en_tw/bible/kt/good/01.md

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good, goodness

Definition

The word "good" has different meanings depending on the context. Many languages will use different words to translate these different meanings.

  • In general, something is good if it fits with God's character, purposes, and will.
  • Something that is "good" could be pleasing, excellent, helpful, suitable, profitable, or morally right.
  • Land that is "good" could be called "fertile" or "productive."
  • A "good" crop could be a "plentiful" crop.
  • A person can be "good" at what they do if they are skillful at their task or profession, as in, "a good farmer."
  • In the Bible, the general meaning of "good" is often contrasted with "evil."
  • The term "goodness" usually refers to being morally good or righteous in thoughts and actions.
  • The goodness of God refers to how he blesses people by giving them good and beneficial things. It also can refer to his moral perfection.

Translation Suggestions

  • The general term for "good" in the target language should be used wherever this general meaning is accurate and natural, especially in contexts where it is contrasted to evil.
  • Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include, "kind" or "excellent" or "pleasing to God" or "righteous" or "morally upright" or "profitable."
  • "Good land" could be translated as, "fertile land" or "productive land"; a "good crop" could be translated as a "plentiful harvest" or "large amount of crops."
  • The phrase "do good to" means to do something that benefits others and could be translated as "be kind to" or "help" or "benefit" someone.
  • Depending on the context, ways to translate the term "goodness" could include, "blessing" or "kindness" or "moral perfection" or "righteousness" or "purity."