φαῦλος (phaulos)
phaulos
evil
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective phaulos describes something as worthless, base, or bad in a moral sense. In the New Testament, it carries a distinct ethical weight, referring to actions or people that are evil or of no account. It is used to contrast with what is good or noble, highlighting a fundamental lack of value rather than just minor flaws.
This word appears in key passages such as John 3:20, where it describes the evil deeds that people love because they hate the light. It also appears in Romans 9:11 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 to distinguish between good and bad works. The sources note its frequent use in classical Greek, but in Scripture, it always points to moral failure or wickedness.
Its root meaning suggests something slight or ordinary, but the biblical usage elevates this to a serious judgment. Translators often render it as "evil" or "bad," capturing the idea that such actions are not just imperfect but fundamentally opposed to God’s standards. The word serves as a stark reminder of the moral divide between light and darkness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word φαῦλος (phaulos) reminds us that our actions have lasting weight. It describes deeds that are worthless or base in God’s eyes, not just minor mistakes but choices that reject His light. In John 3:20, we see how those who do evil hate the truth because they fear exposure. This is a sobering reality: hiding from God only deepens our separation from Him.
Yet this word also points to hope. Romans 9:11 shows that God’s purpose stands apart from our works, good or bad. We are not saved by avoiding φαῦλος deeds but by trusting in His call. When we stand before Christ, as 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, every action will be revealed. But this is not a threat—it is an invitation to live honestly, knowing that God offers grace even when we fall short.
James 3:16 warns that selfish ambition brings confusion and evil deeds. But where the Spirit leads, there is peace. This word invites us to examine our hearts, not with fear, but with confidence in Christ’s forgiveness. We are called to do what is good, knowing that God values sincerity over perfection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- evil3×
- evil.2×
- evil,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φαῦλον.¶2×
- φαῦλα2×
- φαῦλον,1×
- φαῦλον1×
Key Verses
-
John 3:20
For everyone who does evil hates the light and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.
This verse shows how φαῦλος deeds are hidden from the light, revealing a heart that resists truth.
-
Romans 9:11
For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,
Here, φαῦλος is paired with good to emphasize that God’s election depends on His call, not human merit.
-
James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
The word appears here to describe the confusion and evil deeds that stem from selfish ambition.