### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kakóō**, represented by `{{G2559}}`, means to injure or, figuratively, to exasperate. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term encompasses a range of hostile actions, including to **harm**, **hurt**, **vex**, **entreat evil**, or to make someone **evil affected**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G2559}}` frequently describes the affliction of God's people. In Stephen's historical account, it is used to describe how the Egyptians **evil entreated** the fathers of Israel [[Acts 7:19]] and brought them into bondage where they would **entreat them evil** [[Acts 7:6]]. The term also characterizes the persecution of the early church, as when Herod sought **to vex** members of the church [[Acts 12:1]]. In another instance, unbelieving Jews **made** the minds of the Gentiles **evil affected** against the brethren [[Acts 14:2]]. Conversely, the word is used in the context of divine protection, with God promising that no one would **hurt** Paul in Corinth [[Acts 18:10]] and Peter asking who can **harm** those who follow good [[1 Peter 3:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and nature of the harm described by `{{G2559}}`:
* `{{G2686}}` **katasophízomai** (to be crafty against): This word describes the cunning method used to inflict harm, appearing in the context where the Egyptians **dealt subtilly** with Israel before they **evil entreated** them [[Acts 7:19]].
* `{{G1402}}` **doulóō** (to enslave): This term is directly linked to the suffering described by `{{G2559}}`, as the Israelites were to be brought into **bondage** and **entreat[ed] evil** for four hundred years [[Acts 7:6]].
* `{{G1892}}` **epegeírō** (to excite against): This verb shows the instigation that leads to the state of being evil affected. Unbelieving Jews **stirred up** the Gentiles, which in turn **made their minds evil affected** against the brethren [[Acts 14:2]].
* `{{G1911}}` **epibállō** (to lay on): This word denotes the physical action taken to initiate the affliction, as when Herod **stretched forth** his hands **to vex** the church [[Acts 12:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2559}}` is significant in understanding persecution and divine care.
* **Targeted Hostility:** `{{G2559}}` consistently illustrates malicious action directed specifically at God's people, from the "fathers" of Israel in Egypt [[Acts 7:19]] to the "brethren" [[Acts 14:2]] and "the church" in the New Testament [[Acts 12:1]].
* **The Nature of Malicious Action:** The harm described is not random but is often the result of deliberate incitement or cunning. It arises from those who **dealt subtilly** [[Acts 7:19]] or who **stirred up** others to animosity [[Acts 14:2]], and it can be psychological ("evil affected") as well as physical.
* **Sovereign Protection:** The use of `{{G2559}}` is often juxtaposed with God's power to protect His followers. God reassures Paul that no man will set on him **to hurt** him [[Acts 18:10]], and Peter suggests that following what is **good** `{{G18}}` is a defense against being **harm[ed]** [[1 Peter 3:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2559}}` provides a specific term for malicious harm directed against the faithful. It is broader than mere physical injury, encompassing psychological hostility, systematic oppression, and targeted persecution. The word appears in contexts that describe both the harsh reality of suffering experienced by God's people and the assurance of divine protection from such harm, making it a key term for understanding the biblical concept of persecution.
TRV