Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the text’s original meanings and context. The Greek word κακοποιός (kakopoios), which translates to “evildoer” or “one who does evil,” is significant because it conveys a strong moral judgment against harmful or malevolent actions. This term is often found in New Testament writings that address ethical conduct, particularly in exhortations for Christians to refrain from wicked behavior and to distinguish themselves from evildoers.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κακοποιός, transliterated as kakopoios, pronounced [ka-ko-POI-os].
• Etymology: Derived from κακός (kakos), meaning “bad” or “evil,” and ποιός (poios), meaning “doer” or “maker.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine); denotes a person who performs harmful or evil actions.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Evildoer: A person who commits morally wrong actions.
• One who does evil: Someone who engages in harmful or malicious behavior.
• Criminal: A person who acts contrary to moral or societal laws, often in the context of legal wrongdoing.

Similar Words: κακοποιέω (kakopoieō) [ka-ko-poi-EH-o] is a related verb meaning “to do evil” or “to commit harmful acts.” While κακοποιέω refers to the act of committing evil deeds, κακοποιός identifies the person who performs these actions.

Further Insights: κακοποιός is a second declension masculine noun in Greek. Below is the full declension of κακοποιός in the singular and plural:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes κακοποιός as one who commits evil deeds or engages in wicked behavior. It is used to contrast with righteous individuals, especially in the context of moral exhortations.
• Thayers: Focuses on its use to describe someone engaged in criminal or wicked acts, highlighting the ethical implications.
• Vines: Defines it as “an evildoer,” particularly in the context of warnings against associating with such individuals.
• LSJ: Notes its application in classical texts to denote criminals or people of malicious intent.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Categorizes κακοποιός as a noun for “evildoer,” commonly used in passages that deal with justice, punishment, and moral behavior.

Related Scripture References

• 1 Peter 4:15: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer [κακοποιός], or as a busybody in other people’s matters.”
• John 18:30: “They answered and said to him, ‘If he were not an evildoer [κακοποιός], we would not have delivered him up to you.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of κακοποιός (G2555)

The Greek noun κακοποιός (kakopoios) is essential for understanding Biblical texts concerning moral conduct and the concept of evil. It refers to an individual who engages in wrongdoing or harmful acts. The word is used in various New Testament passages to highlight ethical behavior and to warn believers against following or associating with such individuals. The term’s usage in both New Testament and classical Greek literature provides a comprehensive understanding of how ancient societies viewed justice, morality, and the consequences of evil deeds.

Did You Know?

• The term κακοποιός was often used in legal contexts to describe criminals.
• It contrasts with ἀγαθοποιός (agathopoios), meaning “doer of good.”
• The word is often used in exhortations to encourage believers to maintain righteousness and avoid the company of those who practice evil.