### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κακοποιέω (kakopoiéō - `{{G2554}}`) is a compound word derived from κακός (kakos - `{{G2556}}`), meaning "bad" or "evil," and ποιέω (poieō - `{{G4160}}`), meaning "to do" or "to make." Its core meaning is therefore "to do evil," "to work harm," or "to behave wickedly." The semantic range encompasses both objective and subjective dimensions of evil. Objectively, it refers to the act of injuring or causing harm to another. Subjectively or generally, it denotes the commission of sin, acting in a manner contrary to divine or moral standards. It implies an active, deliberate engagement in harmful or sinful conduct, distinguishing it from merely being evil or experiencing evil passively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κακοποιέω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, often appearing in direct contrast to "doing good" (ἀγαθοποιέω - `{{G17}}`).
* **[[Mark 3:4]] and [[Luke 6:9]]**: These parallel accounts depict Jesus challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law. Jesus asks, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" Here, κακοποιέω is presented as the stark opposite of doing good (ἀγαθοποιέω) and saving life. The context implies that *not* doing good when one has the opportunity, especially when life is at stake, is tantamount to actively doing evil. The Pharisees' inaction and their intent to accuse Jesus were themselves forms of κακοποιέω.
* **[[1 Peter 3:17]]**: "For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." In this passage, Peter addresses suffering among believers. He distinguishes between suffering that is a consequence of one's own wrongdoing (κακοποιέω) and suffering that results from righteous conduct (ἀγαθοποιέω). The former brings shame and is deserved, while the latter, when it aligns with God's will, is honorable and redemptive. This highlights κακοποιέω as an active transgression that merits negative consequences.
* **[[3 John 1:11]]**: "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God." This verse presents a profound ethical imperative. κακοποιέω is contrasted with ἀγαθοποιέω as a fundamental indicator of one's spiritual state. To actively κακοποιέω is portrayed as evidence of a lack of true knowledge or relationship with God, underscoring the vital connection between one's actions and one's spiritual identity.
Across these contexts, κακοποιέω consistently denotes an active, intentional engagement in harmful or sinful behavior, often in direct opposition to God's will and the welfare of others.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of κακοποιέω is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual counterparts:
* **Antonym:** The most prominent antonym is ἀγαθοποιέω (agathopoieō - `{{G17}}`), "to do good" or "to act virtuously." The New Testament frequently contrasts these two verbs to delineate righteous and unrighteous conduct.
* **Root Word:** κακός (kakos - `{{G2556}}`), meaning "evil," "bad," or "worthless," forms the conceptual foundation. κακοποιέω is the active expression of this underlying "badness."
* **Related Noun:** κακοποιός (kakopoios - `{{G2555}}`), meaning "an evildoer" or "a criminal." This noun refers to the person who habitually κακοποιέω.
* **Other Related Concepts:**
* ἁμαρτία (hamartia - `{{G266}}`): Sin, a missing of the mark. κακοποιέω is a specific *action* that constitutes ἁμαρτία.
* πονηρία (ponēria - `{{G4189}}`): Wickedness, malice, depravity. This describes the inherent evil from which κακοποιέω springs.
* ἀδικία (adikia - `{{G93}}`): Unrighteousness, injustice. κακοποιέω often involves acts of ἀδικία.
* ποιέω (poieō - `{{G4160}}`): The base verb "to do" or "to make," which highlights the active nature of κακοποιέω – it is not merely a state but an action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κακοποιέω is profound, touching upon several key doctrines:
* **Moral Agency and Responsibility:** The verb underscores humanity's capacity and responsibility for moral choice. Individuals are not merely passive recipients of evil but active agents who can choose to κακοποιέω or ἀγαθοποιέω. This choice carries spiritual weight and consequences.
* **The Nature of Evil:** κακοποιέω portrays evil not merely as an abstract concept or an absence of good, but as a dynamic, active force expressed through harmful actions. It is a deliberate transgression against God's character and commands.
* **Divine Standard of Righteousness:** The consistent contrast with "doing good" (ἀγαθοποιέω) implies a clear, objective standard of righteousness established by God. To κακοποιέω is to violate this divine standard and to act contrary to God's will.
* **Discipleship and Christian Conduct:** For believers, the call to abstain from κακοποιέω and actively pursue ἀγαθοποιέω is a fundamental aspect of discipleship. As [[3 John 1:11]] powerfully states, one's actions in this regard are indicative of one's relationship with God. True faith is demonstrated not just by belief, but by righteous living.
* **Suffering and Justice:** The Petrine epistles use κακοποιέω to differentiate between suffering for one's own deserved misdeeds and suffering for Christ's sake. This distinction is crucial for understanding divine justice and the honorable nature of suffering for righteousness.
### Summary
κακοποιέω (kakopoiéō - `{{G2554}}`) is a potent Greek verb signifying the active engagement in evil, whether through inflicting harm or committing sin. Its etymology, combining "evil" (κακός - `{{G2556}}`) and "to do" (ποιέω - `{{G4160}}`), emphasizes the intentional and volitional nature of such actions. Throughout the New Testament, κακοποιέω is consistently contrasted with ἀγαθοποιέω (to do good - `{{G17}}`), highlighting a fundamental moral dichotomy. Its usage in the Gospels, particularly in the Sabbath controversies, and in the Petrine and Johannine epistles, underscores human moral responsibility, the divine standard of righteousness, and the profound connection between one's actions and one's spiritual standing before God. To κακοποιέω is to act contrary to God's will and character, revealing a heart alienated from Him.
TRV