Goodly
Understanding a Biblical Term
The word "goodly" appears frequently in older English translations of the Bible, particularly the King James Version, where it translates a variety of Hebrew and Greek words. While modern translations typically replace it with terms like "beautiful," "fine," "splendid," or "excellent," the word "goodly" carried a rich range of meanings that encompassed physical attractiveness, impressive size, high quality, and noble character.
Understanding the different Hebrew words behind "goodly" reveals the nuanced ways Scripture speaks about beauty and excellence. The most common Hebrew word translated "goodly" is simply tov, the ordinary word for "good," used when something is notably pleasing in appearance or quality.
Goodly People
Several biblical figures are described as "goodly" in appearance. When Moses was born, his parents saw that he was a "goodly child" (Exodus 2:2; Hebrews 11:23), meaning he was exceptionally beautiful. This detail is significant because it motivated his parents' faith-filled decision to hide him rather than surrender him to Pharaoh's decree.
Joseph is described as "handsome in form and appearance" (Genesis 39:6), using the Hebrew word yapheh, which denotes striking physical beauty. David's adversary Goliath's brother is described as a man of great stature (2 Samuel 23:21), using a word that implies impressive, imposing appearance.
Goodly Places and Possessions
The word "goodly" frequently describes the Promised Land and its features. Moses pleads with God, "Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that goodly hill country and Lebanon" (Deuteronomy 3:25). The "goodly mountain" refers to the land of Canaan or specifically to Mount Zion, the place God chose for His dwelling.
Psalm 16:6 uses a related word to describe the believer's spiritual inheritance: "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful heritage." The Hebrew word here (shaphar) carries the sense of brightness and beauty, suggesting that God's allotment to His faithful ones is not merely adequate but genuinely splendid.
Psalm 80:10 uses the remarkable phrase "cedars of God" (literally "cedars of El") to describe the majestic trees of Lebanon, conveying that their size and grandeur were so extraordinary they could only be attributed to divine creation. Some translations render this as "goodly cedars" or "mighty cedars."
Goodly in Worship and Temple
The temple and its furnishings are described with terms translated as "goodly." The ornamental headpieces worn by priests are called "goodly bonnets" (Exodus 39:28), conveying dignity and beauty in worship attire. Jesus' disciples marveled at the "goodly stones" of Herod's temple (Luke 21:5), impressed by the massive, finely cut blocks that made up one of the ancient world's most impressive structures.
James 2:2 mentions a man wearing "goodly apparel" (literally "bright" or "shining" clothing) entering a synagogue, illustrating the social dynamics of wealth and status that the early church had to navigate. The book of Revelation describes "dainty and goodly" things (Revelation 18:14), using a Greek word meaning "bright" or "splendid" to characterize the luxury goods of fallen Babylon.
Goodly in Parables and Teaching
Jesus uses the concept in His parable of the pearl merchant: "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:45-46). The "fine pearls" translate the Greek kalos, meaning beautiful or excellent. The parable teaches that the kingdom of God possesses a beauty and worth that surpasses everything else.
The Theology of Beauty
The frequent use of "goodly" in Scripture reflects a biblical worldview that affirms the reality and importance of beauty. From the creation account, where God repeatedly declares His work "good" (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31), the Bible presents beauty as an authentic reflection of divine character. Physical beauty, impressive craftsmanship, fertile land, and precious materials are all recognized as gifts from God.
However, Scripture also warns against idolizing physical beauty or material splendor. Ezekiel 28:17 describes how Tyre's heart was lifted up because of its beauty, leading to corruption. The goodly stones of the temple that impressed the disciples would soon be utterly destroyed, as Jesus foretold (Luke 21:6). True goodliness, Scripture teaches, is ultimately found in God Himself and in the character He cultivates in His people.
Biblical Context
The word 'goodly' translates numerous Hebrew and Greek terms across Scripture. It describes Moses as an infant (Exodus 2:2), the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 3:25), the believer's heritage (Psalm 16:6), mighty cedars (Psalm 80:10), priestly garments (Exodus 39:28), temple stones (Luke 21:5), fine pearls (Matthew 13:45), and luxury goods (Revelation 18:14). The concept appears in narrative, poetry, wisdom, prophetic, and parabolic literature.
Theological Significance
The biblical use of 'goodly' reflects the affirmation that beauty and excellence are authentic dimensions of God's creation and gifts. Scripture celebrates physical beauty, impressive craftsmanship, and natural grandeur as reflections of divine generosity. Yet it also warns that material splendor can become an idol. The deepest 'goodliness' is found in God's own character and in the inheritance He gives His people, as expressed in Psalm 16:6.
Historical Background
The word 'goodly' was common in early modern English (16th-17th centuries) and appeared naturally in the King James Version (1611). It translated a wide range of Hebrew and Greek words, each carrying distinct nuances of beauty, excellence, or impressiveness. As English evolved, modern translations replaced it with more specific terms. Understanding the original Hebrew words behind 'goodly' reveals the Bible's rich and varied vocabulary for describing beauty, quality, and worth.