In the New Testament, *poneros* (G4190) describes a malignant, active form of evil, distinct from the general term *kakos*. It signifies evil that causes labor, pain, sorrow, and further destruction, representing active rebellion against God. Unlike mere wickedness, *poneros* emphasizes evil in action, often associated with Satan, referred to as *ho poneros* or the wicked one. In I John 5:18-19, Satan is depicted as a destructive force, a cancer to humanity, causing pain and death through malevolent influence. Galatians 1:4 links the corrupt nature of the present age to Satan's presence, highlighting *poneros* as the source of deterioration through his active, injurious evil.

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Evil Is Real (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the New Testament, one of the main words for evil is *poneros* (Strong's 4190), which describes things that are evil in their influence or effect. Unlike *kakos*, which is a general term for bad or wicked, *poneros* focuses on how evil operates, denoting evil that causes labor, pain, sorrow, and further evil. Ultimately, it signifies active rebellion, which in the biblical context equates to rebellion against God. It represents a more heinous form of evil than *kakos*, showing evil in action. The phrase *ho poneros* in the Greek, meaning "the wicked one," points directly to Satan the devil, illustrating the extent and activity of the evil associated with *poneros*—the kind of evil that he perpetrates.

Behind Enemy Lines (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

The apostle John refers to Satan as the wicked one in I John 5:18-19, using the Greek term *poneros*, an adjective that signifies an active, malignant form of evil. This word describes something not only ugly and useless but also injurious and destructive. Like a cancer to humanity, Satan is aggressively engaged in destruction, causing pain, injury, and death through his malevolent influence.

Behind Enemy Lines: Lucifer, Helel, and Satan

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Satan is referred to as the evil one in I John 5:19, where the Greek word *poneros* (G4190) is used. This term is an active noun that highlights an active and malignant kind of evil, portraying him as a cancer to the human race. In Galatians 1:4, Paul describes the present age as evil, emphasizing that Satan, as the evil one, is the reason this age deteriorates, deriving its corrupt character from his presence and activity.

Evil Is Real (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Matthew 7:11, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses His disciples with a striking statement about human nature. He declares, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Here, Jesus employs the Greek word *poneros* (G4190), which denotes an active, rebellious form of evil, akin to the kind associated with satan. He does not soften His words but plainly states that humans are fundamentally wicked and depraved, with an evil that is morally corrupt and opposed to God. Jesus uses this inherent evil in us as a contrast to highlight the perfect goodness of God, positioning humanity on one end of the moral spectrum, comparable to satan as the epitome of evil, while God stands at the opposite end as eternally good. Despite our evil nature, Jesus notes that we occasionally manage to do good, such as giving gifts to our children, though this is a rare exception between the two moral extremes.

Evil Is Real (Part Six)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God has called us, not just to suffer, but also to return goodness for evil. We have been called to react the same way to suffering that Christ did: by doing good.

Evil Is Real (Part Four)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Vanquish the sins at their point of origin—the human heart—and our deeds will be clean before God.

The Reality of Evil

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The best weapon against the evil of our human nature is to develop the mind of Christ within us to displace our carnal nature.

Abstaining From Evil

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

God does not just want us not to sin, He also wants us not even to appear to be doing evil. We must guard their thoughts, words and deeds at all times.

The Model Prayer (Part Eight): Testing and Deliverance

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The traditional translation of the last request in Jesus' Model Prayer (Matthew 6:13) suffers from poor word choice, twisting its encouraging message.

Speaking the Truth in Love

Sermon by Bill Onisick

Our speech reveals the true condition of our hearts. Even truthful words can be brandished as tools of destruction when delivered with pride or malice.