The term "goodlier" is an archaic comparative form of the adjective "good," used to describe something that is more excellent, beautiful, or desirable than another. In the context of the Bible, "goodlier" is often used to convey a sense of superior quality or appearance, particularly in relation to physical beauty or moral excellence.

Biblical Usage:

The word "goodlier" appears in the King James Version of the Bible, but it is not commonly found in modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, the concept it conveys is present throughout Scripture, where comparisons of goodness, beauty, and moral excellence are frequently made.

Examples and Context:

1. Physical Appearance:
In the Bible, physical beauty is sometimes described using comparative language. For instance, in 1 Samuel 9:2, Saul is described as "a choice and handsome young man," indicating that he was more physically appealing than others. While the BSB does not use the term "goodlier," the idea is similar, emphasizing Saul's superior appearance.

2. Moral Excellence:
The concept of being "goodlier" can also extend to moral and spiritual qualities. In the biblical narrative, individuals who demonstrate exceptional faith, righteousness, or wisdom are often highlighted as being superior in these attributes. For example, Daniel is noted for his exceptional wisdom and understanding, setting him apart from his peers (Daniel 1:20).

3. Comparison of Offerings:
The idea of "goodlier" can also be applied to offerings and sacrifices. In Genesis 4:4, Abel's offering is described as being more acceptable to God than Cain's, indicating a superior quality or sincerity in Abel's sacrifice. While the BSB does not use "goodlier," the concept of a more excellent offering is evident.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the notion of "goodlier" underscores the biblical theme of God's preference for what is excellent and pure. It reflects the divine standard of holiness and the call for believers to strive for moral and spiritual excellence. The Bible consistently encourages the pursuit of what is good, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Hebrew culture, physical beauty and moral integrity were often seen as indicators of divine favor. The use of comparative language like "goodlier" would have resonated with a society that valued excellence and sought to emulate the qualities of esteemed individuals.

Conclusion:

While the specific term "goodlier" may not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept it represents is woven throughout the biblical narrative. It serves as a reminder of the biblical call to pursue excellence in all aspects of life, reflecting the character and holiness of God.

Blessed is He who came Down
... and as is his wisdom, so also his crowning."As is the light, which though it be
all goodly"and equal all of it with itself,"yet goodlier is one eye than ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn ix blessed is he.htm

Of the Reign and Piety of Jovianus
... Amm. xxv. v. 6. "Jovian was a brilliant colonel of the guards. In all the
army there was not a goodlier person than he. Julian's ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter i of the reign and.htm

2 Cor. Iv. 8, 9
... For in proportion as the body suffers ten thousand things, in the like proportion
hath the soul goodlier hopes and becometh brighter, like gold refined in the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ix 2 cor iv.htm

John Smith, Platonist --"An Interpreter of the Spirit"
... onely as our outward covering."[19] "Some of our {310} Dogmata," he thinks, "and
Notions of Justification puff us up in far higher and goodlier conceits of ...
/.../chapter xvi john smith platonistan.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead
... Would he wrestle with the enemy for that which was to be scattered to the four winds
of heaven, never to be united again into a new and goodlier fabric? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the resurrection of the dead.htm

To the Saddest of the Sad
... He will bring you out of bondage and guide you through the wilderness till you come
into the eternal rest, even to a goodlier land than Canaan, though it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm

Rom. v. 12
... in that it is the greatest of the two, as being brought in not by man and the devil,
but by God and grace, and leading our life unto a goodlier estate, and to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily x rom v 12.htm

The Pearl.
... Peace of conscience, righteousness, hope for eternity,"these are goodlier pearls
than any that can be found in Ethiopia; and the man undertakes a journey to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vi the pearl.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... have been long on the voyage you may hope that they have gone far and have gathered
rich cargoes and will come home freighted with all the goodlier merchandise ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians. <. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Goodlier (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Goodlier (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 9:2 And he
had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a ...
/g/goodlier.htm - 6k

Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences)
Good-for-nothing. Good-day, Good-for-nothing. Goodlier . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Good-day, Good-for-nothing. Goodlier . Reference Bible.
/g/good-for-nothing.htm - 13k

Goodliest (3 Occurrences)

/g/goodliest.htm - 7k

Shoulder (72 Occurrences)
... King Saul's impressive personality is thus described: "There was not among the children
of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he ...
/s/shoulder.htm - 37k

Goodly (46 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly:
and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he ...
/g/goodly.htm - 25k

Choice (113 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly:
and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he ...
/c/choice.htm - 38k

Youth (169 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:2 and he hath a son, and his name 'is' Saul, a choice youth and goodly,
and there is not a man among the sons of Israel goodlier than he -- from his ...
/y/youth.htm - 37k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus