### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phaûlos**, represented by `{{G5337}}`, is defined as "foul" or "flawy," and figuratively as wicked or **evil**. Though it appears only **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, it carries a specific weight, often describing actions or things that are corrupt, worthless, and in opposition to divine light and goodness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5337}}` consistently points to a state of moral corruption and its consequences. The Gospel of John uses it to establish a stark contrast: those who do **evil** are said to hate the light, fearing their deeds will be exposed [[John 3:20]]. This culminates in a final judgment where those who have done **evil** face a "resurrection of damnation" [[John 5:29]]. The word also describes the tangible result of internal decay; in James, it is presented as the outcome of a heart filled with envy and strife, which produces "every **evil** work" [[James 3:16]]. Finally, it can refer to malicious speech, where a person of integrity gives opponents "no **evil** thing to say" [[Titus 2:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of `{{G5337}}`:
* `{{G18}}` **agathós** (good): Defined as "good," this term is used as the direct antonym to **phaûlos**. Scripture contrasts those who have done **good** `{{G18}}` with those who have done **evil** `{{G5337}}`, assigning each to a different eternal destiny [[John 5:29]].
* `{{G2205}}` **zēlos** (envy(-ing)): This word, meaning "jealousy" or "envy," is identified as a source of wicked behavior. It is directly linked with **phaûlos**, showing that internal attitudes like **envying** lead to "every **evil** work" [[James 3:16]].
* `{{G2052}}` **eritheía** (strife): Meaning "intrigue" or "contention," this term is paired with **zēlos** as a cause of **evil**. Where **strife** exists, it brings about **confusion** `{{G181}}` and wicked deeds [[James 3:16]].
* `{{G4238}}` **prássō** (do): This verb for performing an action repeatedly or habitually is connected to **phaûlos** to describe a lifestyle. It is used for those who "doeth **evil**" [[John 3:20]] and "have done **evil**" [[John 5:29]], indicating a pattern of wicked behavior.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5337}}` is significant despite its infrequent use. It underscores several key principles:
* **Active Opposition to Truth:** The word characterizes a state that actively rejects divine revelation. Those who practice **evil** are described as hating the light precisely because their deeds are foul and they fear exposure [[John 3:20]].
* **Basis for Final Judgment:** Actions described as **phaûlos** carry eternal consequences. The Bible draws a clear line between doing **good** `{{G18}}`, which leads to life, and doing **evil**, which leads to a resurrection of damnation `{{G2920}}`, or judgment [[John 5:29]].
* **External Manifestation of Inner Sin:** `{{G5337}}` is presented as the tangible fruit of a disordered heart. When **envying** `{{G2205}}` and **strife** `{{G2052}}` are present, the outcome is "confusion and every **evil** work" `{{G4229}}`, connecting sinful attitudes directly to wicked actions [[James 3:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5337}}` **phaûlos** denotes a wickedness that is foul, corrupt, and actively hostile to divine truth. It is not merely a passive state but describes deeds and works that stem from a heart filled with **envy** `{{G2205}}` and **strife** `{{G2052}}`, as seen in [[James 3:16]]. The use of this word highlights a clear theological contrast between light and darkness, with the practice of **evil** leading ultimately to judgment and condemnation [[John 5:29]]. Thus, **phaûlos** serves as a serious descriptor for actions and attitudes that are fundamentally opposed to God's nature.
TRV