What Does the Bible Say About Goodness?
The Bible has a lot to say about goodness. In fact, “good” and “goodness” are found throughout the Old and New Testaments hundreds of times. Goodness is also a fruit of the Spirit, highlighting its importance in our lives.
But what does goodness mean? Let’s break it down.
Tov in Hebrew
In Old Testament Hebrew, the word for goodness is tov, which means to be good or pleasing. But it also translates to “do better” and “to make good.”
Agathosune in Greek
In New Testament Greek, the word for goodness is agathosune, which translates to virtue or beneficence. The word “beneficence” means to do good for others, improving their well-being.
Goodness Isn’t Just Being Good — It’s Doing Good
Both words point to a central truth: Goodness isn’t about just being good but doing good. Goodness is an action. It’s seeing those in need around us and doing what we can to fulfill their needs.
Goodness isn’t passive. It’s easy to think that “being good” simply means “not doing bad.” While that’s partially true, it’s only half the equation. To be good, we must act on behalf of those around us.
Think about our heavenly Father. Goodness is part of God’s character. While he doesn’t sin or “do bad,” he also does good, acting on our behalf.
He fed the Israelites with manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4), gave Ruth a bright future after loss (Ruth 2:12) and provided us with eternal hope in Jesus (John 3:16). And these are just a few examples of his goodness.
8 Bible Verses About Goodness: God Is Good
God’s goodness is mentioned countless times throughout the Bible, from King David’s praise in Psalms to the apostle Paul’s letter to his missionary partner in 1 Timothy.
All Bible verses written in NIV unless otherwise noted.
1. Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
2. Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
3. Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
4. 1 Timothy 4:4
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
5. Psalm 27:13
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
6. Psalm 31:19
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
7. Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
8. Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
7 Bible Verses About Our Call to Be Good
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to reflect God’s character. If he’s good, we too must be good. The Bible is full of verses about our call to pursue goodness and show goodness to others.
All Bible verses written in NIV unless otherwise noted.
1. Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
2. Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
3. Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
4. Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
5. Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
6. Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
7. Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Goodness as a Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23
As human beings, goodness doesn’t come naturally for us. Because of sin, we have a tendency to be selfish, focusing on ourselves instead of others. But God has called us out of sin, empowering us to become new creations in Christ.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! — 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
How are we made new? Through faith in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit inside of us. And how do we know the Holy Spirit is at work in us? We’ll see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and follow his leading, goodness will naturally flow from us. Instead of tearing down, we’ll encourage. Instead of hoarding our blessings, we’ll give generously.
And instead of ignoring the needs of those around us, we’ll do whatever we can to fulfill them.
The Bible shows us that goodness is both who God is and what he calls us to be. Goodness isn’t just being good; it’s doing good for those around us. Take a moment to reflect on what that means for you. Who can you bless? Who can you show goodness toward today?