The word “good” in the English language has become one of monotanty and mundanity. It is a word we use for almost everything in our everyday speech and it has most certainly lost its flavor. In the Bible, however, this word means something very important and valuable to our existence. It is something God holds in high regard. 

In the creation account in Genesis 1, the word “good’ appears 7 times, not a coincidence no doubt. God describes his creation as being good. It’s a Hebrew word “tob” meaning pleasurable, valuable, or excellent. Its meaning reaches farther depths than our definition of it today. God calls his creation good, including humanity. We are also considered very good (Genesis 1:31).

This theme of being good carries over into Genesis 3. Eve sees the fruit of the tree as also being good in her eyes, but it was not. Both the woman and the man fall for the trick and are kicked out of the garden. I believe the rest of the Bible is in part humanity’s search for the true good.   

The psalms describe the law of God as being “good” and right.They are pointing us back to the laws and commands of God that are good and that lead to good things. They also describe God as being good (Psalm 118:1, 135:1). 

In the book of Proverbs, the use of good is applied with judgment and wisdom. Proverbs 8:12 says, “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.” With the wisdom of God speaking here, wisdom and judgment go together. This use of the word “good” hinges them together. Living by God’s wisdom and judgment is good. 

The gospel message is also good. In fact, it is great news. Isaiah prophecies, “the good news of peace and salvation,”. Predicting the coming reign of the Messiah, he knows that this is good news for all people. In Luke 2:10 the angel pronounces that his birth is good news to all people. Jesus Christ dying and resurrecting is the best news we could ever receive. 

This word “good” encompasses so much. From the goodness of creation, to God’s wisdom and laws, to his Son Jesus sacrificing for us all. The word “good” is not just another word in the Bible. It is a word that brings prosperity and hope to those who hear.