κακία (kakia)
kakia
evil
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kakia refers to a deep-seated quality of wickedness or moral depravity. It is not merely a single bad action, but an inherent character trait defined by malignity and ill-will. The sources note that it stands in direct opposition to aretē, or excellence, suggesting that it represents the fundamental corruption of human nature rather than just isolated faults.
This word carries significant weight in the New Testament’s ethical instructions. Paul uses it to describe the list of sins that characterize life outside of Christ, such as in Romans 1:29 and Ephesians 4:31. It appears frequently in pastoral letters like Titus and 1 Peter, where believers are urged to strip away this depravity to live righteously. James 1:21 specifically highlights it as something to be received with meekness, implying that recognizing this internal corruption is the first step toward spiritual growth.
While often translated simply as "evil," kakia points more precisely to a malicious disposition. It distinguishes itself from general wrongdoing by emphasizing the intent to harm or the presence of envy and strife. In 1 Corinthians 5:8, for instance, it is paired with malice in a call to purity, reinforcing that this evil is active and relational, not just abstract.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter this word in Scripture, it points to more than just a single bad choice. It describes a deep-seated character trait defined by ill-will and moral corruption. This is not merely about making mistakes, but about the underlying disposition that seeks harm or operates from envy. Recognizing this internal state is vital because it reveals the true condition of the heart before God.
The New Testament writers urge believers to strip away this depravity to live righteously. In Ephesians 4:31, for example, Paul lists it alongside bitterness and anger, showing that it disrupts relationships and community. By putting it aside, we make room for the implanted word to save our souls, as James 1:21 suggests. This process is not about perfectionism, but about honest acknowledgment and reliance on grace.
Understanding this concept helps us see why spiritual growth requires humility. We cannot simply ignore these tendencies; we must actively put them away. This awareness invites us to examine our own hearts with honesty, trusting that God’s word has the power to transform even our deepest flaws. It is a call to purity, not through our own strength, but through the truth and sincerity found in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- malice,2×
- malice2×
- wickedness1×
- trouble1×
- of wickedness1×
- of malice1×
- malice.1×
- for evil1×
- evil1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κακίας4×
- κακίᾳ2×
- κακίᾳ.1×
- κακίᾳ,1×
- κακίαν,1×
- κακίαν1×
- κακία1×
Key Verses
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James 1:21
Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
This verse uniquely pairs the word with humility, framing the removal of wickedness as a prerequisite for receiving God's saving word.
-
Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice.
Here the term is grouped with relational sins like bitterness and slander, highlighting its destructive impact on community life.
-
Titus 3:3
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Paul uses this word to describe the pre-conversion state of believers, linking it directly to envy and hatred.