from κακός; badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble:--evil, malice(-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kakía**, represented by `{{G2549}}`, describes a state of **badness**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition encompasses subjective depravity, active malignity, or the passive experience of trouble, translating as evil, malice, naughtiness, or wickedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2549}}` is consistently presented as a negative quality to be rejected. Believers are commanded to put away all **malice** along with other vices like bitterness, wrath, and evil speaking [[Ephesians 4:31]]. This instruction is repeated in multiple contexts, urging the audience to lay aside all **malice**, guile, and hypocrisies [[1 Peter 2:1]] and to put off **malice** and blasphemy [[Colossians 3:8]]. The term is also used to describe the unregenerate state, where people were "living in **malice** and envy" [[Titus 3:3]]. In a different sense, it refers to the daily troubles of life, as when Jesus states that the day's own **evil** is sufficient for the day [[Matthew 6:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{G2549}}`:
* `{{G4189}}` **ponēría** (wickedness): Defined as depravity, this word is paired with `{{G2549}}` to describe the "leaven of **malice** and **wickedness**" [[1 Corinthians 5:8]].
* `{{G5355}}` **phthónos** (envy): This specific form of ill-will is frequently listed alongside **malice**, such as in the command to lay aside both [[1 Peter 2:1]] and in the description of the former life spent in **malice** and **envy** [[Titus 3:3]].
* `{{G2372}}` **thymós** (wrath): Defined as passion, this term appears with `{{G2549}}` in lists of sins to be removed from a believer's life ([[Ephesians 4:31]], [[Colossians 3:8]]), highlighting the connection between internal malignity and its passionate expression.
* `{{G1388}}` **dólos** (guile): Meaning a trick or wile, this term is another vice that should be laid aside with **malice**, indicating that ill-will often manifests through deceitful actions [[1 Peter 2:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2549}}` is centered on its absolute opposition to the Christian life.
* **A Condition to Be Actively Removed:** The command to "put off" `{{G659}}` or "lay apart" `{{G659}}` **malice** is a recurring theme, demonstrating that it is an attribute of the old self that is incompatible with a renewed nature ([[Colossians 3:8]], [[1 Peter 2:1]], [[James 1:21]]).
* **A Characteristic of the Former Life:** Before salvation, believers are described as having lived in **malice** and envy, a state characterized by being foolish, disobedient, and hateful toward one another [[Titus 3:3]].
* **An Obstacle to Spiritual Maturity:** To receive the word of God, one must first lay apart the "superfluity of **naughtiness**" [[James 1:21]]. Believers are instructed to be "children in **malice**" but mature in understanding, positioning it as a mark of spiritual immaturity [[1 Corinthians 14:20]].
* **A Core Component of Depravity:** In [[Romans 1:29]], **maliciousness** is listed as one of the sins filling those given over to unrighteousness, alongside wickedness, envy, and murder.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2549}}` is a significant term for moral and spiritual corruption. It captures a range of concepts from a general disposition of badness and depravity to the active expression of ill-will and malice. Scripture presents **kakía** as a defining characteristic of the unregenerate heart and a spiritual poison that must be put away for a believer to grow in truth and sincerity. Its presence is fundamentally at odds with a life transformed by God.
TRV