Malignancy, in a biblical context, refers to the presence and influence of evil, corruption, and moral decay within individuals or societies. It is often associated with sin, wickedness, and the destructive nature of human depravity. The Bible addresses malignancy both in terms of physical ailments and spiritual corruption, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and redemption.

Spiritual Malignancy

The concept of spiritual malignancy is prevalent throughout Scripture, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and its consequences. In Jeremiah 17:9, the prophet describes the human heart as "deceitful above all things and beyond cure—who can understand it?" . This verse underscores the inherent malignancy of the human condition, which is prone to sin and rebellion against God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in Romans 3:10-12, where he writes, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one" . This passage reflects the universal nature of spiritual malignancy, affecting all of humanity and necessitating the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.

Physical Malignancy

While the Bible primarily addresses spiritual malignancy, it also acknowledges physical ailments that can be described as malignant. In the Old Testament, diseases and physical afflictions are often seen as manifestations of sin or divine judgment. For example, in Deuteronomy 28:27, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience, stating, "The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, festering sores, and the itch, from which you cannot be cured" . These physical maladies serve as a metaphor for the deeper spiritual corruption that plagues humanity.

Divine Healing and Redemption

Despite the pervasive nature of malignancy, both spiritual and physical, the Bible offers hope through divine healing and redemption. In Isaiah 53:5, the prophet speaks of the coming Messiah, saying, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed" . This verse points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who provides healing for both the body and soul.

The New Testament further emphasizes the power of Christ to overcome malignancy. In Matthew 9:35, it is recorded that "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness" . This demonstrates His authority over physical ailments and His mission to restore spiritual wholeness.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The presence of malignancy in the world calls for a response from believers, who are urged to live lives of holiness and righteousness. In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul exhorts Christians to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" . This transformation is made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to resist the malignancy of sin and live according to God's will.

Conclusion

The Bible's treatment of malignancy, both spiritual and physical, underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for divine intervention. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are offered healing and restoration, enabling them to overcome the malignancy of sin and live in accordance with God's righteous standards.1. (n.) The state or quality of being malignant; extreme malevolence; bitter enmity; malice; as, malignancy of heart.

2. (n.) Unfavorableness; evil nature.

3. (n.) Virulence; tendency to a fatal issue; as, the malignancy of an ulcer or of a fever.

4. (n.) The state of being a malignant.

3992. maar -- to prick, to pain
... 3991, 3992. maar. 3993 . to prick, to pain. Transliteration: maar Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-ar') Short Definition: malignancy. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/3992.htm - 6k

That There is a Malignant Party Still in the Kingdom.
... till they got conditions agreeable to their mind; which course of theirs was justly
declared by the commission to carry upon it the stamp of malignancy in an ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section i that there is.htm

Miscellaneous Phrases
... A microscopic care in the search of words. A misconception which is singularly
prevalent. A mixture of malignancy and madness. A modicum of truth. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section xi miscellaneous phrases.htm

That the Present Public Resolutions, Expressed in the Commission's ...
... These exceptions do not comprehend any who are under censure for malignancy or
profanity, except such as are under the sentence of excommunication, and that ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section ii that the present.htm

The Prosphoneticus to the Emperor.
... they were attempting who have recently introduced the detestable novelty that in
him there is but one will and one operation, renewing the malignancy of Arius ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the prosphoneticus to the emperor.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... precepts, he has put at the very beginning: "Be not malignant amongst the malignant,
neither be envious of those who do iniquity." [3711] Malignancy is more ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

Jesus Before Caiphas.
... Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy: what think you?' All who were then present
arose, and exclaimed with astounding malignancy, 'He is guilty of death!'. ...
/.../chapter viii jesus before caiphas.htm

The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston.
... "I die a true Protestant, and to my knowledge a reformed Presbyterian, in opposition
to popery, prelacy, and malignancy, and whatever is contrary to truth, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir rob%5Et.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... the declaration of the Assembly, anno 1648, it is answered, that none are to be
employed, that continue notourly(360) in the courses of malignancy, which was ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

Footnotes
The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning. <. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

part i
My Life in Christ. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Malignancy (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The state or quality of being malignant; extreme malevolence; bitter enmity;
malice; as, malignancy of heart. ...Malignancy (2 Occurrences). ...
/m/malignancy.htm - 7k

Malignant (5 Occurrences)

/m/malignant.htm - 8k

Malign (6 Occurrences)

/m/malign.htm - 8k

Malignity (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The state or quality of being malignant;
disposition to do evil; virulent enmity; malignancy; malice; spite. ...
/m/malignity.htm - 8k

Is it sometimes God's will for believers to be sick? | GotQuestions.org

Malignancy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus