Strong's Lexicon kolakeia: Flattery Original Word: κολακεία Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb κολακεύω (kolakeuō), meaning "to flatter." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "kolakeia," the concept of flattery can be related to Hebrew words like חֲלַק (ḥalaq), meaning "smooth" or "deceptive," as seen in passages like Psalm 12:2. Usage: The term "kolakeia" refers to insincere praise or excessive compliments given with the intention of gaining favor or advantage. In the biblical context, it often carries a negative connotation, highlighting deceitful or manipulative speech that lacks genuine love or truth. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, flattery was often viewed with suspicion, as it was associated with manipulation and deceit. Philosophers like Aristotle criticized flattery as a vice, contrasting it with genuine friendship. In the Greco-Roman world, flattery was commonly used in political and social contexts to gain influence or favor from those in power. The early Christian community, valuing truth and sincerity, would have been wary of such practices, emphasizing honest and loving communication. 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.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flattering. From a derivative of kolax (a fawner); flattery -- X flattering. 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 |