In the pages of the Bible, alongside its teachings of love and redemption, are accounts of disturbing events and actions. These narratives reveal the complexities of human nature and, often, the consequences of sin.
From the dawn of creation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Bible documents instances of evil that challenge our understanding of morality and justice. In this article, we will examine ten such examples, referencing specific scriptures to illuminate these dark aspects of biblical history.
Examples of Evil Things in the Bible
#1. Original Sin
The concept of original sin originates from the story of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. God commanded them not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but they disobeyed. Genesis 3:6 recounts Eve’s temptation: “She took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”
This act of defiance led to the fall of humanity, as God pronounced consequences for their disobedience. Original sin introduced a fundamental flaw into human nature, marking the beginning of mankind’s struggle with sin and separation from God.
#2. Murder (Cain and Abel)
The first murder recorded in the Bible occurs in Genesis 4, where Cain, filled with jealousy and anger, kills his brother Abel. Genesis 4:8 describes the event: “Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
This act of violence illustrates the destructive nature of sin and the tragic consequences it brings. Cain’s jealousy and lack of control led to the shedding of innocent blood, setting a grim precedent for future generations.
#3. The Great Flood
The Great Flood, found in Genesis 6-9, depicts God’s judgment upon a corrupt and wicked world. Genesis 6:5 states, “The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
God decided to wipe out all living creatures from the face of the earth, sparing only Noah and his family. The floodwaters engulfed the earth, eradicating sinful humanity and cleansing the world of its wickedness, demonstrating the severity of God’s judgment against evil.
#4. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were infamous for their depravity and immorality. In Genesis 19, God declares His intention to destroy these cities because of their wickedness. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts the destruction: “Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens.
Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.” This catastrophic event serves as a sobering reminder of God’s judgment against unrepentant sin and rebellion.
#5. The Plagues of Egypt
The plagues of Egypt, described in Exodus 7-12, were divine judgments unleashed upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians for refusing to release the Israelites from slavery. Exodus 12:29 narrates the final plague: “At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well.”
These plagues, ranging from water turning into blood to the death of the firstborn, demonstrated God’s power over creation and His determination to deliver His people from oppression.
#6. Violations of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, outline God’s moral laws for humanity. Violations of these commandments are pervasive throughout biblical history, demonstrating humanity’s propensity for sin. Exodus 20:3-17 provides the full list of commandments, including prohibitions against idolatry, murder, adultery, theft, false witness, and coveting.
Countless individuals and nations throughout the Bible disregarded these commandments, leading to moral decay and societal breakdown. These violations highlight the consequences of disobedience to God’s moral standards and the enduring struggle against sin.
#7. Betrayal of Judas
Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus Christ is one of the most infamous acts of treachery recorded in the Bible. In Matthew 26:14-16, Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver: “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” This act of betrayal ultimately led to Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, underscoring the depths of human greed and betrayal.
#8. Crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a central event in Christian theology, symbolizing the sacrifice of God’s Son for the redemption of humanity. In Matthew 27:32-35, Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals: “As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” The crucifixion represents the ultimate act of evil, as sinful humanity rejected and executed the innocent Son of God.
#9. King Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents
King Herod’s massacre of the innocents, recorded in Matthew 2:16-18, is a harrowing example of the abuse of power and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Fearing the threat posed by the newborn Messiah, Herod orders the slaughter of all male infants in Bethlehem: “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” This brutal act reflects the depths of human depravity and the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain their authority.
#10. Persecution of Prophets and Martyrs
Throughout the Bible, prophets and martyrs faced persecution and violence for proclaiming God’s truth and righteousness. Hebrews 11:35-38 recounts the sufferings endured by faithful believers: “Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them.” These examples demonstrate the hostility of the world toward those who stand firm in their faith, enduring suffering and persecution for the sake of righteousness.
Closing Thoughts
The examples of evil things in the Bible serve as sobering reminders of humanity’s capacity for sin and rebellion against God. From the disobedience of Adam and Eve to the persecution of prophets and martyrs, these narratives reveal the consequences of straying from God’s moral principles.
Yet, amidst the darkness, the Bible also offers hope and redemption through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on these accounts, may we acknowledge the reality of evil in the world and strive to live according to God’s commands, seeking forgiveness and restoration through Christ.