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.
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.
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.
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.
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