κολακεία (kolakeia)
kolakeia
flattery
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kolakeia refers to flattery, specifically speech that is flattering with a view to gaining an advantage or favor. It describes a form of communication where praise is used instrumentally rather than sincerely, aiming to manipulate the listener’s feelings for personal benefit.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Thessalonians 2:5. Paul uses it to contrast his own ministry with that of false teachers or opportunistic preachers. By explicitly denying that he used kolakeia, Paul highlights the integrity and sincerity of his message, showing that he sought no human approval but spoke only as God required.
The term derives from a root related to fawning or ingratiating oneself. In this single biblical occurrence, it carries a strong negative connotation, representing a distortion of honest speech. It serves as a warning against using words not to build up truth, but to win people over through deceitful charm.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Paul writes to the Thessalonians with a clear conscience, stating that he never used flattery to win them over. The Greek word kolakeia describes speech designed to manipulate feelings for personal gain. In our own lives, we can recognize this pattern when praise is offered not out of sincerity, but to secure favor or avoid conflict.
This single occurrence in Scripture serves as a gentle check on our motives. It invites us to examine whether our words build up truth or simply seek approval. Paul’s example shows that integrity means speaking honestly, even when it is difficult, trusting God rather than human opinion for validation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of flattery1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κολακείας1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 2:5
For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),
Paul explicitly denies using flattery to contrast his sincere ministry with opportunistic preachers who sought personal advantage.