The Greek verb agathoergeo (ἀγαθοεργέω) means to do good works or to perform acts of goodness. It is a compound of agathos (G18, good) and ergon (G2041, work/deed). The word appears twice in the New Testament — both times in Paul's letters — and captures the active, outward expression of genuine goodness.
The verb emphasizes that true goodness is not a passive quality but an active practice. It is goodness translated into deeds — the kind of concrete, tangible help and generosity that characterizes kingdom living.
Paul uses agathoergeo to describe what the wealthy are to do with their riches: they are to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18). Wealth is not inherently evil, but it becomes a blessing rather than a curse when it is channeled into good works. The rich are to leverage their resources for kingdom purposes.
The concept connects to James's insistence that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Biblical goodness is not theoretical — it expresses itself in action. This is not works-righteousness (earning salvation by deeds) but fruit-bearing: those who have been made good by grace produce goodness as the natural outflow of transformed hearts (Titus 2:14; Ephesians 2:10).