Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, an "evil spirit" refers to a malevolent supernatural being or influence that opposes God and His purposes. These spirits are often associated with Satan and his demonic forces, which seek to deceive, harm, and lead people away from the truth of God.Old Testament References The Old Testament provides several instances where evil spirits are mentioned. One notable example is found in the narrative of King Saul. After Saul disobeyed God, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. 1 Samuel 16:14 states, "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." This passage illustrates the belief that God, in His sovereignty, allowed an evil spirit to afflict Saul as a form of judgment and to fulfill His divine purposes. Another reference is found in Judges 9:23, where God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to discord and ultimately the downfall of Abimelech. This demonstrates how evil spirits can be instruments in God's hands to bring about justice and fulfill His plans. New Testament References In the New Testament, evil spirits are frequently encountered in the ministry of Jesus Christ. These spirits are often referred to as "unclean spirits" or "demons." Jesus demonstrated His authority over them by casting them out of afflicted individuals. For instance, in Mark 1:23-26 , Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue: "Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cried out in the synagogue: 'What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!' But Jesus rebuked the spirit. 'Be silent!' He said. 'Come out of him!' At this, the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud shriek." The authority of Jesus over evil spirits is a testament to His divine power and the coming of God's kingdom. His ability to command these spirits underscores His role as the Messiah and the ultimate victor over the forces of darkness. The Nature and Activity of Evil Spirits Evil spirits are depicted as intelligent beings with the ability to influence and possess individuals. They are part of the spiritual realm and are in active rebellion against God. Their primary aim is to thwart God's purposes, deceive humanity, and cause spiritual and physical harm. The Apostle Paul warns believers about the reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers' Response to Evil Spirits Christians are encouraged to resist evil spirits by standing firm in their faith and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Through prayer, the Word of God, and the authority of Jesus' name, believers can overcome the influence of evil spirits. The presence of evil spirits in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in the victory that Christ has already secured over the forces of darkness. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Evil SpiritEVIL SPIRIT See DEMON; DEMONIAC; COMMUNION WITH DEMONS; SATAN. Greek 1140. daimonion -- an evil spirit, a demon ... an evil spirit, a demon. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: daimonion Phonetic Spelling: (dahee-mon'-ee-on) Short Definition: an evil-spirit, demon ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1140.htm - 7k 1142. daimon -- a demon 1139. daimonizomai -- to be possessed by a demon 4561. sarx -- flesh Library The Evil Spirit Has Marred the Purity of the Soul from the Very ... Marcion Rejected the Preceding Portion of St. Luke's Gospel ... The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue. The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy. Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. Hermas. A Synopsis of Some Apostolic Words from the Same Discourse. The Casting Out of Devils. The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed ... A Treatise on the Soul Resources What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between natural evil and moral evil? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)? | GotQuestions.org Evil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Evil for Good: David, to Uriah Evil for Good: General Scriptures Concerning Evil for Good: Israelites, to Moses Evil for Good: Joseph Accuses his Brothers of Rendering Evil for Good: Nabal Returns, to David Evil for Good: Saul Returns, to David Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Evil: Paul, in Refusing to Eat What had been offered to Idols Related Terms Evil-speakings (3 Occurrences) |
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