### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb κακῶς (kakōs, `{{G2560}}`) is derived from the adjective κακός (kakos, `{{G2556}}`), which signifies "bad," "evil," "worthless," or "harmful." As an adverb, κακῶς fundamentally conveys the sense of "badly" or "in a bad manner." Its semantic range in the New Testament is notably broad, encompassing several key nuances:
* **Physical Ill-being:** This is a prominent usage, often translating as "sick," "diseased," or "suffering grievously." It describes a state of physical affliction or debilitating illness, frequently appearing in the idiom κακῶς ἔχειν (to be badly off/sick).
* **Moral/Ethical Wrongdoing:** In this sense, κακῶς denotes actions or speech that are "wrongly," "wickedly," or "evilly" performed. It refers to conduct that is morally corrupt, unrighteous, or contrary to divine standards.
* **Adversity/Distress:** While often overlapping with physical suffering, κακῶς can also imply a more general state of severe difficulty, misfortune, or "miserably" enduring hardship.
The precise meaning of κακῶς is highly contextual, determined by the verb it modifies and the surrounding narrative or argument. It can describe the *state* of a person, the *manner* of an action, or the *outcome* of an event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κακῶς features prominently in the New Testament, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels concerning healing narratives and in the Epistles addressing ethical conduct.
* **Physical Suffering and Illness:**
* In the Gospels, κακῶς is frequently used to describe individuals afflicted with various ailments, highlighting Jesus' ministry of healing. For example, in [[Matthew 4:24]], it refers to "all who were sick" (τοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας) brought to Jesus. Similarly, [[Matthew 8:16]] notes Jesus healing "all who were sick," and [[Matthew 9:12]] states, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." Other instances where κακῶς denotes physical illness include [[Matthew 14:35]], [[Mark 1:32]], [[Mark 6:55]], [[Luke 4:40]], and [[Luke 7:2]]. This usage underscores the pervasive nature of human suffering and Jesus' compassionate response to it.
* **Moral and Ethical Misconduct:**
* Beyond physical affliction, κακῶς also describes actions that are morally reprehensible. In [[Acts 23:5]], Paul quotes [[Exodus 22:28]], stating, "You shall not speak evil (κακῶς) of a ruler of your people," clearly indicating morally inappropriate speech.
* [[James 4:3]] provides a significant example: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly (κακῶς), to spend it on your passions." Here, κακῶς modifies the manner of asking, revealing a corrupt or self-serving motivation behind the prayer.
* In [[1 Peter 3:9]], believers are exhorted not to return "evil for evil (κακῶς ἀντὶ κακῶς) or insult for insult," demonstrating κακῶς as referring to a harmful or morally wrong action.
* [[John 18:23]] records Jesus' response to being struck: "If I have spoken wrongly (κακῶς), bear witness to the wrong." This refers to speech that is ethically or legally improper.
The contextual analysis reveals κακῶς as a versatile term capturing both the physical brokenness and moral failings inherent in the human condition.
### Related Words & Concepts
κακῶς belongs to a significant lexical family in the New Testament, frequently contrasted with terms denoting goodness and righteousness.
* **Antonyms:** The most direct antonym is καλῶς (kalōs, `{{G2573}}`), meaning "well," "rightly," or "honorably." This antithesis highlights the biblical call to choose good over evil, righteousness over wickedness.
* **Lexical Family:**
* κακός (kakos, `{{G2556}}`): The root adjective, meaning "bad," "evil," "worthless," "vicious."
* κακία (kakia, `{{G2549}}`): The noun, meaning "badness," "malice," "wickedness," "vice."
* κακοποιέω (kakopoieō, `{{G2554}}`): The verb, meaning "to do evil," "to do harm," "to do wrong."
* κακοῦργος (kakourgos, `{{G2557}}`): A noun, meaning "evildoer," "criminal," "malefactor."
* κακοῦχος (kakouchos, `{{G2558}}`): An adjective, meaning "suffering ill," "afflicted," "ill-treated."
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Sickness and Healing:** The frequent use of κακῶς in healing narratives connects it to the themes of human frailty, the effects of the fall, and God's power to restore and bring wholeness.
* **Sin and Righteousness:** In its moral sense, κακῶς is intrinsically linked to the concept of sin—actions and attitudes that fall short of God's perfect standard—and stands in stark contrast to the pursuit of righteousness and obedience.
* **Suffering and Compassion:** The word highlights the reality of human suffering, both physical and moral, and often serves as a backdrop for demonstrating divine compassion and intervention.
### Theological Significance
The dual application of κακῶς—to physical suffering and moral wrongdoing—carries profound theological implications, revealing the multifaceted nature of sin's impact and the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive work.
* **The Pervasiveness of the Fall:** The consistent use of κακῶς for both bodily illness and moral corruption underscores the pervasive reality of the fall, which affects humanity holistically—spirit, soul, and body. Physical infirmity is a tangible manifestation of a world marred by sin, while moral evil reflects the spiritual brokenness of the human heart.
* **Jesus as Healer and Deliverer:** Jesus' ministry of healing those who κακῶς were (the sick) is a powerful demonstration of His divine authority over the consequences of sin and His compassion for suffering humanity. These acts were not merely humanitarian gestures but eschatological signs, pointing to the coming kingdom where all forms of κακῶς (badness, pain, death) will be abolished [[Revelation 21:4]]. He addresses not only the physical symptoms but also, in cases like the paralytic in [[Mark 2:1-12]], the underlying spiritual issue of sin.
* **The Nature of Sin and the Call to Righteousness:** When κακῶς describes actions done "wrongly" or "evilly," it highlights the moral dimension of sin as a deviation from God's righteous character and commands. Passages like [[James 4:3]] emphasize that even seemingly religious acts can be tainted by corrupt motives, revealing the depth of human sinfulness. The biblical message consistently calls believers to turn from doing κακῶς and instead to live καλῶς—in a manner that honors God and reflects His holiness. This involves not only abstaining from outward evil but also cultivating a heart aligned with divine purposes.
* **Holistic Redemption:** The semantic range of κακῶς implicitly points towards a holistic understanding of redemption in Christ. Salvation encompasses not only forgiveness of spiritual sin but also the promise of future bodily transformation and the ultimate eradication of all forms of κακῶς in the new creation. God's redemptive plan addresses the entirety of human brokenness.
### Summary
The Greek adverb κακῶς (kakōs, `{{G2560}}`) signifies "badly" or "in a bad manner" and possesses a rich semantic range in the New Testament. It is predominantly used to describe both physical affliction ("sick," "diseased," "suffering grievously") and moral or ethical wrongdoing ("wrongly," "evilly," "amiss"). In the Gospels, its frequent appearance in healing narratives underscores the reality of human suffering and Jesus' divine power and compassion in restoring health. In the Epistles, κακῶς highlights actions or motives that are contrary to God's will and righteous living, such as speaking evil or asking with corrupt intentions. The word's dual application underscores the pervasive impact of the fall on both the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence. Theologically, κακῶς serves as a stark reminder of humanity's brokenness, while simultaneously pointing to the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work in Christ, which addresses both bodily infirmity and the sinfulness of the human heart, ultimately promising a future free from all forms of "badness."
TRV