Evil is the English word translated from the Hebrew, Ra. [1] "In order to convey the correct thought in English, the very comprehensive Hebrew word raʽ is variously translated as 'bad,' 'gloomy,' 'ugly,' 'evil,' 'calamitous,' 'malignant,' 'ungenerous,' and 'envious,' depending upon the context." [2]

The first occurrence of ra' in the Bible is Genesis 2:9 with reference to the knowledge of good and 'evil.'

Does Jehovah create or cause ra' or 'evil'?

"The Meaning of Jehovah’s Bringing Evil. Rightly, Jehovah brought evil or calamity upon Adam for his disobedience. Hence, in the Scriptures, Jehovah is referred to as the Creator of evil or calamity. (Isa 45:7; compare KJ.) His enforcing of the penalty for sin, namely, death, has proved to be an evil, or a calamity, for mankind. So, then, evil is not always synonymous with wrongdoing. Examples of evils or calamities created by Jehovah are the Flood of Noah’s day and the Ten Plagues visited upon Egypt. But these evils were not wrongs." [2]

This concept is very difficult for binary thinkers to grasp.

End Notes

[1] Strongs H7451 - raʿ, Blue Letter Bible

[2] Evil, it-1 p. 772, Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY