How does the Bible explain evil and suffering?

1. The Reality of Evil in Scripture

Evil is acknowledged throughout the Bible as a present and powerful force. From the earliest pages of Genesis to the prophetic visions of Revelation, Scripture affirms that evil is not an illusion but a real and destructive presence in the world. The Bible describes evil as that which opposes God’s perfect holiness and righteousness (see Psalm 5:4: “For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You”). This recognition sets the stage for understanding not only individual acts of wrongdoing but also the broader scope of suffering and injustice in creation.

Historically, many have questioned whether Scripture’s portrayal of evil fits with the evidence of human history. Archaeological findings—from the ruins of ancient Near Eastern cultures marked by violence to inscriptions documenting brutal warfare—support the biblical account that civilizations wrestled with corruption and brutality. These discoveries are consistent with the Bible’s portrayal of a fallen and sin-ridden human condition.

2. The Origin of Evil and the Fall of Humanity

The Bible presents the introduction of evil into the human realm in Genesis 3, when the serpent deceives Adam and Eve. Originally, God declared creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31). However, Genesis 3 narrates that Adam and Eve, exercising the free will granted them, disobeyed God’s command and ate from the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:6). This disobedience is commonly referred to as “the Fall” and signifies the entrance of sin—moral evil—into the world.

In this passage, the serpent embodies deception, emphasizing that evil often manifests as a distortion of truth. Subsequent biblical texts note how humanity inherits a tendency toward sin (Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin…”). Evil thus takes root both in human hearts and in social structures, extending suffering throughout human history.

3. Human Responsibility and the Spread of Suffering

Scripture holds individuals accountable for perpetuating evil. While the Fall introduced a universal inclination toward wrongdoing (Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”), this does not remove personal responsibility. The Bible frequently calls believers and non-believers alike to choose between right and wrong (Deuteronomy 30:19). The capacity for free choice explains why evil exists not as a mere abstract force but as the product of human decisions that lead to harmful actions, structures, and systems.

In cases such as the global corruption described in Genesis 6 leading to the Flood, the Bible underscores that humanity’s actions can escalate suffering on a large scale. Archaeological confirmations—such as flood accounts in several ancient civilizations—lend historical resonance to the breadth of human wrongdoing. Thus, evil and suffering spread, in part, through deliberate decisions that ignore or reject God’s moral commands.

4. The Purpose and Role of Suffering

Even as it acknowledges the horror of evil, the Bible also reveals divine purposes in allowing suffering. While complex, several key ideas emerge:

• Refinement and Growth: Trials can shape character, as seen in Romans 5:3–4 (BSB: “…we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”).

• Demonstration of God’s Glory: In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind. When asked why he was afflicted, Jesus explains that it was “so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

• Discipline and Instruction: Hebrews 12:7 describes suffering as a form of loving discipline: “Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons.” While not all suffering is punitive, hardships can serve as corrective measures that draw people closer to righteous living.

From a philosophical viewpoint, these teachings indicate that God’s permissive will allows suffering in a fallen world for objectives that include moral growth, revelation of divine power, and calling individuals toward salvation.

5. The Example of Job as a Paradigm of Suffering

Job’s story offers one of the most in-depth biblical insights into undeserved suffering. Job is described as upright, yet he endures profound losses—family, health, and possessions. Throughout the narrative, his friends propose that Job must have sinned to deserve such calamity. However, the concluding chapters reveal that his torment was not a direct punishment; rather, it tested his faith and provided an opportunity to affirm God’s sovereignty. Job 42:5–6 records Job’s transformed perspective: “My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

The Book of Job thus illustrates that the presence of suffering is not always indicative of personal guilt. It also highlights that God is intimately aware of human pain and remains sovereign over it, even when the reasons for suffering are not fully understood from a human vantage point.

6. Divine Sovereignty Over Evil

Although evil and suffering are real, the Bible emphasizes that God retains ultimate sovereignty. Genesis 50:20 records Joseph’s words to his brothers, who had grievously wronged him: “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good.” This principle is woven throughout Scripture—God can use even the darkest circumstances to bring forth His plans.

Numerous examples from ancient sources confirm biblical accounts of nations and leaders described in Scripture. Historical records of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians shed light on the exacting fulfillment of prophetic texts regarding the exile and restoration of Israel (see Isaiah’s warnings and the later accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah). Such events illustrate that God orchestrates history for ultimate good, even when human choices instigate suffering.

7. Christ’s Suffering as the Cure for Evil

Central to the Bible’s explanation of evil is the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ. While humanity suffers the consequences of sin, Jesus enters into that suffering willingly. The Gospels present Him as innocent yet enduring betrayal, injustice, and a brutal crucifixion (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19). Isaiah 53:5 prophetically foretells, “He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.” By taking on humanity’s sin, Christ provides a path to reconciliation with God.

Historians have extensively documented crucifixion under Roman rule, matching the Gospel narratives. Ancient writings outside the Bible—from the Jewish historian Josephus to Roman authors like Tacitus—corroborate the execution of Jesus. Moreover, multiple lines of evidence point to an empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances, underscoring that Christ’s victory over death addresses the ultimate outcome of evil. Through the resurrection, Christ demonstrates that suffering and death are not final.

8. Overcoming Evil in Personal Life

Scripture identifies practical steps individuals can take to confront evil and suffering:

• Personal Transformation: Romans 12:2 exhorts, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation counters the evil motivations of the heart.

• Active Love and Service: Galatians 6:2 urges, “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Doing good actively pushes back against suffering—helping the poor, comforting the afflicted, and sharing the hope of the Gospel.

• Resistance in Faith: Ephesians 6:11 instructs believers to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the schemes of the devil.” The Bible affirms that evil is not merely a human creation but also fueled by spiritual opposition, requiring spiritual preparation and trust in God.

9. Consummation: The Future End of Evil and Suffering

Revelation concludes the biblical narrative with the promise of a future free from evil. Revelation 21:4 testifies, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” The Bible assures that God’s plan includes a definitive end to suffering, evil, and injustice. This eschatological hope is rooted in God’s unchanging character and sovereign authority.

The reality of this future is supported by the consistent historicity of biblical prophecies fulfilled in the past, pointing forward to trust in unfulfilled prophecies about the new heaven and new earth. The promise of resurrection—attested by the eyewitness testimonies recorded in the Gospels—underscores that death does not have the final word, cementing hope for believers that evil’s existence is confined to the present fallen age.

10. Conclusion: Trusting God’s Goodness Amid Evil

The Bible’s explanation of evil and suffering revolves around several integrated truths:

• Human rebellion brought sin into a once-perfect creation, resulting in widespread brokenness.

• God remains sovereign, working His purposes through and sometimes in spite of evil’s effects.

• Suffering can serve redemptive purposes, refine character, and reveal God’s glory.

• Christ’s suffering and resurrection provide the ultimate solution, offering redemption to all who believe.

• The final elimination of evil is assured when God restores all things in eternity.

From the earliest biblical testimonies to modern discoveries affirming historic events and manuscripts, the scriptural worldview maintains its internal consistency: though evil is real and causes great anguish, God’s goodness and sovereignty ultimately triumph. The believer’s response involves placing trust in God, striving against evil in practical ways, and holding onto the assurance of complete restoration in the age to come.