"vile, refuse; evil, wicked; Jn. 3:20; 5:29; Rom. 9:11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Tit. 2:8; Jas. 3:16*"
Definition and meaning
vile, refuse; evil, wicked; Jn. 3:20; 5:29; Rom. 9:11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Tit. 2:8; Jas. 3:16*
In the original Greek the word is written: φαῦλος
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of phaulos (G5337) across the King James Bible.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
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Common questions
Strong's G5337 (phaulos) is a Greek word that means: vile, refuse; evil, wicked; Jn. 3:20; 5:29; Rom. 9:11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Tit. 2:8; Jas. 3:16* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word phaulos (G5337) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5337 is phaulos, a Greek word defined as: vile, refuse; evil, wicked; Jn. 3:20; 5:29; Rom. 9:11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Tit. 2:8; Jas. 3:16*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
phaulos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.