outsiders to the gospel.

Contemporary Ministry Implications

2570 summons believers to visible, attractive holiness: service done well, speech seasoned rightly, craftsmanship reflecting care, and hospitality marked by excellence. Pastors foster “patterns of good works” (Titus 2:7); congregations prioritize ministries “devoted to good works” (Titus 3:14) so that surrounding communities glimpse God’s character.

Forms and Transliterations
καλα καλά καλὰ καλαί καλάς καλη καλή καλῇ καλην καλήν καλὴν καλης καλής καλῆς καλλίονα κάλλιστα κάλλιστον κάλλιστος καλοι καλοί καλοὶ καλοις καλοίς καλοῖς καλον καλόν καλὸν καλος καλός καλὸς καλου καλού καλοῦ καλους καλούς καλοὺς καλω καλώ καλῷ καλων καλών καλῶν kala kalà kale kalē kalêi kalē̂i kalen kalēn kalḗn kalḕn kales kalês kalēs kalē̂s kalo kalō kaloi kaloì kalôi kalō̂i kalois kaloîs kalon kalón kalòn kalôn kalōn kalō̂n kalos kalós kalòs kalou kaloû kalous kaloùs
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 3:10 Adj-AMS
GRK: ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ
NAS: that does not bear good fruit
KJV: not forth good fruit is hewn down,
INT: producing fruit good is cut down and

Matthew 5:16 Adj-ANP
GRK: ὑμῶν τὰ καλὰ ἔργα καὶ
NAS: that they may see your good works,
KJV: they may see your good works, and
INT: your good works and

Matthew 7:17 Adj-AMP
GRK: ἀγαθὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖ τὸ
NAS: tree bears good fruit, but the bad
KJV: tree bringeth forth good fruit; but
INT: good good fruits good produces

Matthew 7:18 Adj-AMP
GRK: σαπρὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖν
NAS: tree produce good fruit.
KJV: tree bring forth good fruit.
INT: bad fruits good to produce

Matthew 7:19 Adj-AMS
GRK: ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ
NAS: that does not bear good fruit
KJV: not forth good fruit is hewn down,
INT: producing fruit good is cut down and

Matthew 12:33 Adj-ANS
GRK: τὸ δένδρον καλὸν καὶ τὸν
NAS: make the tree good and its fruit good,
KJV: make the tree good, and his
INT: the tree good and the

Matthew 12:33 Adj-AMS
GRK: καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καλόν ἢ ποιήσατε
NAS: good and its fruit good, or make
KJV: his fruit good; or else make
INT: fruit of it good or make

Matthew 13:8 Adj-AFS
GRK: γῆν τὴν καλὴν καὶ ἐδίδου
NAS: fell on the good soil
KJV: fell into good ground, and
INT: ground good and yielded

Matthew 13:23 Adj-AFS
GRK: ἐπὶ τὴν καλὴν γῆν σπαρείς
NAS: And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil,
KJV: into the good ground
INT: on the good ground having been sown

Matthew 13:24 Adj-ANS
GRK: ἀνθρώπῳ σπείραντι καλὸν σπέρμα ἐν
NAS: who sowed good seed
KJV: unto a man which sowed good seed in
INT: a man having sown good seed in

Matthew 13:27 Adj-ANS
GRK: Κύριε οὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας
NAS: did you not sow good seed
KJV: not thou sow good seed in
INT: Sir not good seed did you sow

Matthew 13:37 Adj-ANS
GRK: σπείρων τὸ καλὸν σπέρμα ἐστὶν
NAS: The one who sows the good seed
KJV: He that soweth the good seed
INT: sows the good seed is

Matthew 13:38 Adj-NNS
GRK: τὸ δὲ καλὸν σπέρμα οὗτοί
NAS: is the world; and [as for] the good seed,
KJV: the world; the good seed are
INT: and [the] good seed these

Matthew 13:45 Adj-AMP
GRK: ἐμπόρῳ ζητοῦντι καλοὺς μαργαρίτας
NAS: a merchant seeking fine pearls,
KJV: man, seeking goodly pearls:
INT: a merchant seeking beautiful pearls

Matthew 13:48 Adj-ANP
GRK: συνέλεξαν τὰ καλὰ εἰς ἄγγη
NAS: and gathered the good [fish] into containers,
KJV: and gathered the good into
INT: they collected the good into vessels

Matthew 15:26 Adj-NNS
GRK: Οὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν
NAS: and said, It is not good to take
KJV: It is not meet to take the children's
INT: Not it is good to take the

Matthew 17:4 Adj-NNS
GRK: Ἰησοῦ Κύριε καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς
NAS: Lord, it is good for us to be here;
KJV: Lord, it is good for us to be
INT: to Jesus master good it is for us

Matthew 18:8 Adj-NNS
GRK: ἀπὸ σοῦ καλόν σοί ἐστιν
NAS: and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter
KJV: it is better for thee
INT: from you better for you it is

Matthew 18:9 Adj-NNS
GRK: ἀπὸ σοῦ καλόν σοί ἐστιν
NAS: it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter
KJV: thee: it is better for thee to enter
INT: from you good for you it is

Matthew 26:10 Adj-ANS
GRK: ἔργον γὰρ καλὸν ἠργάσατο εἰς
NAS: For she has done a good deed
KJV: for she hath wrought a good work upon
INT: a work indeed good she did to

Matthew 26:24 Adj-NNS
GRK: ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται καλὸν ἦν αὐτῷ
NAS: It would have been good for that man
KJV: it had been good for that
INT: of man is betrayed good were it for him

Mark 4:8 Adj-AFS
GRK: γῆν τὴν καλήν καὶ ἐδίδου
NAS: [seeds] fell into the good soil,
KJV: fell on good ground, and
INT: soil good and yielded

Mark 4:20 Adj-AFS
GRK: γῆν τὴν καλὴν σπαρέντες οἵτινες
NAS: are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil;
KJV: on good ground;
INT: soil good having been sown such as

Mark 7:27 Adj-NNS
GRK: γάρ ἐστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν
NAS: first, for it is not good to take
KJV: it is not meet to take the children's
INT: indeed it is good to take the

Mark 9:5 Adj-NNS
GRK: Ἰησοῦ ῥαββί καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς
NAS: Rabbi, it is good for us to be here;
KJV: Master, it is good for us to be
INT: to Jesus Rabbi good it is for us

Strong's Greek 2570
101 Occurrences


καλὰ — 7 Occ.
καλῇ — 2 Occ.
καλὴν — 11 Occ.
καλῆς — 2 Occ.
καλῷ — 1 Occ.
καλῶν — 6 Occ.
καλοὶ — 1 Occ.
καλοῖς — 3 Occ.
καλὸν — 54 Occ.
καλός — 7 Occ.
καλοῦ — 3 Occ.
καλοὺς — 4 Occ.

2569
Top of Page
Top of Page