If God Is Sovereign, Why Does Evil Exist?
If God Is Sovereign, Why Does Evil Exist? The Bible teaches that God permits evil without authoring it — using even human rebellion to accomplish His redemptive purposes, as seen supremely in the cross.
Key verse: Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that God permits evil without authoring it — using even human rebellion to accomplish His redemptive purposes, as seen supremely in the cross.
The Bible teaches that God permits evil without authoring it — using even human rebellion to accomplish His redemptive purposes, as seen supremely in the cross.
"Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to save much people alive." — Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
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The Biblical Answer
This is the classic 'problem of evil.' Scripture holds two truths simultaneously: God is absolutely sovereign and absolutely good. He created beings with genuine choice — angels and humans — and some chose rebellion. God did not create evil but permitted free creatures to choose it. Yet He remains sovereign over it. Joseph told his brothers, 'Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to save much people alive' (Genesis 50:20). Acts 2:23 says Jesus was delivered 'by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God' yet crucified 'by wicked hands.' God used the greatest evil (the murder of His Son) to accomplish the greatest good (salvation). Romans 8:28 promises God works 'all things together for good.' Isaiah 45:7 acknowledges God creates 'calamity' (disaster/judgment) but not moral evil. The Bible doesn't fully resolve the tension — it invites trust: 'Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?' (Genesis 18:25). The final answer comes in eternity when evil is forever vanquished and God's purposes fully revealed.
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Key Scripture References
"Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to save much people alive."
"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
"All things work together for good to them that love God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About God's Sovereignty?
The Bible teaches that God is supreme over all creation — He ordains, permits, and governs all things according to His perfect will and purpose.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
The Bible teaches that suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope — and that God works all things for good for those who love Him.
What Was the Fall of Man?
The fall was Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden — eating the forbidden fruit — which introduced sin, death, and separation from God into the human experience.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “If God Is Sovereign, Why Does Evil Exist?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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