Malefactor
TextsWhat is the meaning of Malefactor in the Bible?
The English term 'malefactor' serves as a translation for two distinct Greek words in the New Testament: kakopoios, denoting a bad doer, and kakourgos, referring to a wrongdoer or criminal.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the distinction between these two Greek terms allows readers to better understand the legal and moral distinctions made in the biblical narrative regarding the individuals crucified alongside Jesus, specifically differentiating between a repentant criminal and a defiant one.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Malefactor functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Malefactor in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Malefactor clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Malefactor." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/malefactor/