κακοῦργος

a criminal

Definition

The adjective κακοῦργος literally means 'an evil-worker' or 'one who does bad deeds.' In the New Testament, it is used specifically to denote a criminal or malefactor, someone guilty of serious offenses against society or the law. In Luke 23:32, 33, 39, it describes the two men crucified alongside Jesus, clearly identifying them as condemned criminals. In 2 Timothy 2:9, Paul uses it of himself metaphorically, stating he is suffering 'as an evildoer' (κακοῦργος) for the gospel, highlighting the false charges and criminal treatment he endures for his faith.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament. Its primary usage is in the Gospel of Luke's crucifixion narrative (Luke 23:32, 33, 39), where it categorizes the two individuals executed with Jesus. The final occurrence is in 2 Timothy 2:9, where Paul applies the term to himself in a legal or accusatory sense, illustrating how his missionary work was viewed by Roman authorities as a criminal activity. The pattern shows it describes someone officially condemned or accused of serious wrongdoing.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words κακός (kakos, G2556), meaning 'bad' or 'evil,' and ἔργον (ergon, G2041), meaning 'work' or 'deed.' It is a compound word that literally translates to 'evil-worker.' This straightforward etymology directly informs its biblical meaning of a person who commits wicked or criminal acts.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it frames the crucifixion of Jesus. He was crucified between two κακοῦργοι (criminals), fully identifying with the condemned and outcast (Luke 23:33). This underscores the nature of his atoning sacrifice—the sinless one counted among the transgressors. Furthermore, when Paul calls himself a κακοῦργος in 2 Timothy 2:9, it reveals the world's hostile perception of the gospel and the cost of discipleship, where doing God's work can be falsely labeled as criminal by earthly powers.

In the Roman world, a κακοῦργος was not just a minor offender but someone guilty of serious crimes like robbery, insurrection, or murder, often deserving of severe punishment like crucifixion. The term carried a strong social stigma of being a dangerous public menace. This context makes the scene at Calvary and Paul's imprisonment more potent; Jesus was executed in the company of society's worst, and Paul's gospel ministry was placed in the same category as violent crime by the state.

ἁμαρτωλός (hamartōlos, G268) — A broader term for 'sinner,' often with moral or religious connotations, not necessarily a legal criminal. παράνομος (paranomos, G459) — Specifically means 'lawless' or 'one who acts contrary to law,' emphasizing transgression of legal or divine law.

Word Details

Scripture References