Introduction

Understanding the Greek word κακοῦργος (kakourgos) is essential in Biblical studies because it appears in significant New Testament contexts, often in reference to wrongdoers or criminals. This term helps illuminate the social, legal, and moral categories in the early Christian period and reflects the attitudes toward crime and punishment in ancient Greek culture. Exploring its usage offers a deeper understanding of how moral and legal categories intersect in ancient texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κακοῦργος, transliterated as kakourgos, pronounced [ka-KOOR-gos].
• Etymology: From the Greek roots κακός (kakos, meaning “bad” or “evil”) and ἔργον (ergon, meaning “work” or “deed”). Together, they mean “one who does evil deeds.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; masculine gender, second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Criminal: A person who commits serious offenses against the law.
• Malefactor: An individual engaged in wrongdoings or crimes.
• Evil-doer: Someone whose actions are morally reprehensible.

Similar Words: ἄνομος (anomos) [AH-noh-mos], which also means “lawless” or “without law.” While κακοῦργος specifically refers to a wrongdoer or criminal, ἄνομος can denote anyone who acts contrary to the law, whether a criminal or merely irreligious.

Further Insights: κακοῦργος is a masculine noun that follows the second declension pattern in Greek. Here is the declension of κακοῦργος:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κακοῦργος as a “criminal” or “evildoer,” often used in legal contexts to refer to someone engaged in serious criminal activities.
• Thayers: Emphasizes the term’s use in describing a “malefactor” or “one who commits crimes,” typically used in contexts where legal judgment is involved.
• Vines: Notes that κακοῦργος is applied to individuals who have committed crimes worthy of punishment, especially in the context of Roman or Jewish law.
• LSJ: Lists κακοῦργος as a term for a wrongdoer or criminal, often found in Classical and Hellenistic Greek literature with a focus on legal settings.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies κακοῦργος as a “criminal,” providing references to its usage in both the New Testament and Septuagint to denote those condemned for wrongdoing.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 23:32: “Two others, both criminals [κακοῦργοι], were led out to be executed with him.”
• Luke 23:39: “One of the criminals [κακοῦργων] hanging beside him scoffed, ‘So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!'”

Classical Usage

Summary of κακοῦργος (G2557)

The Greek noun κακοῦργος is pivotal in understanding both legal and moral dimensions within Biblical texts and ancient Greek literature. It describes someone engaged in criminal behavior or wrongdoings, such as a malefactor or evildoer. The term is often used to categorize individuals who commit serious offenses against society or divine laws. Recognizing its various meanings and applications helps scholars and students explore ancient ethical, legal, and cultural frameworks more comprehensively.

Did You Know?

• κακοῦργος was a term used not just in legal contexts but also in rhetoric and philosophy to discuss moral conduct.
• In the New Testament, κακοῦργος is specifically used to describe the criminals crucified alongside Jesus, highlighting themes of justice and forgiveness.
• The word is a combination of κακός (evil) and ἔργον (deed), literally meaning “evil-doer,” which helps us understand the concept of justice in ancient Greek society.