Why is there evil in the world?
The Bible traces evil to the misuse of free will — humanity’s rebellion against God — not to God himself. Yet God works to overcome evil and will one day end it completely.
Scripture says God made a good world (Genesis 1:31). Evil entered not from God but from the choice of his creatures to turn from him (Genesis 3). Much suffering flows from this brokenness in human hearts and creation.
God does not stand by helplessly. He can even weave evil into his good purposes — as Joseph said, ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good’ (Genesis 50:20) — supremely at the cross, where the worst evil brought the greatest good.
The Bible promises a day when God will end evil entirely, wiping away every tear and making all things new (Revelation 21:4). Until then, he calls us to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21) and to trust his justice and love.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.