from πονηρός; depravity, i.e. (specially), malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins:--iniquity, wickedness.
Transliteration:ponēría
Pronunciation:pon-ay-ree'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πονηρία (ponēría) `{{G4189}}` derives from the adjective πονηρός (ponērós) `{{G4190}}`, which broadly signifies "evil," "wicked," or "bad." In its nominal form, πονηρία conveys a deeper sense of active depravity, malice, or malevolence. It describes not merely a passive state of badness but an inherent disposition towards causing harm or engaging in morally reprehensible acts. While often translated as "wickedness" or "iniquity," its semantic range extends to include malicious intent, active malice, and the concrete manifestations of such evil, sometimes rendered as "plots" or "sins" in the plural. Unlike general badness (κακία, `{{G2549}}`) or unrighteousness (ἀδικία, `{{G93}}`), πονηρία frequently carries the connotation of an injurious or destructive quality, a deliberate orientation of the will towards what is morally corrupt and harmful to others or to God. It speaks to a fundamental perversion of moral character that actively seeks to do evil.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πονηρία appears in the New Testament primarily to describe the inherent corruption of the human heart and the active manifestations of evil.
* In [[Mark 7:22]], Jesus lists πονηρία among the defiling things that "come from within, out of the heart of man." Here, it is presented as one of the internal sources of moral impurity, alongside covetousness, deceit, and sensuality, highlighting its origin in the human will and disposition.
* [[Luke 11:39]] records Jesus' indictment of the Pharisees: "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness (πονηρίας)." This usage underscores that πονηρία represents an internal, deeply rooted moral corruption that belies outward appearances of piety.
* Paul includes πονηρία in his extensive list of sins characterizing fallen humanity in [[Romans 1:29]], where he states that people are "filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness (πονηρία), covetousness, malice." This context places πονηρία as a pervasive and fundamental aspect of humanity's rebellion against God.
* In [[1 Corinthians 5:8]], Paul urges believers to "cleanse out the old leaven... not with the leaven of malice and evil (κακίας καὶ πονηρίας), but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." The pairing with κακία (general malice or badness) suggests that πονηρία might denote a more active, insidious, or injurious form of evil, perhaps the concrete outworking of malicious intent.
* A significant theological usage occurs in [[Ephesians 6:12]], where believers are said to "not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil (πονηρίας) in the heavenly places." Here, πονηρία is used in a collective or abstract sense to refer to the very essence of spiritual wickedness, personified in demonic powers.
* In [[Acts 3:26]], Peter declares that God sent Jesus "to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness (πονηριῶν)." The plural form here emphasizes specific acts or manifestations of evil that individuals commit, from which they need to be turned through repentance and faith in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Πονηρία is closely related to, yet distinct from, several other Greek terms describing sin and evil:
* **Πονηρός (ponērós) `{{G4190}}`**: The adjective from which πονηρία is derived. It describes something or someone as "evil," "wicked," or "harmful."
* **Κακία (kakía) `{{G2549}}`**: General badness, malice, ill-will. While often translated similarly to πονηρία, κακία can refer to a more general state of moral depravity, whereas πονηρία often implies a more active, malevolent, and injurious form of evil. They are sometimes used in conjunction, as in [[1 Corinthians 5:8]], suggesting a nuanced distinction or intensification.
* **Ἀδικία (adikía) `{{G93}}`**: Unrighteousness, injustice. This term focuses on a violation of what is right or just, often in relation to laws or moral standards. While πονηρία can lead to ἀδικία, it emphasizes the internal disposition rather than solely the external act.
* **Κακός (kakós) `{{G2556}}`**: A more general term for "bad" or "evil," encompassing a wide range of negative qualities.
* **Κακοήθεια (kakoētheia) `{{G2550}}`**: Malignity, malevolence, ill-nature, often implying a perverse pleasure in the misfortunes of others.
The concept of πονηρία stands in stark contrast to divine attributes like goodness (ἀγαθωσύνη, `{{G19}}`) and righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, `{{G1343}}`).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πονηρία is profound, touching upon the nature of sin, the character of God, and the work of redemption.
* **The Depth of Human Sin:** The consistent New Testament usage of πονηρία underscores that human sin is not merely a collection of isolated acts but stems from a deep-seated, active depravity of the heart. It points to a moral corruption that is inherent and pervasive, making humanity truly "wicked" in its fallen state.
* **Opposition to God's Character:** God's nature is absolute goodness, holiness, and righteousness. Therefore, πονηρία, as active malevolence and depravity, stands in direct antithesis to the divine character. It represents a fundamental rebellion against God's will and His benevolent order.
* **The Need for Transformation:** The presence of πονηρία within the human heart necessitates a radical transformation, which the gospel of Jesus Christ offers. As seen in [[Acts 3:26]], Christ's mission is to turn people away from their wickedness, indicating that true repentance involves a turning from the very disposition of πονηρία. This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to put off the "old self" with its wickedness and put on the "new self" (cf. [[Ephesians 4:22-24]]).
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The use of πονηρία in [[Ephesians 6:12]] is critical, revealing that human sin is not the only manifestation of evil. There are cosmic, spiritual forces of wickedness that actively oppose God and His people. This understanding elevates the struggle against evil beyond mere human failings to a spiritual battle requiring divine armor and strength.
### Summary
Πονηρία (ponēría) `{{G4189}}` denotes active, malevolent wickedness or depravity, stemming from a corrupt heart. It is not merely a passive state of badness but an injurious disposition that manifests in harmful acts and intentions. The New Testament uses this term to describe the inherent moral corruption of humanity, originating from within the heart, and to characterize the spiritual forces of evil that oppose God. The prevalence of πονηρία highlights the profound need for divine intervention and transformation, which is offered through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, enabling believers to turn from their wickedness and pursue lives of sincerity and truth.
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