from a compound of κακός and ἦθος; bad character, i.e. (specially) mischievousness:--malignity.
Transliteration:kakoḗtheia
Pronunciation:kak-o-ay'-thi-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term κακοήθεια (kakoḗtheia, `{{G2550}}`) is a compound word derived from κακός (kakos, `{{G2556}}`), meaning "bad" or "evil," and ἦθος (ēthos, `{{G2239}}`), referring to "character," "disposition," or "custom." Literally, therefore, it signifies "bad character" or "evil disposition." The semantic range extends beyond mere general badness to encompass a specific quality of maliciousness or mischievousness. It denotes an ill-will that is not merely passive but actively interprets others' actions in the worst possible light, or takes pleasure in causing trouble or harm. This "malignity," as some translations render it, suggests an ingrained propensity for evil, a perversion of one's moral nature that delights in wickedness or finds satisfaction in the misfortune or misinterpretation of others. It implies a subtle, often hidden, malevolence that is part of one's inner character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κακοήθεια (`{{G2550}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Romans 1:29]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul presents a stark and comprehensive indictment of humanity's fallen state, listing a litany of vices that characterize those who have suppressed the truth about God and exchanged it for idolatry. The verse reads: "being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, κακοήθεια; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips."
Within this extensive catalogue of moral depravity, κακοήθεια stands alongside other grave sins like unrighteousness (ἀδικία, adikia, `{{G93}}`), wickedness (πονηρία, ponēria, `{{G4189}}`), and covetousness (πλεονεξία, pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`). Its inclusion emphasizes that the rejection of God leads not only to outward acts of sin but also to a fundamental corruption of inner character and disposition. The context suggests that this "malignity" or "evil disposition" is a pervasive aspect of the unregenerate heart, contributing to the overall moral decay that Paul describes. It points to a deep-seated perversity of mind that is prone to misjudging, slandering, and actively wishing ill upon others, reflecting a profound alienation from divine love and truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
κακοήθεια (`{{G2550}}`) is closely related to several other Greek terms describing aspects of human depravity.
* **κακός (kakos, `{{G2556}}`)**: The root word, signifying "bad" or "evil" in a general sense. κακοήθεια is a specific manifestation of κακός as an ingrained character trait.
* **κακία (kakia, `{{G2549}}`)**: General malice, wickedness, or evil. While κακία refers to the overall quality of badness, κακοήθεια specifies the *disposition* or *character* from which such malice springs, often with an emphasis on ill-will or mischievousness. It is κακία in its settled form as a characteristic.
* **πονηρία (ponēria, `{{G4189}}`)**: Wickedness, depravity, often with an emphasis on active harm or mischief. There is overlap with κακοήθεια in the active nature of the evil, but κακοήθεια focuses more on the underlying disposition.
* **δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`)**: Deceit, treachery. An evil disposition (κακοήθεια) can readily lead to deceptive practices.
* **φθόνος (phthonos, `{{G5355}}`)**: Envy. Often, κακοήθεια can be fueled by envy, where one's ill-will stems from resentment of another's good.
* **καρδία (kardia, `{{G2588}}`)**: The "heart" in biblical anthropology is the seat of intellect, emotion, and will, the core of one's being and character. κακοήθεια points to a corruption within the καρδία, a fundamental misalignment of one's inner disposition.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of κακοήθεια (`{{G2550}}`) in [[Romans 1:29]] is profoundly significant. Its inclusion in Paul's comprehensive list of sins underscores that humanity's rebellion against God is not merely external or behavioral but deeply internal and dispositional. κακοήθεια represents a perversion of character, a settled inclination towards interpreting and acting with ill will. It is a sin of attitude and disposition, revealing a heart that is not only capable of evil acts but is *prone* to them, finding a perverse satisfaction in malice or mischief.
This deep-seated malignity highlights the radical nature of human sinfulness, demonstrating that it permeates the very core of one's being, not just the periphery of one's actions. It is a symptom of a heart alienated from its Creator, one that has exchanged the truth of God for a lie ([[Romans 1:25]]). The presence of κακοήθεια in the fallen human condition emphasizes the necessity of divine intervention for true transformation. Overcoming such an ingrained evil disposition requires more than moral instruction or self-effort; it necessitates a spiritual rebirth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who alone can grant a new heart and a right spirit ([[Ezekiel 36:26-27]]). Thus, κακοήθεια serves as a potent reminder of the pervasive reach of sin and the profound need for God's redemptive grace.
### Summary
κακοήθεια (`{{G2550}}`) signifies an "evil disposition" or "malignity," a deep-seated bad character that actively inclines one towards mischievousness or malicious interpretation. Although it appears only once in the New Testament, its placement in Paul's comprehensive list of vices in [[Romans 1:29]] is highly significant. It underscores that humanity's fallen state involves not only outward acts of sin but also a fundamental corruption of inner character, a settled propensity for ill will. The theological implication is profound: κακοήθεια reveals the pervasive nature of sin within the human heart, emphasizing the critical need for divine transformation and the regenerating work of God's Spirit to overcome such ingrained evil.
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