κακόω (kakoō)
kakoō
to harm
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kakoō means to harm, mistreat, or afflict someone. Derived from the word for "bad" or "evil," it describes active hostility rather than passive neglect. In the New Testament, it appears in only six verses, primarily in Acts and 1 Peter, where it captures the experience of believers facing opposition.
Its usage often involves physical or social oppression. Stephen recounts how Joseph was kakoōed by his brothers in Egypt (Acts 7:19), while Paul receives encouragement that no one will kakoō him during his ministry in Corinth (Acts 18:10). In 1 Peter 3:13, it describes those who might seek to harm believers for doing good.
A notable nuance appears in Acts 14:2, where hostile Jews kakoō the souls of the Gentiles. Here, the term carries a sense of embittering or poisoning their perception of the faith. This usage highlights how verbal malice can inflict spiritual distress, extending the concept of harm beyond physical injury to include the corruption of relationships and truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kakoō reminds us that doing right can sometimes invite opposition. It describes active hostility, not just indifference. When we choose kindness in a difficult workplace or family setting, we might face pushback. This is not a sign of failure but a familiar part of the Christian journey.
In 1 Peter 3:13, believers are asked who will actually harm them if they pursue good. This question offers deep comfort. It suggests that when we stand for truth, God’s protection often surrounds us even when enemies rise up. We do not need to fear retaliation because our ultimate safety lies with Him.
History shows this pattern clearly. Joseph was mistreated by his brothers, yet God used that pain for greater good. Paul was assured no one would harm him in Corinth. These stories encourage us to keep walking in goodness, trusting that God sees every act of kindness and every moment of injustice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will harm1×
- to mistreat1×
- to harm1×
- they will mistreat [it]1×
- they poisoned1×
- he mistreated1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κακῶσαί2×
- ἐκάκωσεν1×
- ἐκάκωσαν1×
- κακώσων1×
- κακώσουσιν1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 3:13
Now who will harm you if you become imitators of that which is good?
This verse uses the word to challenge believers to consider whether any real harm can touch them when they actively imitate God's goodness.
-
Acts 7:19
The same took advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers, and forced them to abandon their babies, so that they wouldn’t stay alive.
Here the term describes the severe mistreatment of Joseph’s ancestors, showing how systemic oppression was used to try to destroy God’s chosen people.
-
Acts 18:10
for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
Jesus uses this word to promise Paul specific protection from attackers in Corinth, highlighting divine safeguarding during ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word kakoō mean?
How is this word different from general suffering?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)
Acts 5 verses
God spoke in this way: that his offspring would live as aliens in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and…
Acts 7:19The same took advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers, and forced them to abandon their babies, so that they…
Acts 12:1Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
Acts 14:2But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.
Acts 18:10for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”