κακοποιέω

I do harm, do wrong

Definition

κακοποιέω means 'to do harm, do wrong, or do evil.' It describes actively causing injury, injustice, or moral wrongdoing to others. In the Gospels, it appears in the context of healing on the Sabbath, questioning whether it is lawful 'to do good or to do harm' (Mark 3:4, Luke 6:9), contrasting beneficial action with harmful action. In the epistles, it carries a stronger ethical sense: 1 Peter 3:17 speaks of suffering for 'doing good' versus 'doing evil,' and 3 John 1:11 instructs believers not to imitate what is evil but what is good, directly linking the word to moral imitation.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative (Gospels) and exhortative (epistles) contexts. In Mark 3:4 and Luke 6:9, Jesus uses it in a public debate to contrast 'doing harm' with 'doing good,' framing a moral choice about Sabbath observance. In 1 Peter 3:17, it is used pastorally to comfort believers who might suffer unjustly, distinguishing suffering for evil deeds from suffering for righteousness. Finally, in 3 John 1:11, it appears in a direct ethical command, urging imitation of good and avoidance of evil doing.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective κακός (kakos, G2556) meaning 'bad, evil, harmful' and the verb ποιέω (poieō, G4160) meaning 'to do or make.' Thus, it literally means 'to do evil' or 'to make harm.' It is a compound verb that clearly conveys active, deliberate wrongdoing, as opposed to a state of being evil.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the biblical theme of active moral choice between good and evil. It underscores that wrongdoing is not merely a state but an action with consequences, relevant to discussions of sin, suffering (especially unjust suffering as in 1 Peter 3:17), and ethical imitation (3 John 1:11). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing the intentionality behind 'doing evil,' contrasting with the call to actively 'do good' (ἀγαθοποιέω, agathopoieō).

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'doing harm' (κακοποιέω) had legal and social connotations, often associated with public mischief, injury, or injustice. In the Jewish context of the Gospels, the Sabbath debate (Mark 3:4) would have resonated with interpretations of the Law regarding permissible actions. The term implies a violation of social or divine order, not just personal misbehavior.

ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō, G264) — to miss the mark, sin; a broader term for moral failure. ἀδικέω (adikeō, G91) — to do wrong, act unjustly; often with a focus on injustice. πονηρεύομαι (ponēreuomai, G4190) — to act wickedly; emphasizes malicious intent or character.

Word Details

Scripture References