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Bible Dictionaries
Do Good
Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words
or A. Verb.
Yâṭab (יָטַב, 3190), “to be good, do well, be glad, please, do good.” This word is found in various Semitic languages, and is very common in Hebrew, both ancient and modern. Yâṭab is found approximately 100 times in biblical Hebrew. This verbal form is found first in the story of Cain and Abel, where it is used twice in one verse: “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door” (Gen. 4:7, NASB). Among other nuances of the verb are “to deal well” (Exod. 1:20), “to play [a musical instrument] well” (1 Sam. 16:17), “to adornmake beautiful” (2 Kings 9:30), and “to inquire diligently” (Deut. 17:4).
B. Adjective.
Ṭôb (טוֹב, Strong's #2896), “good.” This word occurs some 500 times in the Bible. Its first occurrence is in Gen. 1:4: “God saw that the light was good” (NASB). God appraises each day’s creative work as being “good,” climaxing it with a “very good” on the sixth day (Gen. 1:31).
As a positive term, the word is used to express many nuances of that which is “good,” such as a “glad” heart (Judg. 18:20), “pleasing” words (Gen. 34:18), and a “cheerful” face (Prov. 15:13).
These files are public domain.
Vines, W. E., M. A. Entry for 'Do Good'. Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/vot/d/do-good.html. 1940.
