In the context of the Bible, the term "evil thing" refers to actions, thoughts, or objects that are contrary to the nature and will of God. These are often associated with sin, idolatry, and moral corruption. The concept of evil is pervasive throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the contrast between God's holiness and the fallen state of humanity.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the concept of evil through the actions and choices of individuals and nations. In Genesis 6:5, the wickedness of humanity is described: "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This passage underscores the inherent sinfulness that plagued humanity after the Fall.

In the Law, God explicitly warns against engaging in evil practices. Deuteronomy 17:4-5 instructs the Israelites to investigate thoroughly any reports of evil acts, such as idolatry, and to purge such evil from among them: "If it is true and confirmed that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, you must bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing and stone that person to death."

The prophets also speak against evil, often calling the people of Israel to repentance. In Isaiah 1:16-17, the prophet exhorts the people: "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow."

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of evil is further developed, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus warns against the evil that comes from within a person, emphasizing the heart's role in moral corruption. In Mark 7:21-23, He states, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man."

The apostle Paul frequently addresses the nature of evil in his epistles, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ. In Romans 12:9, he writes, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This call to abhor evil and embrace good is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel.

Spiritual Warfare

The New Testament also presents evil as a spiritual force that believers must resist. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "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." This passage highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible's portrayal of evil has significant moral and ethical implications for believers. It calls for a life of holiness, separation from sinful practices, and active resistance against the forces of evil. The Scriptures encourage believers to discern between good and evil, as seen in Hebrews 5:14: "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil."

Conclusion

The concept of "evil thing" in the Bible serves as a stark reminder of the fallen nature of the world and the ongoing battle between good and evil. It calls believers to a life of righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to overcome evil with good.Evil Thing

EVIL THING

(to kakon, plural in Luke 16:25):

An evil thing or evil things may be the thoughts of evil men, their plans or their deeds; or the things men suffer for their own wrongs; or the evils consequent upon the errors of others. In the dark picture of fallen men in Romans 1:30, "inventors of evil things" appear. "The evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil (poneros) things" (Matthew 12:35). Men should not lust after evil (kakos) things (1 Corinthians 10:6). This fixing the mind upon, with desire, leads to increased wrong. "The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil (ra') things" (Proverbs 15:28). The rich man had good things in his life, but did not use them to the glory of God or the good of men. The poor man had evil things: sickness, nakedness, hunger. The scene changes after death (Luke 16:25).

David Roberts Dungan

4487. rhema -- a word, by impl. a matter
... 1), say say (1), saying (1), sayings (3), statement (6), thing (2), things (4 ... command
or dispute); with a negative naught whatever -- + evil, + nothing, saying ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4487.htm - 8k7451. ra' -- bad, evil
... or (as noun) evil (natural or moral) -- adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, +
displease(-ure), distress, evil((- favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, X ...
/hebrew/7451.htm - 6k

1697. dabar -- speech, word
... eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt, + iniquity, + judgment,
language, + lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought ...
/hebrew/1697.htm - 8k

The Second Passage. Who May be Said to Abstain from Every Evil ...
... fellow-bishops Eutropius and Paulus. Chapter XII."(29.) The Second Passage.
Who May Be Said to Abstain from Every Evil Thing. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter xii 29 the second passage.htm

The Cure of Simon's Wife's Mother.
... He has judged the evil thing, and it is gone. He has saved her out of her distresses.
They fold away from off her like the cerements of death. ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/iii the cure of simons.htm

Sins May be Divided into Corporeal and Spiritual Both Equally ...
... For if you eagerly desired a good thing, you would have been anxious to carry it
through; in like manner, as you do not carry an evil thing through, you ought ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter iii sins may be divided.htm

Moreover, it is a Righteous Thing to Give to the Needy of Thy ...
... it is a pleasant thing to have many years wherein one can delight himself continually,
and that death is a terror and an endless evil, and a thing that brings ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter xi moreover it is.htm

The Attractive Power of God
... Thus we are drawn by the Sacred Trinity with the cords of Power, Wisdom and Love,
when we are drawn from an evil thing to a good thing, and from a good thing ...
/.../eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/i the attractive power of.htm

Some Helpful Thoughts on Consecration
... Everything that is in the least degree contrary to the pure word of God, whether
it be word or deed, is but the outgrowth of this evil thing, which was created ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xi some helpful thoughts.htm

The Remission of Sins.
... desert a highway for our God, we must bestir ourselves in the very spot of the desert
on which we stand; we must cast far from us our evil thing that blocks ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the remission of sins.htm

Jesus in the World.
... Through the false, the infernal idea of having, of possessing them, we make them
our tyrants, make the relation between them and us an evil thing. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/jesus in the world.htm

The Beginning of Miracles.
... for the giver, he will plague them with sore plagues, that the good wine of life
may not be to them, and therefore to him and the universe, an evil thing. ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ii the beginning of miracles.htm

Letter of Origen to Gregory.
... Holy Scripture knows, however, that it was an evil thing to descend from the land
of the children of Israel into Egypt; and in this a great truth is wrapped up ...
/.../unknown/the passion of the scillitan martyrs/letter of origen to gregory.htm

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Evil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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