### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κακόω (kakóō, `{{G2559}}`) is derived from the adjective κακός (kakós, `{{G2556}}`), meaning "bad, evil, worthless." Thus, κακόω fundamentally signifies the active process of "making bad" or "treating badly." Its semantic range encompasses both physical and psychological dimensions of harm. In its most direct sense, it denotes physical injury, causing damage, or inflicting pain, translating to "harm" or "hurt." Beyond the physical, it extends to emotional or mental distress, implying "vexing," "annoying," or "embittering" someone's disposition. The nuance of "making evil affected" or "entreating evil" highlights the intentionality of causing detriment or stirring up hostile sentiments against another. It describes an action that deteriorates a state, whether of a person's well-being or their attitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κακόω appears a handful of times in the New Testament, primarily within the book of Acts, consistently describing actions of ill-treatment, harm, or the incitement of hostility.
* In [[Acts 7:6]] and [[Acts 7:19]], Stephen, in his sermon, recounts how the Egyptians "ill-treated" (ἐκάκωσαν) the Israelites during their sojourn, fulfilling God's prophecy. Here, κακόω describes systematic oppression and cruelty, encompassing both physical hardship and the emotional distress of enslavement, including the command to expose infants. This usage aligns with the Septuagint's translation of Hebrew verbs like עָנָה (ʿānāh, `{{H6031}}`, "to afflict, oppress").
* [[Acts 12:1]] records King Herod Agrippa's malicious intent to "harm" (κακοῦν) members of the church, leading to the execution of James. This instance clearly points to physical violence and persecution.
* In [[Acts 14:2]], unbelieving Jews in Iconium are said to have "stirred up and embittered" (ἐκάκωσαν) the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. This usage highlights the psychological dimension of κακόω, where it signifies the poisoning of minds, inciting prejudice, and fostering an environment of hostility through malicious words and influence, leading to active opposition.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 18:10]], the Lord reassures Paul during his ministry in Corinth, stating, "no one will attack you to harm" (κακοῦν) him. This promise speaks to divine protection against physical injury or malicious assault, underscoring the constant threat faced by early Christian missionaries.
Across these contexts, κακόω consistently portrays actions motivated by malice, opposition, or oppression, whether directed at individuals or entire communities, ranging from subtle incitement to overt physical assault.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of κακόω is rich with terms describing various forms of evil, harm, and opposition:
* **κακός (kakós, `{{G2556}}`):** The root adjective, meaning "bad, evil, worthless," from which κακόω is directly derived. It denotes the inherent quality of being evil.
* **κακία (kakía, `{{G2549}}`):** The noun form, meaning "malice, wickedness, depravity." It refers to the disposition or state of being evil.
* **πονηρός (ponērós, `{{G4190}}`):** Another significant word for "evil," often implying active malevolence, harmfulness, or wickedness that is actively working.
* **βλάπτω (bláptō, `{{G983}}`):** A verb meaning "to harm, injure, damage." While similar to κακόω in denoting physical harm, κακόω often carries a stronger connotation of malicious intent or ill-treatment.
* **ὑβρίζω (hybrízō, `{{G5195}}`):** "To insult, outrage, treat contemptuously, assault." This word often implies a violation of honor or dignity through arrogant or violent behavior.
* **θλίβω (thlíbō, `{{G2346}}`):** "To oppress, afflict, trouble, distress." This term often describes the pressure or tribulation experienced by believers.
* **διώκω (diōkō, `{{G1377}}`):** "To pursue, persecute." This verb describes the active pursuit of harm against someone, often for their beliefs.
* **ἐχθρός (echthrós, `{{G2190}}`):** "Enemy, hostile." This refers to those who are in opposition and are likely to "kakóō" others.
The concepts associated with κακόω include persecution, oppression, malice, hostility, suffering, and the active generation of evil or ill-will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κακόω lies primarily in its portrayal of the opposition faced by God's people throughout salvation history. From the oppression of Israel in Egypt to the persecution of the early church, κακόω describes the active, malevolent forces that seek to harm, hinder, or destroy those aligned with God's purposes.
It underscores the reality of evil in the world, not merely as an abstract concept but as a tangible force expressed through human actions. When individuals or groups "kakóō" others, they are acting in alignment with the spiritual forces of darkness, seeking to undermine God's redemptive plan. The divine promise to Paul in [[Acts 18:10]]—"no one will attack you to harm you"—highlights God's sovereign protection over His servants, even amidst such threats. This does not preclude suffering, but it assures ultimate divine oversight and the inability of evil to ultimately thwart God's will.
Furthermore, the use of κακόω in contexts of stirring up minds (e.g., [[Acts 14:2]]) reveals the insidious nature of spiritual warfare, which often begins with the corruption of thoughts and attitudes, leading to active hostility and persecution. This emphasizes the importance of discerning the spiritual roots of opposition and the need for divine wisdom and strength to endure or overcome such malevolence. κακόω thus serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between good and evil, and the reality of suffering that believers may endure for the sake of the Gospel.
### Summary
κακόω (kakóō, `{{G2559}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to injure," "to harm," "to treat badly," or "to exasperate." Derived from κακός (kakós, `{{G2556}}`, "bad, evil"), it describes the active infliction of detriment, whether physical suffering (as seen in the Egyptian oppression of Israel in [[Acts 7:6]], [[Acts 7:19]], or Herod's actions in [[Acts 12:1]]) or the incitement of malicious hostility and embitterment (as Jews did to Gentiles in [[Acts 14:2]]). Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in Acts, consistently illustrates the malevolent opposition faced by God's people and His messengers. The word highlights the tangible reality of evil's impact and the suffering it causes, while also implicitly pointing to God's protective presence amidst such adversity, as promised in [[Acts 18:10]].
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