Is there a difference between evil and wicked?
There are 2 main Greek words that are translated as evil in the N.T.
1 "kakia" simply means evil, bad, depravity.
Denotes a broad range of badness. If there an emphasis for this word it
would be in the quality of badness, and the lack of goodness that is
to say someone or something is really bad.
1 Thess. 5:15 - "make sure nobody pays back wrong (evil) for wrong
(evil)
"
2 Thess. 3:2 "pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil
men". evil is "kakia"
2 "poneros" evil or badness that results in pain and
sorrow. The result of the evil is the emphasis of this word that differs
from the above.
1 Thes.. 3:2 - "pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil
men". wicked is "poneros"
"kakia" is translated as evil.
"poneros" is translated as both evil and wicked.
So what is the difference between "kakia" (evil) and "poneros"
(evil or wicked)? Both mean evil, bad, depraved... "Kakia"
emphasized the quality of badness and the lack of goodness in a person or
thing. "Poneros" emphasizes the result or consequences of the
badness.
So in 2 Thess. 3:2 when Paul prays for deliverance from "evil and
wicked men". Evil men are lacking in good character and wicked men
are out to get Paul because of their wickedness. ( evil men are bad guys,
wicked men are bad guys out to get you)
Concerning the English words "evil" and "wicked",
according to Websters Dictionary, there does not seem to be much
difference in meaning, both being used somewhat interchangeably.
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