Lexical Summary kakoétheia: Malice, wickedness, ill-will Original Word: κακοήθεια Strong's Exhaustive Concordance malice, malevolenceFrom a compound of kakos and ethos; bad character, i.e. (specially) mischievousness -- malignity. see GREEK kakos see GREEK ethos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2550 kakoḗtheia (from 2556 /kakós, "an evil, vicious disposition" and 2239 /ēthos, "custom") – a malicious disposition (character) that fosters and fondles evil habits. 2550 /kakoḗtheia ("malignity") inevitably shows itself in acts of deceit (treachery) – i.e. what is characteristic of " 'evil-mindedness' that puts the worst construction on everything" (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kakos and éthos Definition malevolence NASB Translation malice (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2550: κακοήθειακακοήθεια (κακοηθια WH; see Iota), κακοηθείας, ἡ (from κακοήθης, and this from κακός and ἦθος), bad character, depravity of heart and life, Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates, others; 4 Macc. 1:4, where cf. Grimm, p. 299; specifically used of malignant subtlety, malicious craftiness: Romans 1:29 (3Macc. 3:22; Additions to Esther 8:1, 12 Topical Lexicon Definition and semantic range The term denotes a deep-seated ill will which takes pleasure in the harm, hardship, or humiliation of others. It is more than an isolated act; it is an inward disposition that corrupts motives, speech, and behavior, poisoning every relationship it touches. Biblical occurrence Romans 1:29 contains the only New Testament use of this specific word: “They are filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, and malice; they are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and hostility; they are gossips” (Berean Standard Bible). Paul places the vice among a catalog of sins that characterize a mind which has suppressed the knowledge of God (Romans 1:18-32). Context within Romans 1 1. Outworking of a darkened mind. The appearance of malice in the list underlines the moral collapse that follows idolatry: when God is exchanged for images, love for neighbor is replaced by spite. Related concepts in Scripture • “Malice” (Greek kakia) in passages such as Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; Titus 3:3 is the broader category. The term in Romans 1:29 intensifies that idea, stressing a settled, malignant temper. Old Testament background The Septuagint uses this word group of the wicked plots of Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 50:20) and of Haman’s murderous intentions toward the Jews (Esther 8:3). In Psalm 5:9 David laments enemies whose throats are “open graves”; malice lurks beneath their words. These texts illustrate the continuity of the concept from Old to New Testament. Historical usage outside Scripture Classical authors applied the term to spiteful citizens who delighted in litigation and to tyrants who prolonged suffering for amusement. Such usage confirms the word’s association with malicious intent rather than mere wrongdoing. Theological significance 1. Evidence of total depravity. Malice exemplifies the corruption of the affections, not just actions, demonstrating humanity’s need for regeneration. Pastoral and ministry application • Diagnosis. Malice often masquerades as righteous indignation; leaders must help believers discern when zeal for truth has devolved into spite. Practical reflection questions 1. Do I secretly relish reports of another’s failure? Further study Compare Romans 1:29 with vice lists in 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:31-32. Note particularly how malice is expelled by the Spirit’s fruit of love, kindness, and goodness (Galatians 5:22-23). Forms and Transliterations κακοηθείας κακοηθιας κακοηθίας kakoetheias kakoetheías kakoētheias kakoētheíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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