What is the difference between gentleness and goodness in Galatians 5:22?

They are two Greek words side by side: gentleness (chrestotes) is kindness in the way one treats others; goodness (agathosyne) is generous uprightness that does good. One speaks of manner, the other of the substance of the good.

Why do modern Bibles say “kindness” in Galatians 5:22?

Because the Greek word is chrestotes, which the King James renders “gentleness” there and “kindness” elsewhere. Modern versions keep “gentleness” for a later virtue, prautes in verse 23, which the King James calls “meekness”.

Greek word · Strong G5544

What does gentleness mean?

In the King James, gentleness is the word for the Greek chrestotes in Galatians 5:22 — kindness that shows in how one treats others: gracious, helpful, generous. Elsewhere the King James translates the same word “kindness” and “goodness”; it is part of the fruit of the Spirit.

χρηστότης

chrēstótēs · transliteration

In Strong’s lexicon: usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)
In the King James: kindness4
goodness2
Appears in: 8 verses

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The meaning of gentleness in the Bible

Chrestotes comes from a word meaning useful, good to use — like Jesus' yoke, which is easy (Matthew 11:30). So it is a practical goodness: not only feeling goodwill, but acting in a way that does good. Paul places it in the fruit of the Spirit, between longsuffering and goodness (Galatians 5:22).

Before it is asked of us, this kindness is God's: “not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). And Titus says salvation came “after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared” (Titus 3:4). Christians are kind because they have been treated with kindness.

Where gentleness appears

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

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Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

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Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gentleness and goodness in Galatians 5:22?: They are two Greek words side by side: gentleness (chrestotes) is kindness in the way one treats others; goodness (agathosyne) is generous uprightness that does good. One speaks of manner, the other of the substance of the good.
Why do modern Bibles say “kindness” in Galatians 5:22?: Because the Greek word is chrestotes, which the King James renders “gentleness” there and “kindness” elsewhere. Modern versions keep “gentleness” for a later virtue, prautes in verse 23, which the King James calls “meekness”.

The meaning of gentleness in the Bible

Where gentleness appears

Galatians 5:22

Romans 2:4

Titus 3:4

Frequently asked questions

More Bible words