from a compound of κακός and λόγος; to revile:--curse, speak evil of.
Transliteration:kakologéō
Pronunciation:kak-ol-og-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κακολογέω (kakologéō, `{{G2551}}`) is a compound word derived from κακός (kakos, `{{G2556}}`), meaning "bad" or "evil," and λόγος (logos, `{{G3056}}`), meaning "word" or "speech." Literally, it signifies "to speak evil words" or "to speak badly about." Its semantic range encompasses notions of reviling, cursing, slandering, or speaking maliciously against someone. It implies a deliberate and often hostile verbal assault, intended to denigrate, dishonor, or harm the subject of the speech. Unlike merely speaking untruthfully, κακολογέω carries the strong connotation of malevolent intent and the inherently evil nature of the words themselves. It can range from severe verbal abuse to a direct imprecation or curse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κακολογέω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, often echoing Old Testament legal and moral injunctions.
* **[[Matthew 15:4]] and [[Mark 7:10]]**: Both passages quote the Old Testament law concerning the treatment of parents: "He who reviles father or mother must surely die" (cf. [[Exodus 21:17]], [[Leviticus 20:9]]). Here, κακολογέω denotes a severe act of dishonor and verbal abuse against one's parents, an offense so grave that it warranted the death penalty under the Mosaic Law. Jesus uses this to expose the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who prioritized their traditions over God's clear command to honor parents.
* **[[Acts 23:5]]**: Paul, when rebuked by the high priest Ananias, retorts, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people'" (quoting [[Exodus 22:28]]). In this context, κακολογέω refers to reviling or speaking abusively against an authority figure, even when that authority might be acting unjustly. Paul's immediate recourse to the Scripture underscores the principle of respecting even flawed leadership.
* **[[1 Peter 3:9]]**: Peter exhorts believers, "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." This verse provides a crucial ethical imperative for Christians. κακολογέω here describes the act of verbally abusing or slandering others, and believers are commanded *not* to retaliate in kind. Instead, they are to respond with blessing, reflecting the character of Christ ([[1 Peter 2:23]]).
* **[[Jude 1:8]]**: Describing false teachers, Jude states, "Yet in the same way these dreamers also defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile the glorious ones." Here, κακολογέω is used to describe the blasphemous speech of heretics who speak evil against angelic beings or divine majesties. This highlights the spiritual dimension of κακολογέω as potentially involving rebellion against divine order and authority.
Across these contexts, κακολογέω consistently refers to speech that is not merely critical but actively malicious, dishonoring, and often rebellious against established authority, whether familial, governmental, or divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
κακολογέω shares semantic space with several other Greek terms related to negative speech, yet each carries distinct nuances:
* **βλασφημέω (blasphemeō, `{{G987}}`)**: To blaspheme, slander, or speak impiously. While κακολογέω can be a form of blasphemy when directed at divine beings (as in [[Jude 1:8]]), βλασφημέω more broadly encompasses impious speech against God or sacred things, or slander against humans.
* **λοιδορέω (loidoreō, `{{G3058}}`)**: To revile, insult, or abuse verbally. This term is very close to κακολογέω and often used interchangeably. λοιδορέω emphasizes the abusive and insulting nature of the speech, while κακολογέω might more strongly emphasize the *evil* or malicious content of the words.
* **καταλαλέω (katalaleō, `{{G2635}}`)**: To speak evil against, slander, or defame. This term focuses on the act of speaking *against* someone, often in secret or behind their back, leading to defamation. κακολογέω can be more direct and confrontational.
* **συκοφαντέω (sykophanteō, `{{G4811}}`)**: To accuse falsely, extort, or slander for gain. This term specifically implies false accusations made with ulterior motives, often financial.
* **Antonym**: The direct conceptual opposite of κακολογέω is εὐλογέω (eulogeō, `{{G2127}}`), meaning "to speak well of," "to bless," or "to praise." This contrast is explicitly made in [[1 Peter 3:9]].
The concept of κακολογέω is deeply intertwined with themes of honor and dishonor, obedience and rebellion, and the transformative power of the tongue.
### Theological Significance
The condemnation of κακολογέω throughout Scripture underscores the profound theological significance of human speech.
1. **Reflection of God's Character**: God's word is pure and life-giving. Speech that is κακολογέω is antithetical to divine character and order. It is a manifestation of the fallen human condition, where the tongue, though small, can cause immense damage ([[James 3:5-6]]).
2. **Violation of Divine Law and Order**: The Old Testament references ([[Exodus 21:17]], [[Leviticus 20:9]], [[Exodus 22:28]]) demonstrate that κακολογέω is not merely a social faux pas but a serious transgression against God's established order for society, family, and governance. It undermines authority that God himself has instituted.
3. **Christian Ethic of Love and Blessing**: For believers, the prohibition against κακολογέω ([[1 Peter 3:9]]) is a cornerstone of Christian ethics. It calls for a radical transformation of speech, moving from cursing to blessing, even in the face of provocation. This reflects the example of Christ, who, "when he was reviled, did not revile in return" ([[1 Peter 2:23]]). It is a command to overcome evil with good ([[Romans 12:21]]) and to demonstrate the Spirit's fruit of self-control ([[Galatians 5:23]]).
4. **Indicator of the Heart**: Jesus taught that "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander [βλασφημίαι]" ([[Matthew 15:18-19]]). κακολογέω is not just a superficial act; it is a direct outflow of a heart that harbors malice, bitterness, or rebellion against God and neighbor.
5. **Spiritual Warfare and Rebellion**: As seen in [[Jude 1:8]], κακολογέω can signify a deeper spiritual rebellion, where false teachers not only reject human authority but also speak evil against spiritual powers, potentially bordering on blasphemy against the divine realm.
### Summary
κακολογέω (`{{G2551}}`) signifies the act of speaking evil, reviling, or cursing. Rooted in the concepts of "evil" and "word," it describes speech that is malicious, dishonoring, and often rebellious. Scripturally, it is condemned as a grave offense against parents and rulers, reflecting a violation of God's established order. For Christians, κακολογέω represents a form of speech to be actively avoided, with believers called instead to respond to reviling with blessing, mirroring the example of Christ. Theologically, it reveals a heart alienated from God's character and stands in stark contrast to the life-giving and edifying speech that should characterize those indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Its presence signals a deep spiritual issue, whether it be personal malice, societal disorder, or outright rebellion against divine authority.
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