κακοήθεια
evil-mindedness
Definition
κακοήθεια refers to a deep-seated, settled disposition of evil character. It denotes a malicious and wicked nature that is inclined toward causing harm, often with a sense of cunning or craftiness. In its biblical usage, it describes a fundamental moral corruption that manifests in malicious intent and actions. The word carries a sense of enduring bad character, not just a single evil act, and is used in the New Testament to describe the depravity of the human heart apart from God.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 1:29. Here, it appears in a vice list cataloging the sinful behaviors of humanity that result from rejecting God. It is grouped with other terms describing internal moral corruption like envy, murder, and deceit, indicating it is a core component of the unrighteous character Paul is describing.
Etymology
Derived from the adjective κακός (kakos, G2556), meaning 'bad' or 'evil,' and ἦθος (ēthos, G2239), meaning 'custom,' 'habit,' or 'character.' Thus, κακοήθεια literally means 'bad character' or 'evil disposition.' It signifies an ingrained, habitual state of wickedness, a settled quality of one's moral nature.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it describes the inherent, deep-rooted sin nature of humanity. In Romans 1:29, it is part of Paul's argument for universal human sinfulness and depravity, showing that evil is not merely in actions but in the very character of the unregenerate heart. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Romans by highlighting that sin is a matter of fundamental disposition, not just behavior, underscoring the need for a transformed nature through Christ.
In ancient Greek thought, ἦθος (character) was a central concept in ethics, referring to one's ingrained moral habits. Κακοήθεια would thus be understood as a vice—a fixed and corrupt character trait. This contrasts with a modern tendency to view evil acts as isolated incidents, emphasizing instead a person's enduring moral state. In the biblical context, it aligns with the Jewish understanding of the 'evil inclination' (yetzer hara) of the human heart.
πονηρία (ponēria, G4189) — broader wickedness or iniquity; malice. κακία (kakia, G2549) — general badness, malice, vice. πικρία (pikria, G4088) — bitterness, harshness.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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