Scripture Reference for "From Bad to Worse" Phrase
The phrase "from bad to worse" is rooted in biblical language, specifically in II Timothy 3:13, which states that "evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived" [2]. This verse directly articulates the concept of a downward spiral into greater evil.
The idea is echoed in various other biblical passages that describe the progression of evil or the consequences of sin. For instance, Isaiah 5:20 condemns those who "call evil good, and good evil," indicating a corruption of moral judgment that can lead to further evil [3]. Similarly, Psalm 7:14 is interpreted by the Tyndale House as suggesting that "evil begins with small words or steps, and gives birth to increasingly worse deeds as time goes on" [6].
The biblical narrative also illustrates this concept through the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, where God investigates whether the "deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me" (Genesis 18:21) [5]. The implication is that the wickedness of these cities has reached a point where it necessitates divine judgment.
In the Jewish tradition, Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on Jeremiah 9:2, interpreting "from evil to evil" as "from sin to sin" [7]. This interpretation underscores the idea of a progressive descent into evil.
The concept is not limited to the actions of individuals but is also applied to the collective behavior of societies or communities. For example, in Hosea 6:10, the prophet describes a "horrible thing" that has occurred, which Jamieson, Fausset & Brown interpret as a deepening of sin, specifically idolatry and spiritual adultery [8].
The biblical and interpretive traditions thus provide a nuanced understanding of the concept "from bad to worse." They suggest that this progression is not merely a moral or ethical failing but is often associated with divine judgment and the consequences of sin.
The scriptural references and their interpretations across different traditions highlight the complexity and depth of the concept, illustrating that the idea of descending into greater evil is a theme present in various biblical contexts [1, 3, 4, 5].
Sources
- Isaiah “Verumtamen ad infernum detraheris, in profundum laci. -- Isaiah 14:15”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:13 (BSB) — while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
- Isaiah “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! -- Isaiah 5:20”
- Lamentations “Lamentations 3:38 (LEB) — Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that disaster and good will come?”
- Genesis “I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know.” -- Genesis 18:21”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 7:14: 7:14 Evil begins with small words or steps, and gives birth to increasingly worse deeds as time goes on (see Isa 59:4-5).”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Jeremiah 9:2: from evil to evil From sin to sin.”
- Hosea (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hosea 6:10: horrible thing-- (Jer 5:30; Jer 18:13; Jer 23:14). whoredom--idolatry.”