"to harm, mistreat, cause evil to, oppress, Acts 7:6, 19; 12:1; 18:10; 1 Pet. 3:13; in NT to make angry, embitter, Acts 14:2*"
Definition and meaning
to harm, mistreat, cause evil to, oppress, Acts 7:6, 19; 12:1; 18:10; 1 Pet. 3:13; in NT to make angry, embitter, Acts 14:2*
In the original Greek the word is written: κακόω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of kakoo (G2559) across the King James Bible.
And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
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Common questions
Strong's G2559 (kakoo) is a Greek word that means: to harm, mistreat, cause evil to, oppress, Acts 7:6, 19; 12:1; 18:10; 1 Pet. 3:13; in NT to make angry, embitter, Acts 14:2* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word kakoo (G2559) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2559 is kakoo, a Greek word defined as: to harm, mistreat, cause evil to, oppress, Acts 7:6, 19; 12:1; 18:10; 1 Pet. 3:13; in NT to make angry, embitter, Acts 14:2*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
kakoo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.