2557. kakourgos

Lexical Summary

kakourgos: Criminal, evildoer, malefactor

Original Word: κακοῦργος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: kakourgos
Pronunciation: kä-kü'-rgos
Phonetic Spelling: (kak-oor'-gos)
KJV: evil-doer, malefactor
NASB: criminals, criminal
Word Origin: [from G2556 (κακός - evil) and the base of G2041 (ἔργον - works)]

1. a wrong-doer, i.e. criminal

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

a criminal

From kakos and the base of ergon; a wrong-doer, i.e. Criminal -- evil-doer, malefactor.

see GREEK kakos

see GREEK ergon

HELPS Word-studies

2557 kakoúrgos (from 2556 /kakós, "a malignant disposition") – "a malefactor; a technical word implying criminality. William Ramsay noted this term "marks exactly the tone of the Neronian period, and . . . refers expressly to the flagitia, for which the Christians were condemned under Nero, and for which they were no longer condemned in ad 112" (WS).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from kakos and the same as ergon
Definition
a criminal
NASB Translation
criminal (1), criminals (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2557: κακοῦργος

κακοῦργος, κακουργον (contracted from κακοεργος, from κακόν and ἘΡΓΩ; cf. πανοῦργος, and on the accent of both see Göttling, Lehre v. Accent, p. 321; (Chandler § 445)), as a substantive, a malefactor: 2 Timothy 2:9; of a robber, Luke 23:32f (cf. Winers Grammar, 530 (493); Buttmann, § 150, 3), 39. (Proverbs 21:15; in Greek writings from (Sophocles and) Herodotus down.)

Topical Lexicon

Term Overview

Strong’s Greek 2557 designates a person who practices or is identified with serious wrongdoing. In English versions it is rendered “criminal,” “evildoer,” or “malefactor.” The word places emphasis on both the deed and the character of the one committing it.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Luke 23:32 – “Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Him.”
2. Luke 23:33 – The criminals are crucified on either side of Jesus.
3. Luke 23:39 – “One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him, ‘Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!’ ”
4. 2 Timothy 2:9 – “for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.”

Historical Background

In Roman law a “kakourgos” could cover anything from robbery to insurrection. Crucifixion was reserved for such offenders when Rome wished to make an example. Luke’s Gospel reflects this context: the two men crucified with Jesus are not petty thieves but rebels whose actions warranted the empire’s harshest penalty.

Theological Significance

1. Identification with Sinners: By being crucified between “criminals,” Jesus is numbered with the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12) and bears the curse on behalf of the guilty.
2. Contrast of Responses: In Luke 23:39–43 one criminal rejects Christ while the other appeals for mercy. Their divergent responses illustrate the universal offer of salvation and the necessity of personal faith.
3. Unstoppable Word: Paul’s use in 2 Timothy 2:9 links gospel suffering to Christ’s own shame. Though the messenger may be treated as a “kakourgos,” the message remains unshackled, underscoring divine sovereignty over human opposition.

Christological Insight from the Crucifixion Scene

Luke alone records the dialogue between Jesus and the repentant criminal, preserving a powerful testimony of grace granted apart from works. The dying man confesses just condemnation—“we are punished justly” (Luke 23:41)—and entrusts himself to the crucified King. Jesus’ reply, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise,” reveals the immediacy and certainty of redemption.

Pauline Usage and Suffering for the Gospel

Paul’s imprisonment “like a criminal” situates Christian persecution within a biblical pattern: righteous servants of God are misjudged by worldly standards yet vindicated by divine truth. The verse encourages believers to endure hardship without compromising the proclamation of Scripture.

Implications for Ministry

• Evangelism Among the Marginalized: The salvation of a condemned criminal reminds the Church that no sinner is beyond the reach of grace.
• Perseverance Under Persecution: Believers facing legal or social penalties for the gospel can draw strength from Paul’s declaration that “the word of God cannot be chained.”
• Discipleship and Repentance: The narrative models authentic repentance—acknowledgment of guilt, recognition of Christ’s innocence, appeal to His lordship, and reception of assurance.

Connection to Old Testament Themes

The term echoes prophetic motifs where God’s servant is misidentified as a wrongdoer (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53). The fulfillment in Jesus validates the unity of Scripture and confirms messianic prophecy.

Practical Applications

1. Intercession for the incarcerated, recognizing their unique openness to the gospel.
2. Courage to accept societal misunderstanding or legal repercussion for biblical convictions.
3. Assurance that God redeems moments of deepest shame for His glory and the salvation of others.

Related Terms and Concepts

• 4190 (ponēros) – evil, morally corrupt.
• 93 (adikia) – unrighteousness, injustice.
• 1349 (dikaiōma) – righteous decree, emphasizing the contrast between divine law and criminal transgression.

The word group around Strong’s 2557 thus serves as a stark reminder of human sin, the cost of redemption, and the triumph of God’s word over every chain.

Forms and Transliterations

κακουργοι κακούργοι κακοῦργοι κακούργοις κακουργος κακούργος κακοῦργος κακουργους κακούργους κακουργων κακούργων kakourgoi kakoûrgoi kakourgon kakourgōn kakoúrgon kakoúrgōn kakourgos kakoûrgos kakourgous kakoúrgous

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 23:32 Adj-NMP
GRK: καὶ ἕτεροι κακοῦργοι δύο σὺν
NAS: also, who were criminals, were being led away
KJV: two other, malefactors, led with
INT: also other criminals two with

Luke 23:33 Adj-AMP
GRK: καὶ τοὺς κακούργους ὃν μὲν
NAS: they crucified Him and the criminals, one
KJV: him, and the malefactors, one on
INT: and the criminals one indeed

Luke 23:39 Adj-GMP
GRK: τῶν κρεμασθέντων κακούργων ἐβλασφήμει αὐτόν
NAS: One of the criminals who were hanged
KJV: one of the malefactors which were hanged
INT: of the having been hanged criminals railed at him

2 Timothy 2:9 Adj-NMS
GRK: δεσμῶν ὡς κακοῦργος ἀλλὰ ὁ
NAS: to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word
KJV: as an evil doer, [even] unto
INT: chains as an evildoer but the

Strong's Greek 2557
4 Occurrences

κακούργων — 1 Occ.
κακοῦργοι — 1 Occ.
κακοῦργος — 1 Occ.
κακούργους — 1 Occ.