κακός
kakos
evil/harm: evil
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word κακός (kakos) is used 44 times in the Bible to convey the concept of evil or harm. On a literal level, it denotes something that causes hurt, injury, or damage. The meaning is not just abstract or philosophical but concrete and tangible, implying a negative impact on individuals or situations. In its various biblical contexts, κακός is applied to a range of negative phenomena, including physical harm, moral wickedness, and spiritual corruption. Its usage encompasses both external acts of evil and internal dispositions, such as malicious intentions or destructive desires. The versatility of κακός allows it to be used to describe a multitude of experiences, from violence and injustice to temptation and spiritual decay. The significance of κακός lies in its reflection of the complexities of human experience. By acknowledging the presence of evil and harm in the world, individuals can better navigate their circumstances, understand the consequences of their actions, and seek help or support when needed. The multiple occurrences of κακός in the Bible serve as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of suffering and its various forms, encouraging individuals to confront and address these challenges in a constructive and empathetic manner.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
44 total occurrences across the text
They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers, who will give him the fruit in its season.”
Matthew 24:48But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’
Matthew 27:23But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”
Mark 7:21For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts,
Mark 15:14Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!”
Luke 23:22He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.”
John 18:23Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?”
John 18:30They answered him, “If this man weren’t an evildoer, we wouldn’t have delivered him up to you.”
Acts 9:13But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.
Acts 23:9A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and contended, saying, “We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let’s not fight against God!”
Romans 1:30backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Romans 2:9oppression, and anguish on every soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 3:8Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.
Romans 7:19For the good which I desire, I don’t do; but the evil which I don’t desire, that I practice.
Romans 7:21I find then the law that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present.
Romans 12:17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 13:3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the authority,
Romans 13:4for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
Romans 13:4for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
Romans 13:10Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 14:20Don’t overthrow God’s work for food’s sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating.
Romans 16:19For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.
1 Corinthians 10:6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
1 Corinthians 15:33Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”
2 Corinthians 13:7Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate.
Philippians 3:2Beware of the dogs; beware of the evil workers; beware of the false circumcision.
Colossians 3:5Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Titus 1:12One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.”
Hebrews 5:14But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
James 1:13Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.
James 3:8but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
1 Peter 3:9not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:10For, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
1 Peter 3:11Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.
1 Peter 3:12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
3 John 1:11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.
Revelation 2:2“I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.