Brief Overview of κακοήθεια (Strong’s G2550: kakoētheia)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as κακοήθεια (kakoētheia) is crucial for Biblical studies, as it enhances our grasp of specific moral and ethical teachings within the New Testament. This word, typically translated as “malice” or “spite,” reflects the inner character traits that oppose the virtues encouraged in Christian living. Moreover, studying this term sheds light on how ancient Greek culture viewed malicious behavior, contributing to a deeper understanding of both scriptural and historical contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κακοήθεια, transliterated as kakoētheia, pronounced [ka-ko-AY-thee-ah].
• Etymology: Derived from the combination of κακός (kakos), meaning “bad” or “evil,” and ἦθος (ēthos), meaning “character” or “disposition.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); used primarily to refer to a state of malicious intent or a wicked disposition.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Malice: A desire to cause harm to others.
• Spite: Petty ill-will or vindictiveness.
• Malevolence: The quality of having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
• Wicked Character: A fundamental state of moral corruption or evil.

Similar Words: κακία (kakia) [ka-KEE-ah] refers to “malice” in a general sense but is broader, encompassing all forms of moral evil. In contrast, κακοήθεια specifically denotes a persistent malicious character or disposition. πονηρία (ponēria) [po-NAY-ree-ah] also means “wickedness” but often emphasizes actions more than internal states.

Further Insights: κακοήθεια is a first declension feminine noun, meaning its grammatical endings change based on case, number, and function in a sentence. Here is the declension table for κακοήθεια:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes κακοήθεια as “malice” or “spite,” emphasizing a deep-rooted ill-will or evil intent within an individual’s character.
• Thayers: Defines κακοήθεια as “maliciousness” or “wickedness of disposition,” underscoring its role in ethical exhortations in the New Testament.
• Vines: Notes that κακοήθεια is a type of malice that denotes the deep-seated desire to cause harm or trouble, differing slightly from general wickedness.
• LSJ: Suggests that κακοήθεια can denote “petty spite” or a “vindictive nature,” emphasizing its usage in both moral and ethical discussions in classical literature.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists κακοήθεια as “malice” or “evil intent,” referring to the inner malignancy that corrupts one’s character.

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Related Scripture References

• Colossians 3:8: “But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice [κακοήθειαν], slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.”
• Romans 1:29: “Being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice [κακοήθειαν].”

Classical Usage

Summary of κακοήθεια (G2550)

The Greek word κακοήθεια (kakoētheia) is a nuanced term that captures the essence of a spiteful or malicious character. Its usage in the New Testament underscores the importance of inner transformation and ethical behavior, contrasting sharply with the qualities of love and kindness expected of Christians. The term also appears in classical Greek literature, indicating its broader cultural significance in discussions of virtue and vice.

Did You Know?

• κακοήθεια is closely related to κακία but with a sharper focus on enduring malice rather than general wickedness.
• Aristotle used κακοήθεια to describe a person whose character is deformed by spite and meanness, emphasizing its philosophical implications.
• The term κακοήθεια was often used in early Christian texts to warn against harboring ill-will toward others, promoting peace and reconciliation instead.