Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, "evils" refer to actions, thoughts, or conditions that are contrary to the will and nature of God. The concept of evil is multifaceted, encompassing moral, natural, and spiritual dimensions. The Bible addresses evils as both a personal and a collective reality, affecting individuals, communities, and the entire creation.
Moral EvilMoral evil is the result of human actions that are contrary to God's commandments. It is often associated with sin, which is the transgression of divine law. The Bible provides numerous examples of moral evils, such as idolatry, murder, theft, and deceit. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly outlines behaviors that are considered evil (
Exodus 20:1-17). The prophet Isaiah warns, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness" (
Isaiah 5:20).
Natural EvilNatural evil refers to suffering and pain resulting from natural phenomena, such as diseases, disasters, and death. While these are not caused by human actions, they are often seen as a consequence of the fallen state of the world due to sin. The Apostle Paul writes, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time" (
Romans 8:22), indicating that the natural world is affected by the presence of evil.
Spiritual EvilSpiritual evil is embodied in the presence and actions of Satan and demonic forces. The Bible describes Satan as the adversary of God and humanity, seeking to lead people away from righteousness. In the New Testament, Jesus encounters and overcomes demonic forces, demonstrating His authority over spiritual evil (
Mark 1:23-27). The Apostle Peter warns believers to be vigilant, "because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (
1 Peter 5:8).
The Origin of EvilThe origin of evil is a complex theological issue. The Bible attributes the entrance of evil into the world to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). This original sin brought about a separation from God and introduced moral and natural evils into human experience. The Apostle Paul explains, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned" (
Romans 5:12).
God's Sovereignty and EvilDespite the presence of evil, the Bible affirms God's sovereignty and ultimate authority over all creation. God can use even evil circumstances to fulfill His purposes and bring about good. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, later tells them, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" (
Genesis 50:20).
The Defeat of EvilThe Bible promises the ultimate defeat of evil through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection provide victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe. The Apostle John writes, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil" (1
John 3:8). In the eschatological vision of Revelation, evil is finally vanquished, and God establishes a new heaven and a new earth where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (
Revelation 21:4).
Human ResponsibilityBelievers are called to resist evil and pursue righteousness. The Apostle Paul exhorts, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (
Romans 12:21). Christians are encouraged to put on the "full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil (
Ephesians 6:11) and to pray for deliverance from evil, as taught in the Lord's Prayer: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (
Matthew 6:13).
Strong's Hebrew
7451a. ra -- bad, evil... 1), displeased (1), displeasing (1), distressing (1), evil (124), evil man (3),
evil men (4), evil things (4), evildoer (1), evildoers* (1),
evils (1), great (1
... 7463a. raah -- evil, misery, distress, injury
... 1), calamity (47), disaster (22), discomfort (1), distress (2), distresses (1),
evil (112), evil deeds (1), evildoer* (1), evildoing (1), evils (5), great ...
Library
The Church and Social Evils
... THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH THE CHURCH AND SOCIAL EVILS. 'It came to pass, when
I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned ...
Whether God Wills Evils?
... THE WILL OF GOD (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether God wills evils? Objection 1: It seems
that God wills evils. For every good that exists, God wills. ...
In what Sense Evils are from God.
... Against the Epistle of Manich??us Called Fundamental. Chapter 39. "In What
Sense Evils are from God. 45. Not only is it written ...
Admitted Evils.
... Book X. Chapter VIII."Admitted Evils. Then my father answered: "But as
the harmfulness of an inharmonious conjunction of elements ...
Evils of Adultery.
... Homily IV. Chapter XXI."Evils of Adultery. ... And how many other evils naturally
spring from adultery! And the secret evils we do not know. ...
Uses of Evils.
... Book IX. Chapter VIII."Uses of Evils. "But perhaps you will say, that
in those things indeed in which the necessity of nature ...
Ignorance the Mother of Evils.
... Book V. Chapter IV."Ignorance the Mother of Evils. "From [753] all these
things, therefore, it is concluded that all evil springs ...
Evils Brought in by Sin.
... Book VIII. Chapter LI."Evils Brought in by Sin. "But by the freedom of
the will, every man, while he is unbelieving in regard ...
The Jews, Afflicted with Innumerable Evils, Commenced the Last War ...
... Book II. Chapter XXVI."The Jews, afflicted with Innumerable Evils, commenced
the Last War Against the Romans. 1. Josephus again ...
Many Evils Before his Commingling with Evil are Attributed to the ...
... Chapter 43. "Many Evils Before His Commingling with Evil are Attributed
to the Nature of God by the Manich??ans. What if we should ...
Thesaurus
Evils (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Evils (26 Occurrences). Mark 7:23 all these
evils do
come forth from within, and they defile the man.' (YLT NIV).
...Unnumbered (9 Occurrences)
... be moved against them, and I will be turned away from them, veiling my face from
them, and destruction will overtake them, and unnumbered evils and troubles ...
Distresses (20 Occurrences)
... hath burned against it in that day, and I have forsaken them, and hidden My face
from them, and it hath been for consumption, and many evils and distresses ...
Difficulties (4 Occurrences)
... shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide
my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles ...
Befallen (20 Occurrences)
... shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide
my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles ...
Choose (116 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To make choice of; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more
objects offered; to elect; as, to choose the least of two evils. ...
Evil (1503 Occurrences)
... We choose to discuss the subject under these heads. Many of the evils that come
upon men have not been intended by those who suffer for them. ...
Imputation
... It is, moreover, introduced to explain, not an advance of the race, but the entrance
of sin into the world, and the connection of certain penal evils with sin. ...
Troubles (94 Occurrences)
... shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide
my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles ...
Veiling (2 Occurrences)
... be moved against them, and I will be turned away from them, veiling my face from
them, and destruction will overtake them, and unnumbered evils and troubles ...
Resources
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