Brief Overview of κακῶς (Strong’s G2560: kakōs)

Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words such as κακῶς (kakōs) is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately and gaining insights into ancient Greek culture. Κακῶς plays a significant role in conveying the nuances of “badly,” “wrongly,” or “evilly,” often used in contexts that describe harmful actions or negative outcomes. This word is foundational in exploring the moral and ethical dimensions of ancient texts, which inform the values and beliefs of the time.

Key Information

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The Greek Word: κακῶς, transliterated as kakōs, pronounced [ka-KOS].
Etymology: Comes from the Greek root κακός (kakos), meaning “bad” or “evil.”
Part of Speech: Adverb; modifies verbs to describe an action done poorly or in an evil manner.
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Primary Meanings

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Badly: Refers to something done in a poor or substandard manner.
Wrongly: Used to describe an action that is incorrect or unjust.
Evilly: Describes an action with a harmful, malevolent intent.

Similar Words: φαύλως (phaulōs) [FAH-oo-lohs], meaning “worthlessly” or “meanly.” While κακῶς generally conveys a sense of harm or wrongdoing, φαύλως specifically refers to actions that are morally inferior or of low quality.

Further Insights: κακῶς is an adverb and does not change form according to person, number, or case. Its usage is straightforward, typically appearing in Greek sentences to modify verbs or adjectives. Below is a table showing its basic usage in different contexts:

Context	Usage Example
Describing an action	κακῶς ποιεῖν (to act badly)
Expressing moral judgment	κακῶς λέγει (to speak evilly)

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes κακῶς as “badly” or “wrongly,” used in contexts to express incorrect behavior or actions.
Thayers: Defines it as “badly” or “evilly,” emphasizing moral and ethical considerations in its use.
Vines: Highlights the word’s use in describing actions that are not just poorly executed but also morally wrong or harmful.
LSJ: Includes broader meanings such as “in a bad way” or “wrongly,” often appearing in philosophical and rhetorical contexts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Emphasizes the adverb’s role in denoting “badly” or “evilly,” often highlighting the moral implications of an action.

Related Scripture References

Mark 7:37: “He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (κακῶς is used in contrast to “well” here, implying potential for doing poorly).
Luke 23:41: “And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong [κακῶς].”
James 4:3: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly [κακῶς], to spend it on your passions.”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English text with Greek word
Plato	Republic	“To speak wrongly (κακῶς) about the gods is a serious error.”
Aristotle	Nicomachean Ethics	“To act wrongly (κακῶς) is to go against virtue.”
Septuagint	Proverbs	“He who answers before listening—that is his folly and shame (κακῶς).”

Summary of κακῶς (G2560)

The Greek adverb κακῶς is integral to understanding moral judgments and actions in biblical texts and classical Greek literature. It serves as a descriptor for actions done poorly, unjustly, or with evil intent, providing a moral and ethical framework for interpreting ancient texts. This understanding enriches our grasp of New Testament teachings and Greek philosophical and ethical discussions.

Did You Know?

The word κακῶς is often used to contrast with καλῶς (kalōs), meaning “well” or “rightly.”
In classical Greek, κακῶς can also imply physical damage or injury, not just moral wrongdoing.
The term is found frequently in both philosophical and legal texts, demonstrating its wide application across Greek thought.