κακοῦργος (kakourgos)
kakourgos
criminal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective kakourgos literally means "evil-worker," describing someone whose actions are defined by wickedness rather than mere mistake. In the New Testament, it functions as a substantive noun for a criminal or malefactor, carrying the weight of intentional wrongdoing.
This term appears only four times in Scripture, primarily in Luke’s Gospel and Second Timothy. It is used to describe the two bandits crucified alongside Jesus (Luke 23:32-39) and Paul’s reference to being treated like a criminal during his imprisonment (2 Timothy 2:9). The word highlights the moral character of the act, distinguishing these individuals from those who might be punished for political dissent or accidental harm.
Its root combines kakos ("bad" or "evil") with ergon ("work"). This construction emphasizes that their identity is tied to their deeds. Translators typically render it as "criminal" or "malefactor," capturing the legal and moral gravity of a person known for evil conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word kakourgos describes someone defined by their evil actions, literally meaning "evil-worker." In the New Testament, it identifies those whose lives are marked by intentional wrongdoing rather than simple error or accident. This term carries significant moral weight, distinguishing true criminals from those punished for political dissent or mistakes.
Its most striking use appears at Calvary, where two men labeled as kakourgos were crucified alongside Jesus. One of them turned to Christ in faith, finding grace despite his past. This shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, regardless of how their life has been recorded.
Paul also uses this word to describe his own suffering in prison, feeling treated like a common criminal for preaching the Gospel. Yet he reminds us that while chains can bind a person, they cannot chain God’s word. Your faith remains secure even when society misunderstands or mistreats you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- criminals2×
- criminals,1×
- an evildoer,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κακοῦργος,1×
- κακοῦργοι1×
- κακούργων1×
- κακούργους,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 23:39
One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”
This verse highlights the dramatic contrast between a man labeled a criminal and his sudden turn to faith, showing that identity is not fixed by past deeds.
-
II Timothy 2:9
in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.
Paul uses this term to describe his imprisonment, emphasizing that while human authorities can restrict his body, they cannot restrict the power of God's message.
-
Luke 23:32
There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death.
This introduction sets the scene by identifying the two men as criminals, establishing the legal and moral gravity of their situation alongside Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word kakourgos mean?
How is kakourgos different from other words for sinner?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Luke 3 verses
There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death.
Luke 23:33When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right…
Luke 23:39One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”