evil

A term with several nuances of meaning in the biblical writings. At base, the primary understanding evolves from a religious perspective, since all forms of evil are regarded as ultimately occasioned by the disobedience and rebellion of the human race with regard to God and God’s will. Bad situations or natural calamities were sometimes referred to as “evil,” and such occurrences were frequently interpreted as having been sent by God as a punishment for sin (Deut 31:17; Amos 3:6; Jer 26:19). Moreover, if something did not function properly or could not be understood, this too was seen to be “evil” (Eccl 6:1-2). Various biblical passages locate evil in different places: the human will (1Sam 24:13; Mark 7:20-23; Gen 6:5), the desire for worldly wealth (1Tim 6:10), or demonic powers that take control of human lives (Mark 5:1-13).