Evil Inclination in the Bible and Rabbinic Tradition
1. What Is the Evil Inclination?
The concept of the evil inclination (yetzer ha-ra) is not explicitly found in the Bible. It arises from rabbinic reflection, though the rabbis rooted it in Scripture, particularly in passages such as Genesis 6:5 (“every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”) and Genesis 8:21 (“the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth”). The Hebrew word yetzer refers to an inclination, desire, or drive.
In rabbinic tradition, humanity is created with two yetzerim (inclinations): the yetzer ha-tov (good inclination) and the yetzer ha-ra (evil inclination). This duality reflects the inner struggle within every human heart, an anthropology that accounts both for moral striving and moral failure.
The rabbis even pointed to the unusual spelling of Genesis 2:7, where God “formed” (wayyetzer) man with a double yod, as proof that God created humans with two inclinations. Humanity is not morally neutral; we are, from the start, pulled in two directions.
2. The Nature of the Evil Inclination
The rabbis understood the evil inclination in both positive and negative terms.
Negatively, it represents rebellion against God. It manifests in idolatry, sexual immorality, anger, pride, hatred, ambition, and violence. In this sense, it aligns closely with the “flesh” described in the New Testament (Gal 5:19–21).
Positively, the evil inclination is paradoxically necessary. It fuels passion, desire, and even creativity. Without it, there would be no drive for procreation (Gen 1:28), no striving for work or progress.
Rabbinic legend (b. Yoma 69b) tells of the Men of the Great Synagogue attempting to destroy the evil inclination. When they confined it, the world stopped reproducing, and they realized that without this impulse life would end. Thus, while the evil inclination threatens obedience, it also enables human flourishing under God’s design.
The tension is clear: the evil inclination cannot simply be eradicated. It must be restrained and redirected toward godly purposes.
3. Controlling the Evil Inclination
The rabbis consistently emphasized that the evil inclination could only be controlled through God’s Torah. Study, prayer, and obedience were the weapons against it. As b. Qidd. 30b notes: “I created the evil inclination, and I created the Torah as its remedy.”
Practical means of resisting the yetzer ha-ra included:
Torah study – immersing the mind in God’s Word to counter sinful thoughts.
Self-discipline – learning to subdue passions rather than indulge them (m. Avoth 4:1).
Community accountability – living within the rhythms of synagogue and covenant life.
The rabbis also warned that scholars were especially prone to temptation: the greater the person, the stronger his evil inclination (b. Sukk. 52a). Yet they insisted that serious study and devotion were sufficient to overcome it.
4. Evil Inclination and Satan
At times the rabbis blurred the line between the evil inclination, Satan, and the Angel of Death. These figures could be spoken of interchangeably, pointing to the close connection between temptation, sin, and mortality. In some texts the evil inclination was even equated with idolatry or a “strange god.”
This overlap resonates with the New Testament, where Paul speaks of Sin as if it were a personified power (Rom 7:13–25). Both Jewish and Christian thought recognized that evil is more than isolated acts—it is a force that binds and enslaves. The battle is not just against temptation but against a cosmic adversary (Eph 6:12).
5. Gospel Perspective on the Evil Inclination
From a Gospel-centered view, the rabbinic teaching about the evil inclination highlights the depth of humanity’s need. The law alone cannot subdue the sinful drive; it can only restrain it. Paul explains that the law reveals sin but cannot overcome it (Rom 7:7–12). What is needed is transformation of the heart, the gift of a new spirit (Ezek 36:26).
Jesus fulfills what the rabbis longed for. Where the Torah could restrain, Christ redeems. Through his death and resurrection, believers are set free from slavery to sin (Rom 6:6). The Spirit replaces the heart of stone with a heart of flesh, reordering desires toward God. The tension between good and evil inclinations remains in the Christian life, but now the Spirit empowers victory.
Anthony Delgado’s vision of the Gospel as bigger than personal salvation fits here: Christ not only forgives sinful acts but breaks the power of the yetzer ha-ra that corrupts human life. The Gospel proclaims a new creation where the evil inclination will ultimately be no more.
6. Eschatological Hope and the End of the Evil Inclination
Rabbinic tradition held that the evil inclination would not be destroyed until the ʿôlām ha-bāʾ, the world to come. This anticipates the Christian hope of new creation. In the present age, we battle sin and struggle with divided hearts. In the age to come, that struggle will end.
The New Testament looks forward to this promise:
Revelation 21 describes a new heaven and new earth where sin and death are no more.
Romans 8:21 speaks of creation being freed from its bondage to corruption.
1 Corinthians 15:26 declares that the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
In this way, the biblical vision surpasses rabbinic insight. The inclination to sin is not merely restrained—it is eradicated when Christ reigns fully. Until then, Christians live in hope, pressing on with the Spirit’s help to subdue the flesh and walk in holiness.
Conclusion
The concept of the evil inclination reveals profound truths about human nature. Though absent as a formal category in the Bible, it reflects the reality that our hearts are bent away from God from youth (Gen 8:21). Rabbinic tradition wrestled with this tension, recognizing that the same drive that leads to sin also fuels human passion and creativity.
Yet the Gospel takes us further. It reveals that only in Christ is the power of the yetzer ha-ra broken. By his Spirit, believers begin to live in newness of life even while awaiting the consummation of God’s kingdom. The evil inclination reminds us of our desperate need, while Christ reminds us of our certain hope.
Bible Verses about the Evil Inclination
“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5)
“The intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Genesis 8:21)
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7)
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18)
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24–25)
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24)
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Romans 16:20)
