κολακεία
kolakeía
G2850 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Speech or behavior designed to ingratiate oneself with another, typically by excessive or insincere praise; the act or expression of flattery, with an aim to gain favor or advantage. In various contexts, the term denotes insincere compliments intended to manipulate or curry favor, and may also imply deception or duplicity behind the praise.
Semantic Range
flattery, insincere praise, adulation for self-advantage, fawning, sycophancy, manipulative speech, ingratiating behavior
Root / Etymology
Derived from the noun κολακεύς (a flatterer, fawner), itself from the verb κολακεύω (to flatter), with the suffix -εία forming an abstract noun. The root is κολακ-.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Κολακεία appears in late Classical and especially Hellenistic and Koine Greek as the standard term for the act or practice of flattery. While κολακεύω is occasionally attested in early Greek, the abstract noun κολακεία becomes prominent in post-Classical usage. In the Septuagint and New Testament contexts, it consistently refers to insincere or manipulative speech, contrasting with terms for genuine encouragement or praise. The word carries a pejorative connotation, suggesting self-serving behavior rather than simple compliment. English translations often render it as 'flattery'; however, the underlying Greek implies both the act and the motivation. Distinct from related virtues such as παρρησία (frankness, openness) or εὐλογία (blessing/speaking well), κολακεία denotes a vice associated with duplicity. The Septuagint uses κολακεία sparingly, and in the New Testament it is associated with negative ethical judgment (see 1 Thess 2:5). The English term 'flattering' in translations may not fully convey the manipulative element present in the Greek usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of (a fawner); flattery:-- X flattering.
Root Family
κολακ- (kolakeía) — to flatter, to fawn, to ingratiate
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2850-01 |
κολακίας | kolakias | N GEN F SG |
flattery | of ingratiating flattery | of flattery | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2850-01 |
1 Thessalonians 2:5 | κολακίας | kolakias | N GEN F SG |
flattery | of ingratiating flattery | of flattery |