πονηρία (ponēria)
ponēria
evil
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ponēria denotes active wickedness or moral depravity rather than mere abstract badness. It describes the corrupt nature of the heart that produces evil actions, serving as the root from which sinful deeds grow. In the New Testament, this term appears seven times, often highlighting the deep-seated corruption within human nature or spiritual opposition.
Its usage ranges from specific internal attitudes to broad cosmic forces. Jesus warns against the "evil [ponēria] eye" in Matthew 12:34, linking it to inner malice, while Paul lists it among the vices filling the human heart in Romans 1:29. Ephesians 6:12 elevates the concept further, describing it as part of the spiritual powers arrayed against believers, showing that this wickedness operates both personally and cosmically.
The word derives from ponēros, meaning bad or worthless, but adds the sense of a state or condition of depravity. Translators usually render it "wickedness" or "evil," capturing its weight as a pervasive moral failure. This distinction helps readers see that the text addresses not just isolated mistakes, but a fundamental orientation toward iniquity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ponēria points to a deep-rooted corruption rather than simple mistakes. It describes the kind of evil that springs from within, shaping our thoughts and actions. When we encounter this term in Scripture, it reminds us that true change begins in the heart, not just in outward behavior.
Jesus highlighted this reality when He spoke of the 'evil eye,' showing how inner attitudes affect our entire perspective. Similarly, Paul described wickedness as filling the human heart, yet also pointed to a divine solution. God sent Jesus to turn people away from these destructive patterns, offering a path toward sincerity and truth.
Understanding this word helps us recognize that spiritual growth requires more than surface-level adjustments. It invites us to examine our own hearts with honesty and grace, trusting in the power of Christ to renew our inner lives. This awareness fosters humility and dependence on God’s transforming work.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wickednesses,1×
- wickednesses1×
- wickedness.1×
- wickedness,1×
- wickedness1×
- of evil1×
- malice1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πονηρίας2×
- πονηρίᾳ,1×
- πονηρίας.1×
- πονηρίαν1×
- πονηρίαι,1×
- πονηριῶν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 22:18
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
Jesus identifies the Pharisees' testing as rooted in wickedness, revealing His ability to see beyond outward actions to inner motives.
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Luke 11:39
The Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.
This verse contrasts external cleanliness with internal wickedness, emphasizing that true purity must begin within the heart.
-
Ephesians 6:12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Paul elevates the concept by linking ponēria to cosmic spiritual forces, showing that this evil operates on a scale beyond personal sin.