κακοποιέω (kakopoieō)
kakopoieō
to do evil/harm
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kakopoieō means to do harm or to commit an act of evil. It combines the words for "bad" and "to make," describing the active practice of wrongdoing rather than a passive state. In the New Testament, it appears in only four verses, often highlighting the contrast between doing good and doing harm.
Jesus uses this term when questioning religious leaders about healing on the Sabbath (Mark 3:4; Luke 6:9), asking whether it is lawful to do good or to do evil. Peter also employs it in 1 Peter 3:17, noting that it is better to suffer for doing good if that is God’s will, than for doing evil. The third occurrence appears in 3 John 11, where believers are urged not to imitate evil but to imitate what is good.
This word underscores the moral choice between constructive and destructive actions. Its rare usage in Scripture gives it significant weight, drawing attention to the ethical decisions that define a person’s character and relationship with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kakopoieō describes the active choice to do harm or commit wrongdoing. It is not a passive state but a deliberate action that damages others and separates us from God’s nature. Jesus used this term when challenging religious leaders, asking whether it was lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath. This question highlights that inaction can sometimes be as harmful as active evil.
Living out our faith means making daily choices that reflect God’s goodness. When we choose kindness over cruelty, or justice over indifference, we align ourselves with His character. The apostle Peter reminds us that suffering for doing good is far better than suffering for doing evil. This distinction calls us to examine our motives and actions closely.
As you navigate your relationships and responsibilities, consider how your choices impact those around you. Small acts of harm may seem insignificant, but they accumulate over time. Conversely, intentional goodness builds trust and reflects God’s love. Let this awareness guide your steps toward a life that honors Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to do evil?2×
- doing evil;1×
- doing evil1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κακοποιῶν1×
- κακοποιῆσαι;1×
- κακοποιῆσαι,1×
- κακοποιοῦντας·1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 3:4
He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do harm? To save a life or to kill?” But they were silent.
Jesus uses the word to challenge religious leaders about their willingness to cause harm versus showing mercy on the Sabbath.
-
Luke 6:9
Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you something: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?”
This occurrence parallels Mark’s account, emphasizing that failing to do good can itself be an act of evil.