evil

In the Gospel According to Matthew 12:34–35 (NABRE), Jesus contrasts good and evil treasures. This contrast is made more interesting because one of the Greek words chosen is not what might be expected in this context.

The Greek word translated as “good” is ἀγαθός (agathos), the Greek adjective meaning “good.” The word translated here as “evil” or “wicked” is the Greek word πονηρός (poneros), which is not the standard Greek opposite of agathos. The root concept of poneros is “being oppressed by toils” and takes a negative connotation that suggests being useless or worthless.

Why do you think worthless is the concept suggested here as the opposite of good? What does this contrast imply about what was treasured by the people that Jesus was addressing?

related topics: demonic possession; Evil One; Satan & Beelzebub

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