Evil

In the Bible, the term "evil" encompasses a range of meanings that include moral wickedness, calamity, and adversity. The Hebrew word "ra" (רַע) is often used in the Old Testament to denote moral evil or wickedness, as seen in Genesis 6:5, which states that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth." This emphasizes a moral quality that stands in opposition to God's character and His commandments. Additionally, "ra" can refer to natural disasters or calamities, as in Isaiah 45:7, where God declares, "I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil."In the New Testament, the Greek word "kakos" (κακός) signifies moral evil or badness, while "poneros" (πονηρός) can refer to an evil person or a malevolent force. The concept of evil is also connected to the spiritual realm, where it embodies the opposition to God's will and the presence of Satan as the embodiment of evil (John 10:10). Ultimately, biblical references to evil serve to highlight the contrast between God's holiness and human sinfulness, illustrating the need for redemption through Christ, who overcame evil (1 John 3:8).

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