κακῶς (kakōs)
kakōs
badly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb kakōs means to do something badly, wrongly, or in a harmful way. It describes actions that cause injury or speak with malice, covering both physical suffering and moral offense. In the Gospels, it frequently appears in contexts where Jesus encounters people who are ill or oppressed, highlighting the tangible reality of their distress.
Its usage splits into two clear areas. Physically, it describes being sick or afflicted, as seen when crowds bring the sick to Jesus (Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:32). Morally, it refers to speaking ill of someone or acting unjustly, such as when Peter is rebuked for cursing wrongly (Acts 23:5) or when Jesus warns against reviling leaders (John 18:23).
Derived from the adjective kakos ("bad" or "evil"), the adverb emphasizes the quality of the action itself. It is not merely a mistake but an act that inflicts harm, whether through disease or slander. This dual focus shows how early Christian texts linked physical suffering with social injustice, treating both as violations of human dignity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kakōs describes doing something badly, wrongly, or in a harmful way. In the Gospels, it often points to physical sickness and torment. When crowds brought the sick to Jesus, they were bringing those who had been treated poorly by life itself. His healing ministry addressed this tangible distress, restoring dignity to those who suffered.
It also covers moral harm, such as speaking ill of others or acting unjustly. Jesus warned against reviling leaders and rebuked Peter for cursing wrongly. This reminds us that our words can inflict real injury. True faith involves caring for both the physical needs of others and the integrity of our speech.
Understanding this word helps us see how Scripture links physical suffering with social injustice. It calls us to be agents of healing rather than harm. Whether in body or spirit, we are invited to reflect God’s care by treating others with kindness and respect.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sick10×
- wrongly1×
- miserably1×
- grievously1×
- evil [of].’1×
- evil1×
- badly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κακῶς15×
- κακῶς.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:24
The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.
This verse shows Jesus healing those who were sick, highlighting the physical aspect of being treated badly by illness.
-
John 18:23
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?”
Jesus uses this word to defend Himself against unjust beating, pointing out that His speech was not evil.
-
Acts 23:5
Paul said, “I didn’t know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
Paul cites Scripture to correct his own harsh words toward the high priest, showing the moral side of speaking wrongly.
-
Mark 1:34
He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.
This occurrence emphasizes Jesus’ compassion by noting He healed many who were sick with various diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kakōs mean in the Bible?
How is kakōs different from other words for evil?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 7 verses
The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases…
Matthew 8:16When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all…
Matthew 9:12When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Matthew 14:35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who…
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…
Matthew 17:15“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often…
Matthew 21:41They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers who…