Topical Encyclopedia
The term "illicit" refers to actions or behaviors that are forbidden by law, custom, or moral principles. In the context of the Bible, it often pertains to activities that are contrary to God's commandments and teachings. The Bible addresses various forms of illicit behavior, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's laws and maintaining moral integrity.
Illicit Sexual RelationsOne of the most frequently addressed forms of illicit behavior in the Bible is sexual immorality. The Scriptures clearly delineate acceptable sexual conduct, primarily confining it to the marriage relationship between a man and a woman. Any sexual activity outside of this covenant is considered illicit. In
1 Corinthians 6:18, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body" . This highlights the gravity of sexual sin and its unique impact on the individual.
The Old Testament also provides explicit prohibitions against illicit sexual relations.
Leviticus 18 outlines various forbidden practices, including adultery, incest, and homosexuality. These prohibitions are reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are called to live lives of purity and holiness.
Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers" .
Illicit Worship PracticesIllicit worship practices, such as idolatry and the worship of false gods, are sternly condemned throughout the Bible. The First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (
Exodus 20:3), establishes the foundation for exclusive devotion to the one true God. The Israelites frequently struggled with idolatry, leading to severe consequences, including exile and divine judgment.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against idolatry in
1 Corinthians 10:14, saying, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" . The early church faced challenges from pagan practices and syncretism, prompting leaders to emphasize the importance of pure and true worship.
Illicit Financial PracticesThe Bible also addresses illicit financial practices, such as theft, fraud, and dishonest gain. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (
Exodus 20:15), underscores the importance of respecting others' property and conducting business with integrity.
Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight" , highlighting God's disdain for deceitful practices.
In the New Testament, Zacchaeus, a tax collector, exemplifies repentance from illicit financial practices. Upon encountering Jesus, he declares, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold" (
Luke 19:8). This demonstrates the transformative power of repentance and restitution.
Illicit SpeechIllicit speech, including lying, gossip, and slander, is another area addressed by the Bible. The Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (
Exodus 20:16), prohibits lying and deceit. The Book of Proverbs frequently warns against the dangers of illicit speech, as in
Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who pours out lies" among the things the Lord detests.
In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to speak truthfully and edify one another.
Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen" .
Throughout the Bible, illicit behaviors are consistently condemned, and believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness and righteousness. The Scriptures provide guidance and instruction to avoid these pitfalls and to pursue a life that honors God in all aspects.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Not permitted or allowed; prohibited; unlawful; as, illicit trade; illicit pleasure.
Library
Of theIllicit Arts Connected with Demonolatry, and of which the...
... Book X. Chapter 9."Of theIllicit Arts Connected with Demonolatry, and of Which
the Platonist Porphyry Adopts Some, and Discards Others....
Whether a Sale is Rendered Unlawful through a Fault in the Thing...
... quantity which is known by being measured: wherefore if anyone knowingly make use
of a faulty measure in selling, he is guilty of fraud, and the sale isillicit...
Read the Book on the Resurrection by St. Methodius
... of us, behaved wickedly in the charge committed to him; as also did those who
subsequently were enamoured of fleshly charms, and hadillicit intercourse with...
The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley
... the Plan of Salvation, the Gift of God, the Wages of Sin, it was all as certain
to recur on Sunday as the football match on Saturday, anillicit drive over the...
A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... Beyond. The warning's range he was not ought to touch. [1299]. One fruitillicit,
whence he was to know. Forthwith how to discriminate alike....
Of the Co-Existence of Good and Evil in the Church, and their...
... For even after these things wickedness did not cease to sprout forth again through
pride, and lusts, andillicit impieties, when men, forsaking their Creator...
Another Account of the Strange Aberrations of Sophia, and the...
... By his assistance they declare that Sophia was checked in herillicit courses, and
purified from all evils, and henceforth strengthened (in virtue), and...
Ought not Christians, Therefore, to Receive not Merely a Somewhat...
... have a place among the law-tolerated societies, seeing they are not chargeable with
any such crimes as are commonly dreaded from societies of theillicit class...
Now Comes the Second Part of the Prayer, in which we Descend to...
... to ask our bread, that we may be contented with the measure which our heavenly Father
is pleased to dispense, and not strive to make gain byillicit arts....
All Things that we Ought, Indeed all that we are Able...
... De Fuga in Persecutione) has not less truly than elegantly termed it Lawful Prayer,
tacitly intimating that all other prayers are lawless andillicit....
Thesaurus
Illicit (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not permitted or allowed; prohibited; unlawful;
as,
illicit trade;
illicit pleasure.
...Illicit (1 Occurrence).
...Intrigue (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To carry on a secret andillicit love or amour.... 7. (n.) A secret andillicit
love affair between two persons of different sexes; an amour; a liaison....
Adultery (49 Occurrences)
... Conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who hadillicit intercourse with a married
or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress....
Ill-gotten (4 Occurrences)
Ill-gotten. Ill-founded, Ill-gotten.Illicit . Multi-Version Concordance... (See
NIV). Ill-founded, Ill-gotten.Illicit . Reference Bible.
Illegal (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Contrary to, or in violation of law; unlawful;illicit;
hence, immoral; as, an illegal act; illegal trade; illegal love....
Illicitly (1 Occurrence)
Fornication (52 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Unlawful sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person; the act
of suchillicit sexual intercourse between a man and a woman as does not by law...
Defilement (12 Occurrences)
... I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?" (Songs 5:3). (2) Sexual: which
might be ceremonial or moral; of individuals byillicit intercourse (Leviticus...
Defile (63 Occurrences)
... I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?" (Songs 5:3). (2) Sexual: which
might be ceremonial or moral; of individuals byillicit intercourse (Leviticus...
Procure (5 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To solicit; to entreat. 4. (vt) To cause to come; to bring; to attract.
5. (vt) To obtain forillicit intercourse or prostitution. 6. (vi) To pimp....
Resources
What does the Bible say about doing drugs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sex addiction? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about gangs? | GotQuestions.orgIllicit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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