Lexical Summary kolakeia: Flattery Original Word: κολακεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flattering. From a derivative of kolax (a fawner); flattery -- X flattering. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originakin to kolax (flatterer) Definition flattery NASB Translation flattering (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2850: κολακείακολακεία (T WH κολακια (see Iota)), κολακείας, ἡ (κολεκεύω), flattery: λόγος κολακείας, flattering discourse, 1 Thessalonians 2:5. (Plato, Demosthenes, Theophrastus, Josephus, Herodian, others.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 2850, kolakeia, refers to speech designed to ingratiate, manipulate, or gain advantage by appealing to another’s vanity. Unlike genuine encouragement, kolakeia is self-serving, concealing ulterior motives beneath pleasant words. Usage in the New Testament The term appears once, in 1 Thessalonians 2:5. Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers, “For, as you know, we never used words of flattery nor any pretext for greed. God is our witness.” His negative statement serves to authenticate the purity of his apostolic ministry. By disavowing flattery, Paul distances himself from traveling sophists and itinerant teachers who exploited audiences for honor, influence, or financial gain. Flattery in the Old Testament and Intertestamental Literature While kolakeia itself is not used in the Septuagint, the concept saturates Hebrew wisdom literature: These passages frame flattery as deceit that snares both speaker and hearer. Second Temple writings (e.g., Sirach 20:29-30) echo the same warning, showing continuity between Testaments. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world flattery was a recognized tool of politicians, patrons, rhetoricians, and court poets. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Plutarch critiqued kolakeia for undermining civic virtue. Paul’s audience, familiar with such social dynamics, would immediately grasp the contrast between manipulative sophistry and Spirit-empowered gospel proclamation. Theological Significance 1. Nature of God: Scripture presents God as the God of truth (Numbers 23:19; John 14:6). Flattery, rooted in falsehood, stands in direct opposition to His character. Related Greek and Hebrew Terms • Strong’s Greek 5538, chrestologia – “smooth talk,” Romans 16:18. These cognates demonstrate a broader biblical concern with speech that entices yet destroys. Warnings Against Flattery in Christian Ministry • Romans 16:17-18 – False teachers “by smooth talk and flattery deceive the hearts of the naive.” The apostolic writings consistently associate flattery with heresy, greed, and division. Positive Contrast: Sincere Speech and God-Pleasing Motives Believers are commanded to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and to have speech “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Genuine encouragement builds up (1 Thessalonians 5:11) whereas flattery manipulates. The model is Jesus Christ, whose gracious words (Luke 4:22) were never self-seeking. Practical and Pastoral Implications • Discernment: Congregations should evaluate teaching by biblical substance rather than flattering style. Conclusion Kolakeia represents a subtle yet dangerous sin of the tongue. Scripture exposes its underlying greed and pride, warns of its destructive consequences, and sets forth truthful, Christ-centered speech as the mark of faithful ministry and holy living. Forms and Transliterations κεκολαμμένα κεκολαμμένη κεκολαμμένης κεκολαμμένους κολακείας κολακεύων κολακιας κολακίας κολαπτάς kolakeias kolakeíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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