What Is Evil According to the Bible?

Evil, according to the Bible, is anything that opposes God and His holy nature. It is the corruption of what is good, brought about by disobedience, rebellion, and sin. The Bible teaches that evil entered the world through human choice and has affected every aspect of creation. Understanding what evil is according to Scripture helps believers see its destructive power, resist its influence, and trust in God’s ultimate victory over it.

The Bible describes evil as both a moral and spiritual problem. It is the absence or distortion of good, characterized by sin, selfishness, and rebellion against God. Evil manifests in thoughts, actions, and systems that harm others and dishonor God. In Isaiah 5:20, it says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness." This verse emphasizes that evil is the direct opposite of God’s character, which is defined by holiness, justice, and love.

Evil is not simply a concept or force; it is deeply connected to human actions, spiritual realities, and the brokenness of a fallen world. The Bible provides clarity about the nature of evil, its origins, and the hope for deliverance through Jesus Christ.

The Nature of Evil

The Bible describes evil as both a moral and spiritual problem. It is the absence or distortion of good, characterized by sin, selfishness, and rebellion against God. Evil manifests in thoughts, actions, and systems that harm others and dishonor God. In Isaiah 5:20, it says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness." This verse emphasizes that evil is the direct opposite of God’s character, which is defined by holiness, justice, and love.

Evil is rooted in the rejection of God’s authority and truth. It is a turning away from God’s design and purpose, resulting in chaos and destruction. Romans 1:21-22 explains that when people fail to honor God, their thinking becomes futile and their hearts darkened, leading to the practice and promotion of evil. The Bible reveals that evil is not a neutral force but an active opposition to God’s will.

The Origin of Evil

The Bible teaches that evil originated when God’s creation turned away from Him. In Genesis 1:31, it says that God saw all He had made, and it was "very good." This shows that evil was not part of God’s original creation but entered through rebellion. The first instance of evil is found in the story of Satan, a created being who chose to oppose God. Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 describe the fall of a powerful angel who sought to elevate himself above God, resulting in his expulsion from heaven.

Evil entered the human story through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3, they chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, defying God’s command. This act of rebellion brought sin and evil into the world, resulting in broken relationships, suffering, and death. Romans 5:12 explains, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."

The Manifestations of Evil

Evil is evident in various forms, including personal sin, systemic injustice, and spiritual warfare. Personal sin is any thought, word, or action that goes against God’s will. In James 4:17, it says, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin." Sinful behaviors such as lying, greed, hatred, and immorality are manifestations of evil in individual lives.

Systemic evil refers to the collective sin and corruption present in societies and institutions. The Bible acknowledges the existence of unjust systems that oppress the vulnerable and defy God’s principles. In Habakkuk 1:3-4, the prophet laments, "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." This passage reflects the reality of systemic evil and its impact on communities.

Spiritual warfare is another manifestation of evil, as the Bible teaches that there are forces of darkness actively working against God and His people. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." These forces include Satan and his demons, who seek to deceive, tempt, and destroy.

God’s Response to Evil

The Bible reveals that God is not indifferent to evil but actively opposes it. Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His justice by punishing evil and His mercy by providing a way for redemption. The flood in Genesis 6-9, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, and the judgment of nations in the prophetic books are examples of God’s response to evil in history.

God’s ultimate solution to evil is found in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and its consequences, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God. In 1 John 3:8, it says, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross broke the power of evil and offered salvation to all who believe in Him.

While evil still exists in the world, the Bible assures believers that it will not have the final word. Revelation 20:10 describes the ultimate defeat of Satan and his forces, saying, "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur." God’s plan includes the complete eradication of evil and the restoration of His creation.

Resisting Evil as Believers

The Bible calls Christians to resist evil and live according to God’s truth. This involves turning away from sin, standing firm in faith, and seeking God’s guidance in every area of life. In James 4:7, it says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Resisting evil begins with submitting to God’s authority and relying on His strength.

Christians are also called to expose and oppose evil in the world. In Ephesians 5:11, it says, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This means speaking out against injustice, showing compassion to those who suffer, and working to bring God’s light into dark places.

Prayer and the Word of God are essential tools for resisting evil. In Matthew 6:13, Jesus teaches His followers to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." The Bible is described as the "sword of the Spirit" in Ephesians 6:17, equipping believers to stand against the lies and attacks of the enemy.

The Hope of Redemption and Restoration

Despite the presence of evil, the Bible offers hope for redemption and restoration. God promises to make all things new, eradicating evil and establishing His perfect kingdom. In Revelation 21:4, it says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and that His purposes will prevail. Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." This promise reminds Christians that God can bring good even out of the darkest circumstances.

Through faith in Jesus, believers are freed from the power of evil and given the hope of eternal life. They are called to live as lights in the world, reflecting God’s goodness and pointing others to His salvation.

Conclusion

Evil, according to the Bible, is anything that opposes God’s holiness and will. It originated through rebellion and manifests in sin, injustice, and spiritual darkness. The Bible teaches that God is just and will ultimately defeat evil through His power and grace. Believers are called to resist evil, trust in God’s promises, and live as agents of His love and truth.

By understanding the nature and consequences of evil, Christians can stand firm in their faith and share the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. The Bible assures that evil will not prevail, and God’s victory will bring complete restoration to His creation. This promise inspires believers to live with courage, purpose, and unwavering trust in God’s goodness.