Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "lascivious" is often used in biblical contexts to describe behavior that is lewd, lustful, or driven by unrestrained sexual desire. It is associated with actions that are indecent or lacking moral restraint, particularly in the realm of sexual conduct. The word is derived from the Greek term "aselgeia," which appears in the New Testament and is translated in various versions of the Bible as "lasciviousness," "sensuality," or "debauchery."
Biblical References:Lasciviousness is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as a work of the flesh and is condemned as contrary to the life of holiness expected of believers. In
Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul lists lasciviousness among the "acts of the flesh," warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" . This passage underscores the seriousness with which lascivious behavior is viewed in the Christian moral framework.
In
Ephesians 4:19, Paul describes the Gentiles as having "become callous and given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more" . Here, lasciviousness is depicted as a state of moral insensitivity and indulgence in impurity, highlighting the spiritual danger of such a lifestyle.
Moral and Spiritual Implications:From a biblical perspective, lasciviousness is not merely a personal moral failing but a spiritual issue that affects one's relationship with God. It is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. In
Romans 13:13-14, Paul exhorts believers to "behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh" . This passage emphasizes the need for Christians to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ, avoiding behaviors that are inconsistent with their faith.
Contrast with Christian Virtue:Lasciviousness stands in stark contrast to the virtues that Christians are encouraged to cultivate, such as purity, self-control, and holiness. In
1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are called to "be holy in all your conduct, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" . This call to holiness is a central theme in the Christian life, urging believers to reject lasciviousness and other sinful behaviors in favor of a life that honors God.
Practical Application:In practical terms, avoiding lasciviousness involves exercising self-control and setting boundaries to guard against temptation. It requires a commitment to purity in thought, word, and deed, as well as a reliance on God's grace and strength to live according to His standards. Believers are encouraged to seek accountability within the Christian community and to immerse themselves in Scripture and prayer as means of spiritual growth and protection against the allure of lasciviousness.
Conclusion:While the Bible clearly condemns lasciviousness, it also offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. Believers are reminded that, through faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, they can overcome the desires of the flesh and live in a manner that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Lewd; lustful; salacious; as, lascivious desires.
2. (a.) Tending to produce voluptuous or lewd emotions.
Library
Achamoth in Love with the Angels a Protest against theLascivious...
... Chapter XVII."Achamoth in Love with the Angels A Protest Against theLascivious
Features of Valentinianism. Achamoth Becomes the Mother of Three Natures....
The Seventh Commandment
... Jerome says, they who by theirlascivious attire endeavour to draw others to lust,
though no evil follows, are tempters, and shall be punished, because they...
Awake! Awake!
... They proceed with the merry dance; they drink the bowl of intoxicating pleasure;
they revel and they riot, still do they sing thelascivious song; yea, they do...
Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... requited, for in a little time she deserted him at the instigation of Felix, and
was, at the time of Paul's address, living as the wife of thelascivious Felix...
The City of God
... That thelascivious, romantic, and poetic adventures of the ancient gods, their
statues, their temples, and all the arts arising from their religion, had...
Against the Valentinians
... Chapter XVII.--Achamoth in Love with the Angels A Protest Against theLascivious
Features of Valentinianism. Achamoth Becomes the Mother of Three Natures....
Composition and Style
... If some authors weaken the subjects of which they treat, by straining them into
certain soft andlascivious measures, we must not on that account judge that...
Arguments Drawn Even from Heathenish Laws to Discountenance...
... of discipline interdict their own slaves from marrying out of their own house?"in
order, of course, that they may not run intolascivious excess, desert...
Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side...
... And so thieves, and robbers, and ruffians, and torturers, and slayers, are more
hated of them thanlascivious, drunken, luxurious men, if these molest no man....
Reasons Why Divinity Has Been Ascribed to Men.
... For if detestable and god-hated men had the reputation of being gods, and the daughter
of Derceto, Semiramis, alascivious and blood-stained woman, was...
Thesaurus
Lascivious (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Lewd; lustful; salacious; as,
lascivious desires.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Lascivious (2 Occurrences).
...Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences)
... who "walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and
abominable idolatries." He speaks (2 Peter 2:2) of "lascivious doings" (the...
Wanton (20 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Specifically: Deviating from the rules of chastity; lewd; lustful;lascivious;
libidinous; lecherous.... 7. (n.) A lewd person; alascivious man or woman....
Lewd (37 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Obscene; lustful;lascivious; indecent.
2. (superl.) Belonging to the lower classes, or the rabble...
Lasaea (1 Occurrence)
Lusty (3 Occurrences)
... pleasant. 3. (superl.) of large size; big. [Obs.]. 4. (superl.) Lustful;
lascivious. Multi-Version Concordance Lusty (3 Occurrences)....
Licentious (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Unrestrained by law or morality; lawless; immoral; dissolute; lewd;lascivious;
as, a licentious man; a licentious life. Multi-Version Concordance...
Fleshly (15 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Human; not celestial; not spiritual or divine. 4. (a.) Carnal; worldly;
lascivious. 5. (adv.) In a fleshly manner; carnally; lasciviously....
Doings (111 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow theirlascivious doings; by reason
of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of. (ASV)....
Morose (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Sullen; gloomy; brooding; ill-humored; severe.
2. (a.)Lascivious; brooding over evil thoughts. Multi-Version Concordance...
Resources
What is lasciviousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Carnival? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between fornication and adultery? | GotQuestions.orgLascivious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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