Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "malicious" refers to the intention or desire to cause harm or suffering to others. It is derived from the Latin word "malitiosus," which means "wicked" or "spiteful." In a biblical context, maliciousness is often associated with sin, evil intent, and actions that are contrary to the nature and will of God.
Biblical References and Context:The Bible addresses the concept of maliciousness in various passages, highlighting its destructive nature and the moral imperative to avoid such behavior. Malicious actions are often linked with other sins such as deceit, slander, and hatred.
1.
Old Testament: In the Old Testament, maliciousness is frequently condemned as part of the broader category of wickedness. For example, in
Psalm 10:7, the psalmist describes the wicked: "His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue." This verse illustrates how malicious intent is often expressed through harmful speech and deceitful actions.
2.
New Testament: The New Testament continues to denounce malicious behavior, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects the love and holiness of God. In
Ephesians 4:31, Paul exhorts the church: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, malice is grouped with other negative emotions and behaviors that disrupt community and fellowship.
Additionally, in
1 Peter 2:1, believers are instructed: "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." This passage emphasizes the need for personal purification and the rejection of behaviors that are incompatible with a life of faith.
Theological Implications:Maliciousness is fundamentally opposed to the character of God, who is described as loving, just, and merciful. The presence of malice in one's heart is indicative of a deeper spiritual issue, often rooted in pride, jealousy, or a lack of forgiveness. The Bible calls for a transformation of the heart, urging individuals to replace malice with kindness, compassion, and love.
Practical Application:Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts and actions for any traces of malicious intent. This involves a commitment to truthfulness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. By cultivating a spirit of love and humility, believers can overcome the temptation to act maliciously and instead reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others.
Related Concepts:·
Forgiveness: The antidote to malice is often found in forgiveness, as believers are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven them (
Ephesians 4:32).
·
Love: Love is the opposite of malice and is central to the Christian life.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 states, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
·
Repentance: Recognizing and repenting of malicious thoughts or actions is crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining a right relationship with God and others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Indulging or exercising malice; harboring ill will or enmity.
2. (a.) Proceeding from hatred or ill will; dictated by malice; as, a malicious report; malicious mischief.
3. (a.) With wicked or mischievous intentions or motives; wrongful and done intentionally without just cause or excuse; as, a malicious act.
Greek
2551. kakologeo -- to speak ill of... 2551 (from 2556 , "a
malicious disposition" and 3004 , "speaking to a conclusion") --
properly, to speak evil, using
malicious, damaging words that are ().
...4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad
... Adjective Transliteration: poneros Phonetic Spelling: (pon-ay-ros') Short Definition:
evil, bad, wicked Definition: evil, bad, wicked,malicious, slothful....
3789. ophis -- a snake
... Probably from optanomai (through the idea of sharpness of vision); a snake,
figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artfulmalicious person, especially...
2555. kakopoios -- an evildoer
... 2555 (from 2556 , "of amalicious disposition" and 4160 , "make") -- properly, an
evil-doer, someone who makes trouble (inflicts harm), ie to injure (damage)....
2553. kakopatheo -- to suffer evil
... 2553 (from 2556 , "of amalicious disposition" and 3806 , "pain") -- properly,
experiencing hardship (suffering) that to be a "setback" but really isn't....
1228. diabolos -- slanderous, accusing falsely
... Word Origin from diaballo Definition slanderous, accusing falsely NASB Word Usage
devil (34),malicious gossips (3). false accuser, devil, slanderer....
Strong's Hebrew
2555. chamas -- violence, wrong... Word Origin from chamas Definition violence, wrong NASB Word Usage
malicious (3), violence (48), violent (6), wrong (3). cruelty
...2803. chashab -- to think, account
... properly, to plait or interpenetrate, ie (literally) to weave or (gen.) To fabricate;
figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in amalicious sense); hence...
Library
Psalm XV.
... 4. "Themalicious one hath been brought to nought in his sight" [500] (ver.4). This
is perfection, that themalicious one have no force against a man; and that...
Of Porphyry's Epistle to Anebo, in which He Asks for Information...
... Yet he has not the boldness to attribute to all the demons all the deceptions and
malicious and foolish practices which justly move his indignation....
Christian Meekness
... To amalicious man all the holy ordinances of God turn to poison.... Amalicious spirit
is not a meek spirit. (iii) Meekness is opposed to revenge....
A Stubborn Foe Routed.
... The demon seems to be of the superlative degree. His treatment of the possessed
boy ismalicious to an extreme. His purpose is "to destroy" him....
Privatianus of Sufetula Said: "He who Says that Heretics have the...
... This man may thus be answered word for word: He who says thatmalicious and envious
persons have the power of baptizing, should first say who was the founder...
Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
... of dismissing Him, and, rather, to insist that Barabbas should be spared (Matthew
27:20) The populace, though no less ignorant, were lessmalicious than their...
The Tares.
... broadcast over its surface. He is secretly sowing tares, with themalicious
design of damaging or destroying the wheat. As soon as...
Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... hot. Some aremalicious; they can take enmity quietly, and keep it in the
refrigerator of their cold hearts, even for years. Such...
Letter vi. Temptation.
... [Footnote F: John 8:44.]. 6. He ismalicious. As Satan is the enemy of God, so he
hates everything that is good. He is continually bent on mischief....
A Tribute from Enemies
... Now, then, if we look at that confession, wrung from the lips ofmalicious
observers, we may, I think, get two or three lessons....
Thesaurus
Malicious (13 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Proceeding from hatred or ill will; dictated by malice; as, a
malicious report;
malicious mischief.
...Malicious (13 Occurrences).
...Slander (34 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A false tale or report maliciously uttered, tending to injure the reputation
of another; themalicious utterance of defamatory reports; the...
Malice (24 Occurrences)
... New Testament "malice" and "maliciousness" are the translation of kakia (Romans
1:29 1 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 14:20 Colossians 3:8);malicious is the...
Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... (see ADDER.). This word is used symbolically of a deadly, subtle,malicious enemy
(Luke 10:19).... 2. (n.) Fig.: A subtle, treacherous,malicious person....
Witchcraft (8 Occurrences)
... But neither in the Babylonian or Hebrew words is there the peculiar idea of a witch,
namely, one who traffics withmalicious spirits formalicious ends....
Maliciously (8 Occurrences)
Witch (2 Occurrences)
... But neither in the Babylonian or Hebrew words is there the peculiar idea of a witch,
namely, one who traffics withmalicious spirits formalicious ends....
Vexation (36 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The cause of trouble or disquiet; affliction. 3. (n.) A harassing by process
of law; a vexing or troubling, as by amalicious suit. Int....
Neighbor (123 Occurrences)
... witness against a neighbor (Exodus 20:16 Deuteronomy 5:20 Proverbs 25:18), or in
any way to deal falsely with him, defraud him, framemalicious devices or...
Jezebel (20 Occurrences)
... Jezebel has stamped her name on history as the representative of all that
is designing, crafty,malicious, revengeful, and cruel....
Resources
What does the Bible say about backbiting? | GotQuestions.orgIs belief in God a virus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about satire and/or sarcasm? | GotQuestions.orgMalicious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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