Original Word: καλλίων
Part of Speech: Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: kallion
Pronunciation: kal-lee'-on
Phonetic Spelling: (kal-lee'-on)
KJV: very well
Word Origin: [neuter of the (irregular) comparative of G2570 (καλός - good)]

1. (adverbially) better than many

very well.

Neuter of the (irregular) comparative of kalos; (adverbially) better than many -- very well.

see GREEK kalos

Word Origin
see kalos.

STRONGS NT 2566: καλλίων

καλλίων, see καλός, at the end.

Canonical setting in Acts 25:10

Paul, standing before the Roman governor Festus at Caesarea, states, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well” (Acts 25:10). The comparative adverb κάλλιον (“very well,” “better”) functions as Paul’s assertion that Festus possesses clear, superior knowledge of Paul’s innocence. By invoking the term, Paul appeals to Festus’s conscience and the public record, reinforcing that his case is best adjudicated within legitimate Roman jurisprudence rather than in a potentially hostile Sanhedrin setting at Jerusalem.

Semantic and rhetorical force

In Koine usage the comparative nuance adds weight: Paul is not merely claiming Festus has some knowledge, but an informed, higher grasp of the facts. The word intensifies ethical accountability—Festus cannot plead ignorance. Thus κάλλιον serves a rhetorical purpose, pressing an official to act consistently with what he “knows better.”

Historical background

Roman governors were charged with upholding ius civile for citizens like Paul (cf. Acts 22:25–29). By spotlighting Festus’s “better” knowledge, Paul calls the governor back to the ideals of Roman justice, exposing any temptation to compromise with local religious leaders for political convenience. The statement also frames Paul’s subsequent appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11), underscoring both his confidence in Roman law and his strategic use of citizenship to extend gospel witness to the heart of the empire.

Theological significance

1. Truth and conscience: Scripture repeatedly links superior knowledge with ethical responsibility (John 15:22; James 4:17). Paul leverages this principle, compelling Festus to align judgment with truth already revealed to him.
2. Divine sovereignty through human courts: The single occurrence of κάλλιον marks a pivotal step in God’s providential plan to bring Paul—and the gospel—before Caesar (Acts 23:11; Philippians 1:12–13).
3. Integrity under scrutiny: Paul’s transparent life validates his message (Acts 24:16). The term highlights the harmony between a clear conscience and bold proclamation.

Pastoral and ministry application

• Christian engagement with civil authorities: Believers may lawfully employ legal rights to advance mission and safeguard justice (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17).
• Moral courage: When circumstances invite compromise, recalling what is “better” or “well‐known” fortifies leaders to stand for righteousness.
• Teaching discernment: Pastors can urge congregations to act on what they already know to be true, avoiding the peril of suppressed conviction (Hebrews 10:26–27).

Related scriptural echoes

Although κάλλιον appears only once, its idea resonates with:
• “Better to suffer for doing good, if it should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).
• “We trust we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things” (Hebrews 13:18).

These texts reinforce the call to superior ethical conduct grounded in clear knowledge.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2566, though rare, crystallizes a decisive moment in Acts where apostolic integrity, civic responsibility, and divine purpose converge. Paul’s appeal to what Festus ‘better knows’ challenges every reader to align acknowledged truth with faithful action for the progress of the gospel.

εκαλλιώθησαν εκαλλωπίσατο κακαλλωπισμέναι κάλλει καλλιον κάλλιον καλλονήν κάλλος κάλλους κάλλυνθρα κεκαλλωπισμένα κεκαλλωπισμένη kallion kállionInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts