Brief Overview of πονηρός (Strong’s G4190: ponēros)

Strong’s G4190: An adjective meaning actively evil, malicious, or morally corrupt, derived from ponos (labor, distress). Frequently used in the New Testament to describe both evil actions and evil beings, particularly Satan (ho ponēros – the evil one). Represents intentional malevolence rather than mere badness.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πονηρός carries a depth of meaning beyond simple evil, describing active and malicious wickedness. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from evil thoughts to the personification of evil itself – Satan. When used with the definite article (ὁ πονηρός), it becomes a title for the devil. The early church used this term to describe not just sinful actions but the corrupting influence of evil in the world. Today, it helps us understand the aggressive nature of evil and our need for Christ’s protection and victory over malevolent forces.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πονηρός, ponēros, po-nay-ROS
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-nay-ROSS (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πόνος (ponos) – labor, toil, distress
• -ηρός (-ēros) – adjectival suffix indicating characterized by
• Developed from the concept of that which causes pain or distress

D – Defining Meanings

• Actively and maliciously evil
• Morally corrupt
• Worthless or degenerate
• (With article) The Evil One

Translation Options:

• “Evil” – general but may miss active malevolence
• “Wicked” – better captures intentional evil
• “Malicious” – emphasizes harmful intent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κακός (kakos, kak-OS) – bad, evil in character – See G2556
• φαῦλος (phaulos, FOW-los) – worthless, evil – See G5337
• σαπρός (sapros, sap-ROS) – rotten, corrupt – See G4550

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter forms
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd/1st declension adjective

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine: πονηρός
• Feminine: πονηρά
• Neuter: πονηρόν

Cross-references:

• Related noun: πονηρία (wickedness)
• Related verb: πονηρεύομαι (to be evil)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes πονηρός’s active malevolence. Thayer’s notes its progression from causing pain to moral evil. LSJ traces its classical usage in describing character. Vine’s highlights its use as a title for Satan. Strong’s connects it to labor that causes distress. LEH documents Septuagint usage in moral contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent appearance in curse tablets and legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 5:11: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of [πονηρός] evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

Additional References:
Matthew 6:13
Matthew 12:35
Luke 6:45
John 17:15
Ephesians 6:16
2 Thessalonians 3:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πονηρός reveals the active, aggressive nature of evil that Christ came to defeat. It reminds us that we face not just passive temptation but active opposition to God’s work. The good news is that Christ has overcome the Evil One, giving us authority over evil through His name and protection through His Spirit. His victory assures us that though evil is real and active, it is already defeated.

D – Did You Know?

1. Early Christian baptismal formulas included specific renunciation of “the Evil One” (ho ponēros).
2. The term influenced the development of Christian demonology and spiritual warfare theology.
3. In the Lord’s Prayer, “deliver us from evil” can be translated as “deliver us from the Evil One.”

Strong’s G4190: An adjective meaning actively evil, malicious, or morally corrupt, derived from ponos (labor, distress). Frequently used in the New Testament to describe both evil actions and evil beings, particularly Satan (ho ponēros – the evil one). Represents intentional malevolence rather than mere badness.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: evil, wickedness, Satan, spiritual warfare, moral corruption, Lord’s Prayer, malice, character, opposition, victory in Christ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​