Brief Overview of πονηρία (Strong’s G4189: ponēria)

Strong’s G4189: A noun derived from ponēros (evil, wicked), denoting active malice, wickedness, and depravity. In New Testament usage, it represents not just moral corruption but deliberate, crafty evil-doing. Often appears in lists of vices and describes the opposite of godly character.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πονηρία represents more than simple wrongdoing; it describes an active, malicious wickedness that seeks to harm others. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting deliberate deception and calculated evil. Jesus encountered it in the plotting of religious leaders, and Paul listed it among serious vices that Christians must reject. Early church fathers used this term to describe the corrupting influence of sin and Satan’s schemes. Today, it helps us understand the nature of evil as an active force that must be actively resisted through Christ’s power.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πονηρία, ponēria, po-nay-REE-ah
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-nay-REE-ah (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πονηρός (ponēros) – adjective meaning “evil, wicked”
• -ία (-ia) – abstract noun suffix indicating quality or state
• Derives from πόνος (ponos) – labor, toil, suggesting evil that causes pain

D – Defining Meanings

• Wickedness with malicious intent
• Active evil-doing
• Depravity or moral corruption

Translation Options:

• “Malicious wickedness” – captures the active, harmful intent
• “Evil-mindedness” – emphasizes the thought process behind the actions
• “Deliberate depravity” – stresses the intentional nature of the evil

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κακία (kakia, kak-EE-ah) – badness, evil nature – See G2549
• πονηρός (ponēros, po-nay-ROS) – evil, wicked person – See G4190
• ἀδικία (adikia, ah-dee-KEE-ah) – unrighteousness – See G93

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Feminine
• Number: Singular
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 1st declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: πονηρία
• Genitive: πονηρίας
• Dative: πονηρίᾳ
• Accusative: πονηρίαν

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: πονηρός (evil, wicked)
• Related verb: πονηρεύομαι (to be evil)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the active, malicious nature of πονηρία. Thayer’s distinguishes it from other terms for evil by its deliberate nature. LSJ traces its development from “hardship” to “wickedness.” Vine’s notes its connection to Satan’s work. Strong’s links it to intentional corruption. LEH highlights its use in the Septuagint for describing moral depravity. Moulton and Milligan document its use in curse tablets and legal accusations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 22:18: “But Jesus perceived their [πονηρία] wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”

Additional References:
Mark 7:22
Luke 11:39
Romans 1:29
1 Corinthians 5:8
Ephesians 6:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πονηρία reveals the active, malicious nature of evil that Christ came to defeat. It shows us that sin isn’t merely missing the mark but can be a deliberate force opposing God’s goodness. The good news is that Christ’s victory on the cross defeats this evil at its root, offering not just forgiveness but liberation from evil’s power and the ability to resist its influence through the Holy Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word originally referred to the hardship of physical labor before evolving to mean moral evil.
2. Early Christian baptismal formulas often included renouncing πονηρία specifically.
3. Medieval manuscripts often abbreviated this word with special marks due to its association with evil.

Strong’s G4189: A noun derived from ponēros (evil, wicked), denoting active malice, wickedness, and depravity. In New Testament usage, it represents not just moral corruption but deliberate, crafty evil-doing. Often appears in lists of vices and describes the opposite of godly character.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: evil, wickedness, depravity, sin, malice, vice lists, spiritual warfare, moral corruption, Satan, redemption​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​