κακολογέω (kakologeō)
kakologeō
to curse/revile
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kakologeō means to speak ill of someone, carrying the sense of reviling or abusive speech. It is a compound word built from roots meaning "bad" and "word," so it literally describes bad-speaking. In the New Testament, this term appears in only four verses, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, as well as in Acts.
Its usage highlights a sharp contrast in attitudes toward spiritual authority. Jesus warns against honoring parents less than God by citing the command not to "speak evil" of father or mother (Matthew 15:4; Mark 7:10). Later, when John the Baptist’s disciples complain that Jesus’ ministry is drawing crowds away, Jesus rebukes their harsh criticism of His work (Mark 9:39). In Acts, the term describes the slanderous speech directed at the early Christian movement in Ephesus (Acts 19:9).
Translators often render this word as "revile" or "speak evil," which captures its negative moral weight better than neutral terms like "criticize." The sources indicate it involves malicious intent rather than mere disagreement. By limiting its occurrence to these specific confrontations, the text emphasizes that such speech is a serious breach of community and respect.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kakologeō literally means to speak badly about someone. It is more than simple criticism; it carries a sense of malice and disrespect. In the New Testament, Jesus uses this term when quoting Scripture to warn against dishonoring parents. He connects harsh speech with serious consequences, showing that how we talk about others matters deeply to God.
Jesus also warns His followers not to hinder those who work in His name, even if they are not part of the immediate group. This suggests that speaking ill of fellow believers or their ministries is a significant spiritual failure. Instead of judging or reviling, Christians are called to recognize good work wherever it appears.
When we face opposition or see others struggling, our response reveals our heart. Choosing kindness over harsh words honors God and builds up the community. Let us guard our tongues, speaking truth with grace, and reflect the love of Christ in all our interactions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- speaking evil of3×
- to speak evil of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κακολογῶν2×
- κακολογῆσαί1×
- κακολογοῦντες1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 15:4
For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’
Jesus cites this command to show that honoring parents is a serious duty, linking harsh speech to divine judgment.
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Mark 7:10
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother;’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’
This parallel account reinforces the weight of the command against reviling one's parents as a violation of God's law.
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Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name and be able quickly to speak evil of me.
Jesus uses this term to correct His disciples, teaching them not to restrict others who perform good works in His name.
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Acts 19:9
But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
The early church faced slander from those hardened against the faith, highlighting the social cost of speaking evil of the Way.