Two Greek words—κακία and κακοήθεια—provide insight into the inner world of moral corruption in the New Testament. While both relate to evil or badness, their applications are distinct. κακία denotes general moral depravity or wickedness in character. κακοήθεια, however, highlights malicious intent—particularly a disposition of evil-thinking or malevolence toward others. This article traces their usage, meaning, and theological significance within the biblical framework of sin and transformation.
Lexical Definitions and Word Origins
- κακία – Derived from the adjective κακός (“bad,” “evil”), this noun denotes badness, wickedness, or moral evil. It is a broad term encompassing moral corruption, harmful behavior, and general opposition to the good.
- κακοήθεια – A compound of κακός (“evil”) and ἦθος (“character” or “disposition”), literally meaning “evil character” or “malicious disposition.” It denotes a deep-seated bad nature, often translated as “malice” or “spite.”
While κακία can be general or external, κακοήθεια tends to describe inner malevolence—an evil bent of heart and mind, especially toward others.
κακία in the New Testament: Evil as Moral Depravity
κακία appears 11 times in the New Testament and is often found in vice lists or exhortations to put away sinful behaviors. It covers a wide range of moral evils, especially those opposed to righteousness and purity:
- 1 Corinthians 5:8: “Let us therefore celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, the leaven of κακίας and wickedness…”
- Ephesians 4:31: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all κακίαν.”
- 1 Peter 2:1: “Putting away all κακίαν and all deceit and hypocrisy…”
Paul and Peter use this word to describe the old way of life—behavior that is corrupt, destructive, and contrary to the Spirit. It is often paired with other sins, suggesting its encompassing nature as a foundation of various forms of evil.
κακοήθεια in the New Testament: Malice and Evil Intent
κακοήθεια is much rarer, appearing only once in the New Testament—in Colossians 3:8:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice (κακοήθειαν), slander…”
Here, κακοήθεια is not just evil behavior but an inner attitude of malice. It describes the inclination to think or plan evil against others—a hardened, ill-natured disposition. It is more personal than κακία, suggesting hostility or bitterness directed toward people.
Comparison in Classical and Jewish Thought
In classical Greek usage, both terms appear in moral philosophy. κακία is the generic term for vice—opposite to virtue (ἀρετή). κακοήθεια is more specific: the disposition of someone who enjoys harming others or holds grudges. Aristotle classified it among moral failings that stem from character defects.
In the Septuagint and Jewish writings, κακία is frequently used to translate the Hebrew רָעָה (ra‘ah)—general evil. κακοήθεια corresponds more closely with words for deep-seated malice or “evil inclination” (yetzer hara). The NT authors, immersed in this dual heritage, used both with theological precision.
Semantic and Theological Comparison
| Term | Meaning | Focus | NT Usage | Spiritual Implication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| κακία | Wickedness, evil | General moral corruption | Vice lists, ethical exhortation | Old nature to be rejected in Christ |
| κακοήθεια | Malice, spite | Hostile evil disposition | Colossians 3:8 only | Attitude of animosity incompatible with the gospel |
Putting Off Evil, Putting On Christ
In Christian theology, both κακία and κακοήθεια represent the old self—characteristics of the fallen nature that must be stripped away through repentance and spiritual renewal. They stand opposed to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and the love that fulfills the law (Romans 13:10).
While κακία is the broad moral darkness of sin, κακοήθεια reveals sin’s bitterness—its tendency to dwell in the heart, to fester, and to poison relationships. The gospel doesn’t just restrain behavior—it transforms hearts. In Christ, both moral evil and malicious thinking are conquered by grace and replaced with compassion, kindness, and sincere love.
