Topical Encyclopedia
Revelry, often associated with excessive and boisterous merrymaking, is a term used in the Bible to describe behavior that is contrary to the sober and righteous living expected of believers. It is typically characterized by indulgence in sensual pleasures, often accompanied by drunkenness and immoral activities. The Bible warns against such conduct, emphasizing the importance of self-control and holiness.
Biblical References:1.
Galatians 5:19-21 : In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul lists revelry among the "acts of the flesh." He writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Here, revelry is translated as "carousing," indicating behavior that is inconsistent with the fruit of the Spirit.
2.
Romans 13:13 : Paul exhorts the Roman believers to live honorably, saying, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." The call is to live in a manner that reflects the light of Christ, avoiding the darkness associated with revelry.
3.
1 Peter 4:3 : The Apostle Peter reminds believers of their past lives, stating, "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry." Peter encourages Christians to leave behind their former ways and live according to God's will.
Theological Implications:Revelry is often linked with a lack of self-control and a disregard for the sanctity of the body, which is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit (
1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of moderation, self-discipline, and holiness, contrasting the fleeting pleasures of revelry with the eternal joy found in a relationship with God.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:From a moral standpoint, revelry is seen as a gateway to further sin and moral decay. It often leads to actions that harm oneself and others, disrupting community harmony and personal relationships. The Bible's admonitions against revelry serve as a reminder of the importance of living a life that honors God and reflects His character.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to avoid situations that may lead to revelry and to seek fellowship with those who encourage righteous living. Engaging in activities that promote spiritual growth, such as prayer, worship, and service, helps to cultivate a lifestyle that is pleasing to God. By focusing on the virtues of the Spirit, Christians can resist the temptations of revelry and live in a way that glorifies God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The act of engaging in a revel; noisy festivity; reveling.
Greek
1354. Dionusios -- Dionysius, an Athenian... Word Origin from Dionusos (Dionysus, Gr. god of wine and
revelry) Definition
Dionysius, an Athenian NASB Word Usage Dionysius (1). Dionysius.
...Library
How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... Chapter IV."How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts. Letrevelry keep away from our rational
entertainments, and foolish vigils, too, that revel in intemperance....
The Unseen Watcher
... of brass, protected by the river Euphrates, and stocked with provision in abundance,
the voluptuous monarch felt safe and passed his time in mirth andrevelry....
The Climax of Ecclesiastes' Exercises Seems to have Been Reached...
... Ecclesiastes. A city flourishes under the wise diligence of her rulers,
or goes to pieces under their neglect and sensualrevelry....
False Teachings of the Apostasy.
... A large majority of the sectarian world reject the scriptures that teach
plainness of dress, that condemnrevelry and fleshly lusts....
On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... superfluous perfume of unguents. Such a use of crowns, also, has degenerated
to scenes ofrevelry and intoxication. Do not encircle...
The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... Strymon."Human sacrifices."Arrival at the canal."Death of the engineer."Burial
of the engineer."A grand feast."Scene ofrevelry."Desolation and...
Hymns of Wales.
... William Wroth, clergyman, saved from fiddling at a drunken dance by a disaster that
turned a house ofrevelry into a house of death, confessed his sins to God...
It was Near the Middle Hour of the Night. ...
... Cries of venders, ribald songs, shouts ofrevelry, the hurrying of many feet roused
the good people who, wearied by other nights of dissipation, now sought...
Christ the Light of the World.
... of the Pillar of Fire that led their fathers in the trackless desert, the people
lit large lamps round the Temple, and gave themselves up to dancing andrevelry...
A Specimen of a Catechetical Address; and First, the Case of a...
... robberies, and so they are suddenly filled with fears both numerous and great; and
men who a little before were singing in the house ofrevelry, are now...
Thesaurus
Revelry (8 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of engaging in a revel; noisy festivity;
reveling. Multi-Version Concordance
Revelry (8 Occurrences).
...Revellings (2 Occurrences)
... has "revelling" instead of the King James Version "rioting," and in 2 Peter 2:13,
"revel" replaces "riot." Similarly in Amos 6:7, "revelry" replaces "banquet...
Orgies (4 Occurrences)
... especially, the ceremonies observed by the Greeks and Romans in the worship of Dionysus,
or Bacchus, which were characterized by wild and dissoluterevelry....
Debauchery (9 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Living as we do in broad daylight, let us conduct ourselves becomingly,
not indulging inrevelry and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor...
Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Living as we do in broad daylight, let us conduct ourselves becomingly,
not indulging inrevelry and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor...
Quarrelling (5 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Living as we do in broad daylight, let us conduct ourselves becomingly,
not indulging inrevelry and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor...
Noisy (14 Occurrences)
... of the things which the Gentiles delight in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of
habitual licence, debauchery, hard drinking, noisyrevelry, drunkenness and...
Unholy (23 Occurrences)
... of the things which the Gentiles delight in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of
habitual licence, debauchery, hard drinking, noisyrevelry, drunkenness and...
Ourselves (129 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Living as we do in broad daylight, let us conduct ourselves becomingly,
not indulging inrevelry and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor...
Licentiousness (10 Occurrences)
... of the things which the Gentiles delight in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of
habitual licence, debauchery, hard drinking, noisyrevelry, drunkenness and...
Resources
What sort of pagan revelry did the Israelites indulge in (Exodus 32:6)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of debauchery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dancing? Should Christians dance? | GotQuestions.orgRevelry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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