Lexical Summary kakoucheó: To mistreat, to oppress, to afflict Original Word: κακοῦχεω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to maltreat, tormentFrom a presumed compound of kakos and echo; to maltreat -- which suffer adversity, torment. see GREEK kakos see GREEK echo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kakos and echó Definition to ill-treat NASB Translation ill-treated (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2558: κακουχέωκακουχέω, κακούχω: (from the obsolete κακουχος, from κακόν and ἔχω); to treat ill, oppress, plague: τινα; present passive participle κακουχόμενοι, maltreated, tormented, Hebrews 11:37; Hebrews 13:3. (1 Kings 2:26; 1 Kings 11:39 Alex.; Diodorus 3, 23; 19, 11; Dio C. 35 (36), 9 (11); Plutarch, mor., p. 114 e.) (Compare: συγκακουχέω.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope of the Term This verb describes the experience of being harshly treated, oppressed, or subjected to adversity. It portrays suffering that comes from hostile human agents rather than from natural calamity, emphasizing purposeful infliction of pain intended to break the spirit of the faithful. Occurrences in the New Testament Hebrews alone employs the word, once in the survey of Old Testament saints and once in an exhortation to New Covenant believers: • Hebrews 11:37 records unnamed heroes who were “destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.” Their maltreatment forms part of the catalog of trials that could not sever them from faith. Connection to Old Testament Witnesses The plight of the prophets—mocked, imprisoned, sawn in two, driven into deserts—stands behind Hebrews 11:37. Their endurance foreshadows the righteous Sufferer of Isaiah 53 and anticipates the church’s share in the same hostility (Matthew 5:12). Thus the word gathers up centuries of covenantal opposition into a single expression of unbroken fidelity amid abuse. Historical Setting for the Book of Hebrews The audience had “endured a great conflict of suffering” (Hebrews 10:32). Some had lost property; others faced imprisonment. The call to remember the “mistreated” demonstrates that persecution was neither isolated nor theoretical. By choosing this term, the author unites past martyrs and present believers in one stream of redemptive history. Theological Themes Suffering as a Refiner of Faith Affliction is not incidental; it purifies allegiance (1 Peter 1:6-7). Those “mistreated” become exhibits of faith’s authenticity, proving that the gospel is worth more than comfort. Communion of Saints in Adversity Hebrews 13:3 grounds solidarity in the shared “body” of Christ. Believers are to regard another’s chains as their own, illustrating Paul’s principle: “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Eschatological Reward The mistreated saints “were looking for a city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Present adversity, therefore, is interpreted through the lens of future vindication, echoing Jesus’ promise in Matthew 5:12. Ministry and Pastoral Applications Intercession and Practical Support Prayer, visitation, legal advocacy, and material aid fulfill the imperative to “remember.” The church throughout history—whether under Roman emperors, medieval inquisitions, or modern regimes—has applied this verse to organize relief for prisoners of conscience. Identification with the Body Empathy is cultivated by imagining oneself “bound with them.” This disciplines the heart against indifference and fosters courage, since today’s comfort can become tomorrow’s captivity (James 5:10-11). Witness before the World When believers meet mistreatment with endurance and love, the gospel gains credibility (Philippians 1:12-14). The term therefore carries missional significance: how Christians bear oppression testifies to the worth of Christ. Christological Perspective Jesus Himself was betrayed, mocked, scourged, and crucified. His followers, joined to Him, participate in His sufferings that they might also share His glory (Romans 8:17). The word thus points ultimately to the Man of Sorrows, whose redemptive mistreatment secured salvation for all who trust in Him. Summary Strong’s Greek 2558 encapsulates the deliberate maltreatment of God’s people across both covenants. It reminds the church that persecution is a normative mark of faithful witness, binds believers together in compassionate solidarity, and focuses hope on the coming kingdom where every injustice will be reversed. Forms and Transliterations εκακουχήθη εκακουχήθης κακουχήσω κακουχουμενοι κακουχούμενοι κακουχουμενων κακουχουμένων κακόφρονι κακοφροσύνη κακόφρων kakouchoumenoi kakouchoúmenoi kakouchoumenon kakouchoumenōn kakouchouménon kakouchouménōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 11:37 V-PPM/P-NMPGRK: ὑστερούμενοι θλιβόμενοι κακουχούμενοι NAS: afflicted, ill-treated KJV: being destitute, afflicted, tormented; INT: being destitute being oppressed being mistreated Hebrews 13:3 V-PPM/P-GMP Strong's Greek 2558 |
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