Lexical Summary kakopoios: Evildoer, criminal, wrongdoer Original Word: κακοποιός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance evildoer, malefactor. From kakos and poieo; a bad-doer; (specially), a criminal -- evil-doer, malefactor. see GREEK kakos see GREEK poieo HELPS Word-studies 2555 kakopoiós (from 2556 /kakós, "of a malicious disposition" and 4160 /poiéō, "make") – properly, an evil-doer, someone who makes trouble (inflicts harm), i.e. seeking an opportunity to injure (damage). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kakopoieó Definition an evildoer NASB Translation evildoer (1), evildoers (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2555: κακοποιόςκακοποιός, κακοποιον (κακόν and ποιέω), doing evil; a substantive, an evil-doer, malefactor: John 18:30 (but L marginal reading T Tr WH κακόν ποιῶν); 1 Peter 2:12, 14; 1 Peter 3:16 (T Tr marginal reading WH omit the clause); Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage in 1 PeterThe word translated “evildoer” (Strong’s Greek 2555) appears exclusively in the First Epistle of Peter (2:12; 2:14; 4:15). Peter addresses scattered believers living under social suspicion in Asia Minor. By choosing this particular term, he highlights both (1) the accusations hurled against Christians by pagan society and (2) the genuine moral evil that civil magistrates are charged to restrain. 1 Peter 2:12 – Outsiders “slander you as evildoers”. 1 Peter 2:14 – Governors are sent “to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right”. 1 Peter 4:15 – Believers are warned: “Let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or evildoer or meddler”. Social and Historical Background Roman writers of the first century often branded new religious movements as subversive. Rumors circulated that Christians were atheists (for refusing emperor-worship), haters of mankind, and practitioners of secret vices. Charges of infanticide, cannibalism (misunderstanding the Lord’s Supper), and political sedition were common. Within that climate, the label κακοποιός functioned like a legal indictment: “criminal, public menace.” By confronting the term head-on, Peter equips his readers to respond with honorable conduct that exposes such accusations as baseless (1 Peter 2:15). Theological Emphases 1. Vindication through Good Works Peter links accusations of evil with the call to “conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles” (1 Peter 2:12). The believer’s righteous lifestyle foreshadows eschatological vindication: “they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us”. Present reproach is set against future revelation. 2. Divine Ordination of Civil Authority In 1 Peter 2:14, the same civil authorities who sometimes misuse their power are nonetheless portrayed as God’s servants “to punish evildoers.” The term therefore acknowledges an objective category of wrong behavior that governments are expected to restrain. Peter’s teaching parallels Romans 13:3–4 while reminding Christians that submission is “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13). 3. Distinction between Deserved and Undeserved Suffering Peter warns that suffering as an actual κακοποιός is shameful, whereas suffering “as a Christian” is honorable (1 Peter 4:15–16). The distinction sustains pastoral clarity: persecution for righteousness is blessed; punishment for real wrongdoing is not. Pastoral and Ministry Significance • Apologetic Witness Christians today may still be misrepresented. By practicing visible integrity—financial probity, sexual purity, civic responsibility—believers answer accusations without bitterness, letting their conduct speak for them. • Ethics and Civil Engagement Recognition that human rulers punish “evildoers” motivates prayer for just governance (1 Timothy 2:1–2) and calls believers to support laws that restrain evil while guarding conscience when state commands conflict with God’s Word (Acts 5:29). • Suffering Well Congregations facing hostility find comfort in Peter’s words: misunderstanding is not a sign of God’s abandonment but an expected aspect of discipleship. Teaching on κακοποιός helps churches prepare members to endure mockery or legal harassment without compromising holiness. Related Biblical Concepts Good versus Evil – Isaiah 5:20; Romans 12:21 False Accusation – Psalm 35:11; Matthew 5:11–12 Civil Authority – Romans 13:1–7; Titus 3:1 Suffering for Righteousness – Matthew 5:10; 1 Peter 3:17 Practical Applications 1. Maintain an “above-reproach” lifestyle in marketplace, neighborhood, and online presence so that hostile observers lack credible grounds for the epithet “evildoer.” Conclusion Strong’s Greek 2555 encapsulates both the false labels Christians may bear and the genuine criminality believers must renounce. Peter’s strategic use of the term guides the church to live honorably, submit appropriately, and suffer faithfully, trusting that in God’s timing the slur “evildoer” will be silenced by the undeniable evidence of good deeds and the final verdict of the righteous Judge. Forms and Transliterations κακοποιοίς κακοποιος κακοποιός κακοποιὸς κακοποιων κακοποιών κακοποιῶν kakopoion kakopoiôn kakopoiōn kakopoiō̂n kakopoios kakopoiòsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Peter 2:12 Adj-GMPGRK: ὑμῶν ὡς κακοποιῶν ἐκ τῶν NAS: they slander you as evildoers, they may because KJV: you as evildoers, they may by INT: you as evildoers through the 1 Peter 2:14 Adj-GMP 1 Peter 4:15 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 2555 |
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