What does Evil mean?

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

MatthewG

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2021
16,879
5,552
113
34
Fyffe
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
2556: Kakos Strong's Greek: 2556. κακός (kakos) -- bad, evil

Kakos : Bad, evil
Adjective ~ Kakos - (Kak-os')
Definition : bad, evil
Usage; bad, evil, in the widest sense.

2556 Kakos (an adjective, and the root of 2549 /kakia, inner malice - properly,

inwardly foul, rotten (poisoned); figuratively inner malice ~ Flowing out of a morally-rotten character (=the rot is already in the wood)

2556 /Kakos is often a pronominal adjective (Used as a substantive) meaning ; wickedness, inner evil.

4189: poneria; iniquity ~ Pon-ay-ree'-ah - Inquity Strong's Greek: 4189. πονηρία (ponéria) -- iniquity
wickedness, iniquties

4189: poneria: (From 4192 /ponos 'pain, laborious trouble" - properly - pain ridden evil -
derived from 4192 (ponos) which refers to pain - (pure and simple ~ Resulting in toil - the drudge ~ bad like our criminal - see 4190 poneros

4190: poneros - toilsome; bad Strong's Greek: 4190. πονηρός (ponéros) -- toilsome, bad
pon-ay-ros' - toilsome; bad; usage evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful

4190: poneros (an adjective which is also used substantively, derived from 4192 /ponos - pain laborious trouble ~ properly pain-ridden ~ emphasizing the inevitable, agonies (misery) that always go with evil.

Thayers Greek Toil : Thayer's Greek: 4190. πονηρός (ponéros) -- toilsome, bad

1 Full of labors, annoyances, hardships

a : 1 pressed and harassed by labors Matthew 12:45; Luke 11:25?

b. bringing toils annoyances, perils : Eph 5:16; Eph 6:13; Rev 16:2?

2 Bad, of a bad nature or condition

a in a physical sense : (Mat 6:23; Luke11:34

b and Meyer on Mat 7:17

b in an ethical sense, evil, wicked bad, etc. (The use of this word is due to its association with the working (largely the servile) class; not that contempt or labor there by expressed for such words as; and the like do not take on this evil sense which conncted itself only with a word expressive of unitermitted toil and carry no suggestions of resutles. :

4192: ponos - (pon'-os) - Labor toil, - b : Pain , anguish, distress, suffering Strong's Greek: 4192. πόνος (ponos) -- labor Thayer's Greek: 4192. πόνος (ponos) -- labor

from penomai - toil concern (1) pain (2) pains (1)
 
  • Like
Reactions: amadeus

Hidden In Him

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2018
10,948
11,262
113
Lafayette, LA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
2556: Kakos Strong's Greek: 2556. κακός (kakos) -- bad, evil

Kakos : Bad, evil
Adjective ~ Kakos - (Kak-os')
Definition : bad, evil
Usage; bad, evil, in the widest sense.

2556 Kakos (an adjective, and the root of 2549 /kakia, inner malice - properly,

inwardly foul, rotten (poisoned); figuratively inner malice ~ Flowing out of a morally-rotten character (=the rot is already in the wood)

2556 /Kakos is often a pronominal adjective (Used as a substantive) meaning ; wickedness, inner evil.

4189: poneria; iniquity ~ Pon-ay-ree'-ah - Inquity Strong's Greek: 4189. πονηρία (ponéria) -- iniquity
wickedness, iniquties

4189: poneria: (From 4192 /ponos 'pain, laborious trouble" - properly - pain ridden evil -
derived from 4192 (ponos) which refers to pain - (pure and simple ~ Resulting in toil - the drudge ~ bad like our criminal - see 4190 poneros

4190: poneros - toilsome; bad Strong's Greek: 4190. πονηρός (ponéros) -- toilsome, bad
pon-ay-ros' - toilsome; bad; usage evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful

4190: poneros (an adjective which is also used substantively, derived from 4192 /ponos - pain laborious trouble ~ properly pain-ridden ~ emphasizing the inevitable, agonies (misery) that always go with evil.

Thayers Greek Toil : Thayer's Greek: 4190. πονηρός (ponéros) -- toilsome, bad

1 Full of labors, annoyances, hardships

a : 1 pressed and harassed by labors Matthew 12:45; Luke 11:25?

b. bringing toils annoyances, perils : Eph 5:16; Eph 6:13; Rev 16:2?

2 Bad, of a bad nature or condition

a in a physical sense : (Mat 6:23; Luke11:34

b and Meyer on Mat 7:17

b in an ethical sense, evil, wicked bad, etc. (The use of this word is due to its association with the working (largely the servile) class; not that contempt or labor there by expressed for such words as; and the like do not take on this evil sense which conncted itself only with a word expressive of unitermitted toil and carry no suggestions of resutles. :

4192: ponos - (pon'-os) - Labor toil, - b : Pain , anguish, distress, suffering Strong's Greek: 4192. πόνος (ponos) -- labor Thayer's Greek: 4192. πόνος (ponos) -- labor

from penomai - toil concern (1) pain (2) pains (1)


All depends on context, Matthew. If one is referring to the Devil or demonic spirits, the meaning will be in the ethical sense of evil. If it is a reference to trees or fruit, the meaning will be "rotten," or to corroded metal, "corrupted." If to health or eyesight, the meaning will be "ill or sickly."

All depends on context, even when the same Greek word is being used in all such instances.

God bless, and good question.
- H
 

Waiting on him

Well-Known Member
Dec 21, 2018
11,727
6,101
113
57
North America
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
2556: Kakos Strong's Greek: 2556. κακός (kakos) -- bad, evil

Kakos : Bad, evil
Adjective ~ Kakos - (Kak-os')
Definition : bad, evil
Usage; bad, evil, in the widest sense.

2556 Kakos (an adjective, and the root of 2549 /kakia, inner malice - properly,

inwardly foul, rotten (poisoned); figuratively inner malice ~ Flowing out of a morally-rotten character (=the rot is already in the wood)

2556 /Kakos is often a pronominal adjective (Used as a substantive) meaning ; wickedness, inner evil.

4189: poneria; iniquity ~ Pon-ay-ree'-ah - Inquity Strong's Greek: 4189. πονηρία (ponéria) -- iniquity
wickedness, iniquties

4189: poneria: (From 4192 /ponos 'pain, laborious trouble" - properly - pain ridden evil -
derived from 4192 (ponos) which refers to pain - (pure and simple ~ Resulting in toil - the drudge ~ bad like our criminal - see 4190 poneros

4190: poneros - toilsome; bad Strong's Greek: 4190. πονηρός (ponéros) -- toilsome, bad
pon-ay-ros' - toilsome; bad; usage evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful

4190: poneros (an adjective which is also used substantively, derived from 4192 /ponos - pain laborious trouble ~ properly pain-ridden ~ emphasizing the inevitable, agonies (misery) that always go with evil.

Thayers Greek Toil : Thayer's Greek: 4190. πονηρός (ponéros) -- toilsome, bad

1 Full of labors, annoyances, hardships

a : 1 pressed and harassed by labors Matthew 12:45; Luke 11:25?

b. bringing toils annoyances, perils : Eph 5:16; Eph 6:13; Rev 16:2?

2 Bad, of a bad nature or condition

a in a physical sense : (Mat 6:23; Luke11:34

b and Meyer on Mat 7:17

b in an ethical sense, evil, wicked bad, etc. (The use of this word is due to its association with the working (largely the servile) class; not that contempt or labor there by expressed for such words as; and the like do not take on this evil sense which conncted itself only with a word expressive of unitermitted toil and carry no suggestions of resutles. :

4192: ponos - (pon'-os) - Labor toil, - b : Pain , anguish, distress, suffering Strong's Greek: 4192. πόνος (ponos) -- labor Thayer's Greek: 4192. πόνος (ponos) -- labor

from penomai - toil concern (1) pain (2) pains (1)
Evil is the result of whatever walks contrary to the will of God.
 

FHII

Well-Known Member
Apr 9, 2011
4,833
2,500
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
If it is a reference to trees or fruit, the meaning will be "rotten,"
That is an interesting thought, but I am not sure I agree. The first thing I thought of was Matthew 7 where Jesus explained that good trees bring forth good fruit but corrupt trees bring forth evil fruit. Yet in context, he's not talking about trees but he is explaining false prophets.

I suppose a corrupt tree could be one with a disease or parasite that would cause its fruit to be rotten. So despite the figurative language, maybe you are correct. However, it is used to describe "evil" prophecy or doctrine.

Not arguing for or against anything... Just bringing up a point of conversation.
 

Enoch111

Well-Known Member
May 27, 2018
17,682
16,014
113
Alberta
Faith
Christian
Country
Canada
Evil is the result of whatever walks contrary to the will of God.
True. But it is much more than that. Evil is profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force.

Which brings us to the Satanic conspiracy to enslave the world through the COVID hoax. This prepares the way for the reign of the Antichrist. The world has been flooded with lies, fear-mongering, panic, mass hysteria and tyranny for absolutely no reason than another strain of flu. Satan is using this to shut down churches and muzzle Christians. And yet too many Christians have not woken up to what is going on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MatthewG

Waiting on him

Well-Known Member
Dec 21, 2018
11,727
6,101
113
57
North America
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
True. But it is much more than that. Evil is profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force.

Which brings us to the Satanic conspiracy to enslave the world through the COVID hoax. This prepares the way for the reign of the Antichrist. The world has been flooded with lies, fear-mongering, panic, mass hysteria and tyranny for absolutely no reason than another strain of flu. Satan is using this to shut down churches and muzzle Christians. And yet too many Christians have not woken up to what is going on.
I can’t say I believe it’s really any worse now than it was in Jesus’s time.
 

Hidden In Him

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2018
10,948
11,262
113
Lafayette, LA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
That is an interesting thought, but I am not sure I agree. The first thing I thought of was Matthew 7 where Jesus explained that good trees bring forth good fruit but corrupt trees bring forth evil fruit. Yet in context, he's not talking about trees but he is explaining false prophets.

I suppose a corrupt tree could be one with a disease or parasite that would cause its fruit to be rotten. So despite the figurative language, maybe you are correct. However, it is used to describe "evil" prophecy or doctrine.

Not arguing for or against anything... Just bringing up a point of conversation.

Correct, FHII, and blessings to you!

Yes, it is about the fruit they produce out of their mouths, "which men gather" or in other words, collect by sitting under their teachings.

But now, the analogy is of bad fruit, just like if you picked up a bad apple. It will not have "life" in it but rather corruption. So while "evil" can be implied in such men or women, the analogy is of what one must avoid consuming because it is bad fruit as opposed to good.
 

Randy Kluth

Well-Known Member
Apr 27, 2020
8,288
2,608
113
Pacific NW
Faith
Christian
Country
United States

The diabolical nature of "evil" involves the reality of a good God who rules over all. Resistance to this "good God" is, by definition, "evil." Rebellion against the lordship of this "good God" is "sin." "Evil" has the connotation of not just resistance to something or someone "good," but also the sense of corrupting that good.

For example, to resist "love" would involve the "evil" of "hate." To oppose a "good God" would involve things like jealousy, envy, and hatred, as well as murder. The diabolical nature of evil is involved because it twists something reasonable and good into something unreasonable and wicked.

The point of all this is that in order to be "good," as we were made to be, we must submit to the lordship of Christ, God's Son. If we do so, giving up our own independent ways, we will overcome our internal rebellion, and cooperate with a God who freely shares His virtues with us. In a nutshell, we can become good, loving, kind, compassionate, merciful, etc. etc.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MatthewG

MatthewG

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2021
16,879
5,552
113
34
Fyffe
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
All depends on context, Matthew. If one is referring to the Devil or demonic spirits, the meaning will be in the ethical sense of evil. If it is a reference to trees or fruit, the meaning will be "rotten," or to corroded metal, "corrupted." If to health or eyesight, the meaning will be "ill or sickly."

All depends on context, even when the same Greek word is being used in all such instances.

God bless, and good question.
- H

Hello Hidden;

Thank you for taking time to go over those words. Context does matter would agree. It it is dealing with either our hearts, mind, will, emotion, or devil, demons, demonic spirits. As well as including the ethical sense of evil.

Context is important for sure thank you for your comment. :)

Evil is the result of whatever walks contrary to the will of God.

Waiting on Him nothing is good about us then. As humans our flesh naturally hates anything that has to do with God, and faith.

The Apostle Paul probably said it the best: When He said this about himself:

In Romans 7:18-22: Where Paul mentions that in himself according to the flesh dwells no good thing, except for his sinful nature; and there is conflict in his own life; that he is having trouble with. Yet He continues to press forwards about the new life with Christ - getting into Romans 8: Where believers are made new, and become able to walk in the spirit and start to live by the spirit though the believer still has their sinful nature that they will also struggle with because no good thing dwells within our lesh except the sin with-in it -> which is cut off when we are baptized in the Lord Jesus Christ conformed to his death (fleshly ways) -> And submit more towards living by the Spirit being raised again with Christ Jesus by and through the Father and given the holy spirit/spirit of Christ.

Thank you for your comment. We are all naturally bad, since the beginning of birth -> Thankfully Jesus Christ died for our sins before knowing the truth about God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. That does help a lot knowing that has been took care of for the entire world.


That is an interesting thought, but I am not sure I agree. The first thing I thought of was Matthew 7 where Jesus explained that good trees bring forth good fruit but corrupt trees bring forth evil fruit. Yet in context, he's not talking about trees but he is explaining false prophets.

I suppose a corrupt tree could be one with a disease or parasite that would cause its fruit to be rotten. So despite the figurative language, maybe you are correct. However, it is used to describe "evil" prophecy or doctrine.

Not arguing for or against anything... Just bringing up a point of conversation.

What are your thoughts on what evil/bad/Kakos is? FHII

True. But it is much more than that. Evil is profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force.

Which brings us to the Satanic conspiracy to enslave the world through the COVID hoax. This prepares the way for the reign of the Antichrist. The world has been flooded with lies, fear-mongering, panic, mass hysteria and tyranny for absolutely no reason than another strain of flu. Satan is using this to shut down churches and muzzle Christians. And yet too many Christians have not woken up to what is going on.

Interesting thoughts, and views here. Thank you for your comment.

The diabolical nature of "evil" involves the reality of a good God who rules over all. Resistance to this "good God" is, by definition, "evil." Rebellion against the lordship of this "good God" is "sin." "Evil" has the connotation of not just resistance to something or someone "good," but also the sense of corrupting that good.

For example, to resist "love" would involve the "evil" of "hate." To oppose a "good God" would involve things like jealousy, envy, and hatred, as well as murder. The diabolical nature of evil is involved because it twists something reasonable and good into something unreasonable and wicked.

The point of all this is that in order to be "good," as we were made to be, we must submit to the lordship of Christ, God's Son. If we do so, giving up our own independent ways, we will overcome our internal rebellion, and cooperate with a God who freely shares His virtues with us. In a nutshell, we can become good, loving, kind, compassionate, merciful, etc. etc.

Very good and helpful insights, Randy Kluth thank you for your comment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hidden In Him

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
10,657
8,454
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Yes, it is about the fruit they produce out of their mouths, "which men gather" or in other words, collect by sitting under their teachings.

You said: yes, it is about the fruit they produce out of the mouths, “which men gather” ...curious how you see this in? Matthew 13:37-43 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; [38] The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one ; [39] The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. [40] As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. [41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [42] And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [43] Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
 

07-07-07

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2018
1,083
670
113
Rust Belt
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
What does Evil mean?

Look around our society nowadays, and you can behold it with your own eyes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MatthewG

MatthewG

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2021
16,879
5,552
113
34
Fyffe
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Interesting Comment, 070707.

Is society still in darkness, and yet to see the light?
Not all society could be evil could it?
Just many people who are lost, and need the Lord Jesus Christ?

Though naturally we as humans are far from good when we are growing up, even in being in adulthood: Because of this flesh we have that wraps around our heart, mind, and bones.
 

Hidden In Him

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2018
10,948
11,262
113
Lafayette, LA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
You said: yes, it is about the fruit they produce out of the mouths, “which men gather” ...curious how you see this in? Matthew 13:37-43 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; [38] The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one ; [39] The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. [40] As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. [41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [42] And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [43] Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.


Good morning, Victory!

Different analogies. The above speaks of men gathering things to be destroyed; the other speaks of things men gather not because they intend to destroy them, but because they believe them to be beneficial to their lives (whether they actually are or not).
 

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
10,657
8,454
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Good morning, Victory!

Different analogies. The above speaks of men gathering things to be destroyed; the other speaks of things men gather not because they intend to destroy them, but because they believe them to be beneficial to their lives (whether they actually are or not).

was asking how it pertains to words...unless I misunderstood you were comparing to “out of their mouths” the words they speak?
Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
 

Hidden In Him

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2018
10,948
11,262
113
Lafayette, LA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
was asking how it pertains to words...unless I misunderstood you were comparing to “out of their mouths” the words they speak?
Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


Correct. Words, or more properly teachings that come out of their mouths. But here again you have a negative reference whereas the reference in the "gathering fruit" from good tress was positive.
 

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
10,657
8,454
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Correct. Words, or more properly teachings that come out of their mouths. But here again you have a negative reference whereas the reference in the "gathering fruit" from good tress was positive.
To cast in the fire to be burned up what is not good and comes out from the mouth of God... is negative?
 

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
10,657
8,454
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
It is negative in the sense that not refers to destroying negative things.

So how are you these days? Haven't heard from you in awhile.

I’m okay. Had a rough couple of weeks...MS symptoms which I have not had in six years or so have returned. I received my first vaccine dose and since then I’ve had a flair up. Maybe it wasn’t the vaccine but stress, but I wonder if the vaccine didn’t help the overload.

I’m not sure if we are discussing the same thing. Only meant that what ever is false whether it be false doctrines or teaching or lies or vain empty words spoken...with your post caught my attention. To me, realize that doesn’t mean you see it the same that all fruit good or bad goes into the fire and is tried...whether it be of men or of God. The fire will reveal what it is of?
 
  • Like
Reactions: MatthewG

Hidden In Him

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2018
10,948
11,262
113
Lafayette, LA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I’m not sure if we are discussing the same thing. Only meant that what ever is false whether it be false doctrines or teaching or lies or vain empty words spoken...with your post caught my attention. To me, realize that doesn’t mean you see it the same that all fruit good or bad goes into the fire and is tried...whether it be of men or of God. The fire will reveal what it is of?

Yes.

This may be one of those times where we're having a tough time understanding each other, but I think we agree here.

I hope you are coming out of your couple of weeks now into feeling better. Maybe get out and walk in the sunshine, and pray to Him while you walk. I know that always lifts my spirits if I do it long enough.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MatthewG