κακολογέω

I speak evil of, curse

Definition

The verb κακολογέω means to speak evil of someone, to curse, revile, or abuse verbally. It involves using harmful, slanderous, or insulting language directed at another person. In its biblical usage, it can refer to speaking against parents (Matthew 15:4, Mark 7:10), which is explicitly condemned in the Law, or to speaking against the name of Jesus and his followers (Mark 9:39). In Acts 19:9, it describes public slander against the Christian faith.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels and Acts. It is used in legal or ethical contexts concerning speech. In Matthew 15:4 and Mark 7:10, Jesus quotes the commandment against 'speaking evil of' (cursing) one's father or mother. In Mark 9:39, Jesus says no one who does a miracle in his name can soon after 'speak evil of' him. In Acts 19:9, it describes opponents in the synagogue 'speaking evil of' the Way (the Christian movement) before the public.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective κακός (kakos, G2556), meaning 'bad' or 'evil,' and the verb λέγω (legō, G3004), meaning 'to speak' or 'to say.' Thus, it literally means 'to speak evil' or 'to say bad things.' It is a compound verb that clearly denotes the harmful intent of the speech.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the biblical seriousness of harmful speech, especially as it violates core commandments about honoring parents (Exodus 20:12) and loving one's neighbor. Jesus elevates the commandment against κακολογέω in Matthew 15:4, showing that verbal abuse is a heart issue with moral weight equal to physical actions. Understanding this term enriches reading by showing that 'cursing' in these passages is not just profanity but encompasses slander, disrespect, and malicious talk that damages relationships and community.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish honor-shame culture, public speech that dishonored a person—especially one's parents or a respected teacher—was a severe social and religious transgression. The commandment Jesus references (Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9) prescribed the death penalty for cursing parents, indicating the extreme gravity attached to such speech in maintaining family and social order.

βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō, G987) — generally 'to blaspheme' or 'slander,' often with a focus on speech against God or sacred things. καταλαλέω (katalaleō, G2635) — 'to speak against' or 'defame,' with a strong connotation of gossip or backbiting.

Word Details

Scripture References