Evil

רַע/EE-vul/

“Bad, harmful, wicked”

Summary

Discord or disturbance in the moral and physical order, traditionally divided into metaphysical evil (imperfection), physical evil (suffering), and moral evil (sin).

☩Types of Evil

Philosophers and theologians have distinguished three types of evil: metaphysical evil (the incompleteness and imperfection inherent in created things), physical evil (pain, suffering, and death), and moral evil (sin—the vicious choice of a morally responsible being). Scripture is primarily concerned with moral evil and its consequences, though it also addresses the reality of suffering in a fallen world.

Key verses:Genesis 3:1-19Romans 5:12James 1:13-15

☩God and Evil

Scripture is clear that God cannot be tempted with evil and does not tempt anyone to evil. Moral evil originates in the creature's will, not in God. Yet God sovereignly uses even evil for His purposes—Joseph's brothers meant evil against him, but God meant it for good. Physical evil (suffering) may come upon the innocent as well as the guilty, and Scripture addresses this mystery especially in Job and in the sufferings of Christ.