ἀρέτη
Virtue
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does ἀρέτη (arétē) mean in the Bible?
ἀρέτη (arétē) is a Greek word meaning "virtue". ἀρετή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX, in sing. Reorients virtue within Christ-centered ethics. This term runs through the canonical themes of Messiah.
Meaning
Excellence or moral virtue as a quality that produces admiration and recognition in others.
prop., whatever procures pre-eminent estimation for a person or thing, in Hom. any kind of conspicuous advantage. Later confined by philos. writers to intrinsic eminence-moral goodness, virtue;
Why This Word Matters
Reorients virtue within Christ-centered ethics. Philippians 4:8–9
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain