Lexical Summary chréstotés: Kindness, goodness, gentleness Original Word: χρηστότης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gentleness, goodness, kindness. From chrestos; usefulness, i.e. Morally, excellence (in character or demeanor) -- gentleness, good(-ness), kindness. see GREEK chrestos HELPS Word-studies 5544 xrēstótēs (a noun, derived from 5543 /xrēstós, "useful, profitable") – properly, useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable. 5544 /xrēstótēs ("useful kindness") refers to meeting real needs, in God's way, in His timing (fashion). Hence 5544 (xrēstótēs) is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). With the believer, 5544 /xrēstótēs ("divine kindness") is the Spirit-produced goodness which meets the need and avoids human harshness (cruelty). "We have no term that quite carries this notion of kind and good" (WP, 1, 92). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chréstos Definition goodness, excellence, uprightness NASB Translation good (1), kindness (9). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5544: χρηστότηςχρηστότης, χρηστητος, ἡ (χρηστός); 1. moral goodness, integrity: Romans 3:12 (from Psalm 13:3 2. benignity, kindness: Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:4; ἡ χρηστότης τίνος ἐπί τινα, Romans 11:22 (opposed to ἀποστομια (which see)); Ephesians 2:7. (The Sept.; Euripides, Isaeus, Diodorus, Josephus, Aelian, Herodian; often in Plutarch) (See Trench, Synonyms, § lxiii.) The word denotes the moral grace that expresses itself in benevolent action. While modern English often narrows “kindness” to a gentle disposition, χρηστότης combines that gentleness with moral usefulness, generosity, and active goodness. Scripture presents it as simultaneously an attribute of God and a virtue created in His people. Divine attribute of kindness Romans 2:4 declares that the “riches of His kindness” lead sinners to repentance, revealing divine χρηστότης as redemptive in purpose. God’s kindness is not sentimental indulgence but patient, richly resourced benevolence that woos rebels home. Ephesians 2:7 projects this kindness into “the coming ages,” showing it as an eternal display of grace. Titus 3:4 marks the incarnation as the historical manifestation: “when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared.” The triune God’s outreach in Christ is the supreme revelation of χρηστότης. Tension with severity Romans 11:22 commands believers, “Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God.” The apostle balances kindness with δικαιοσύνη (righteous judgment). Far from contradicting each other, kindness and severity form a moral unity: kindness offers salvation; severity falls on persistent unbelief. This tension safeguards grace from presumption and fuels reverent perseverance “if you continue in His kindness.” Human incapacity apart from grace Romans 3:12 cites Psalm 14 to announce universal moral failure: “There is no one who does good.” The term translated “good” is χρηστότης, underscoring that genuine kindness is absent until God intervenes. The verse prepares the way for gospel kindness by exposing its deficiency in fallen humanity. Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22 lists χρηστότης among the Spirit’s ninefold fruit. It is not a natural temperament but a supernatural product of regeneration. Because the list is singular (“fruit,” not “fruits”), kindness is inseparably joined to love, joy, peace, and the rest; the graces ripen together as aspects of Spirit-formed character. Clothing the new self Colossians 3:12 exhorts the “elect of God” to “clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Here kindness is a garment believers intentionally put on. The imperative rests on their new identity (“holy and beloved”), indicating that kindness is both gift and daily choice. Credential of ministry Paul cites kindness as a mark of authentic apostleship: “in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love” (2 Corinthians 6:6). Ministry is validated not merely by doctrine or power but by lived kindness. This pastoral kindness flows from the Spirit and manifests in genuine love, silencing accusations and commending the gospel. Corporate witness In congregational life χρηστότης counters bitterness and division. Ephesians 4:32 (employing a cognate verb) commands, “Be kind to one another,” grounding fellowship in the God-given virtue that believers have tasted. A local church marked by practical kindness—meeting needs, forgiving offenses, welcoming outsiders—becomes a living apologetic for the gospel. Eschatological display Ephesians 2:7 locates future ages as the theater for God to “display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” The redeemed will forever be trophies of divine χρηστότης, signaling that kindness is not a temporary concession but an eternal aspect of God’s glory. Old Testament roots Though χρηστότης is Greek, it overlaps with Old Testament חסד (ḥesed, covenant loyalty) and טוב (tov, goodness). Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the LORD is good,” anticipates the New Testament call to experience divine kindness. The Septuagint often renders ḥesed with χρηστότης, linking the Testaments in a single redemptive narrative. Historical interpretation Early patristic writers (e.g., Clement of Rome) cited Romans 2:4 to underscore God’s patience toward pagans. Medieval expositors connected χρηστότης with the corporal works of mercy. Reformers emphasized its monergistic source—grace alone—while Puritans, reflecting on Ephesians 4:32, pressed believers to demonstrate covenant kindness in household and community. Practical applications for ministry • Evangelism: Appeal to the kindness of God as motive for repentance, balancing warnings of judgment with winsome proclamation. • Discipleship: Train believers to identify and reject harshness, cultivating a lifestyle of practical usefulness—meeting needs, alleviating burdens, showing hospitality. • Leadership: Model Romans 11:22 balance; exercise church discipline with firm kindness that seeks restoration. • Social engagement: Reflect Titus 3:4 by tangible acts of mercy in society, making visible the kindness that appeared in Christ. Summary Strong’s Greek 5544 paints a rich portrait of kindness as powerful goodness rooted in God’s own nature, revealed in Christ, imparted by the Spirit, and destined to be celebrated forever. It calls every believer and community to embody the gospel in deeds as well as words, so that a watching world might “taste and see” the kindness that leads to life. Englishman's Concordance Romans 2:4 N-GFSGRK: πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ καὶ NAS: of the riches of His kindness and tolerance KJV: of his goodness and INT: riches of the kindness of him and Romans 3:12 N-AFS Romans 11:22 N-AFS Romans 11:22 N-NFS Romans 11:22 N-DFS 2 Corinthians 6:6 N-DFS Galatians 5:22 N-NFS Ephesians 2:7 N-DFS Colossians 3:12 N-AFS Titus 3:4 N-NFS Strong's Greek 5544 |
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