Hebrew · H2896, H7451

טוֹב וָרָע

Good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well) · bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.

Words in this compound — expand to study each participant

טוֹב H2896 good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well)
רַע H7451 bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
Pronunciation ra
Encompasses both moral wickedness and physical affliction; God's judgment often conflates ethical and natural evil.
Open lexicon entry →

What does טוֹב וָרָע (ṭôḇ wā-rāʿ) mean in the Bible?

טוֹב · רַע is a Hebrew phrase meaning "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well)".

Full entry for טוֹב וָרָע (H2896, H7451) · Open the biblical lexicon

Meaning

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well)
Word Origins
Grammatical Forms

How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.

Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense
Perfect 1Sam 25:36 · 2Sam 3:19 · 2Sam 3:36 · 2Sam 15:26 · 2Sam 19:38 · Judg 16:25 · Ps 119:71
Sources