Lexical Summary kakologeó: To speak evil of, to revile, to curse, to insult. Original Word: κακολογέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance curse, speak evil of. From a compound of kakos and logos; to revile -- curse, speak evil of. see GREEK kakos see GREEK logos HELPS Word-studies 2551 kakologéō (from 2556 /kakós, "a malicious disposition" and 3004 /légō, "speaking to a conclusion") – properly, to speak evil, using malicious, damaging words that are calculated to destroy (misrepresent). 2551 /kakologéō ("calculated evil-speaking") tries to make evil seem good ("positive"), i.e. presenting what is wrong as "right" (or the reverse). 2551 (kakologéō) issues from a twisted disposition (make-up, perspective). [Note the fundamental meaning of the root (2556 /kakós).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of kakos and logos Definition to speak ill of NASB Translation speak evil (1), speaking evil (1), speaks evil (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2551: κακολογέωκακολογέω, κακολόγω; 1 aorist infinitive κακολογῆσαί; (κακολόγος); equivalent to κακῶς λέγω (which the old grammarians prefer, see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 200); 1. to speak ill of, revile, abuse, one; to calumniate, traduce: τινα, Mark 9:39; τί, Acts 19:9; (2 Macc. 4:1; Lysias, Plutarch, others). 2. Hellenistically, to imprecate evil on, curse: τινα, Matthew 15:4; Mark 7:10 (so for קִלֵּל, Proverbs 20:20; Ezekiel 22:7; Exodus 22:28). The term denotes the deliberate use of speech that harms, maligns, or calls down a curse upon another. It embraces verbal abuse, slander, and any form of speech that seeks evil for its object. Scripture consistently treats such utterance as the antithesis of love, honor, and truth. Old Testament Foundations The idea is rooted in the Mosaic Law. Exodus 21:17 and Leviticus 20:9 pronounce death on “whoever curses his father or mother,” underscoring the seriousness of reviling those whom God has placed in positions of honor. Proverbs repeatedly condemns malicious speech (for example, Proverbs 20:20; Proverbs 30:11). Thus the covenant community was taught that words possess moral weight and covenantal consequence. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 15:4 and Mark 7:10 quote the Mosaic injunction, showing that Jesus upholds the Law’s standard while exposing traditions that nullify its intent. The verb here preserves the gravity of cursing parents. Theological Themes Reverence vs. Contempt: By linking honor of parents with the sanctity of speech, Scripture ties godliness to respect for God-ordained authority. Speech as Morally Charged: Words reveal the heart (Matthew 12:34). Evil speech signals rebellion against God and His Messiah (Acts 19:9). The Incompatibility of Blessing and Cursing: Mark 9:39 anticipates the apostolic teaching that “blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth” ought not to be so (James 3:10). Ministry Implications Pastoral correction must confront reviling as sin, whether in families, congregations, or society. Evangelists should expect the Way to be “spoken against” yet remain steadfast, following Paul’s example of withdrawing to teach disciples more effectively (Acts 19:9–10). Miraculous ministry, rightly practiced, silences slander and magnifies Christ (Mark 9:39). Practical Exhortation Believers are called to honor parents, leaders, and one another (Ephesians 6:2; Romans 12:10), replacing corrupt talk with “only what is good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). Where repentance is needed, restoration is secured through confessing sinful speech and embracing the cleansing power of Christ’s blood (1 John 1:7–9). Related Words and Concepts • Blasphemeo – to blaspheme, speak irreverently of God or sacred things. These terms overlap in warning that destructive speech opposes the character of God, who is “slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8). Select Cross-References Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Proverbs 20:20; Matthew 12:34–37; James 3:8–12; 1 Peter 2:1; Revelation 22:15. Summary Strong’s Greek 2551 exposes the sinfulness of speech that seeks another’s harm. From parental honor to Christ-centered ministry, Scripture presents a unified witness: the tongue is meant for blessing, truth, and edification, never for cursing. Consequently, the redeemed community must guard its words, reflecting the gracious speech of its Lord. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 15:4 V-PPA-NMSGRK: καί Ὁ κακολογῶν πατέρα ἢ NAS: AND MOTHER,' and, 'HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER KJV: mother: and, He that curseth father or INT: and He who speaks evil of father or Mark 7:10 V-PPA-NMS Mark 9:39 V-ANA Acts 19:9 V-PPA-NMP Strong's Greek 2551 |
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