Topical Encyclopedia Evil-favoredness is a term that describes a condition or appearance that is unpleasant, unattractive, or marked by moral or spiritual corruption. In the biblical context, it often refers to the outward manifestation of inner wickedness or the consequences of sin that mar the image of God in humanity. The concept of evil-favoredness can be explored through various scriptural references and themes that highlight the contrast between righteousness and wickedness, beauty and deformity, both in physical and spiritual terms.Biblical References and Themes 1. Physical Appearance and Moral Condition: In the Bible, physical appearance is sometimes used as a metaphor for moral and spiritual conditions. For instance, in Genesis 41:3-4, Pharaoh's dream of the "seven ugly and gaunt cows" that come up out of the Nile and devour the seven healthy cows can be seen as a representation of impending famine and hardship, a physical manifestation of a negative spiritual reality. 2. Spiritual Deformity: Evil-favoredness can also be understood as spiritual deformity. In Isaiah 53:2, the prophecy about the suffering servant describes Him as having "no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him" . This passage highlights how the Messiah, though outwardly unattractive, embodies ultimate righteousness and spiritual beauty, contrasting with the evil-favoredness of sin. 3. Moral Corruption and Its Consequences: The Bible frequently associates moral corruption with negative outcomes, both physically and spiritually. In Proverbs 6:12-15, a "worthless person, a wicked man" is described as one who "walks with a perverse mouth" and whose actions lead to calamity . This passage illustrates how evil-favoredness, in terms of moral corruption, results in destructive consequences. 4. Contrast with Righteousness: The concept of evil-favoredness is often contrasted with the beauty of righteousness. In Psalm 45:2, the psalmist describes the king as "the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips" , symbolizing the attractiveness of righteousness and divine favor. This contrast serves to highlight the disfigurement that sin brings to the human soul. 5. Transformation through Redemption: The New Testament offers hope for those marked by evil-favoredness through the transformative power of Christ. In Ephesians 2:1-5, Paul speaks of believers who were once "dead in your trespasses and sins" but have been made alive with Christ . This transformation from spiritual death and deformity to life and beauty in Christ underscores the redemptive work of God in overcoming evil-favoredness. Conclusion Evil-favoredness, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the disfigurement it brings to both the physical and spiritual realms. However, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are offered a path to transformation and restoration, highlighting the ultimate victory of righteousness over evil. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia EVIL-FAVOREDNESSe-v'-l-fa'-verd-nes Library False Profession. Thesaurus Evilfavoredness... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EVIL-FAVOREDNESS. ev'-l-fa'-verd-nes The word is the translation of the Hebrew dabhar ra', lit "evil ... /e/evilfavoredness.htm - 7k Evil-favoredness Favoredness (1 Occurrence) Evilfavouredness (1 Occurrence) Evil-exactly (1 Occurrence) Ill (137 Occurrences) Illfavored Ill-favored (5 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about good versus evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of evil? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow evil? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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