Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and NatureWantonness, in a biblical context, refers to a state of moral and spiritual laxity characterized by unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures and a blatant disregard for moral boundaries. It is often associated with behaviors that are excessive, lascivious, and lacking in discipline or restraint. The term is used to describe actions that are driven by a desire for self-gratification without consideration for righteousness or the well-being of others.
Biblical ReferencesThe concept of wantonness is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, where it is condemned as contrary to the will of God and the teachings of Christ. It is often listed among other sins that are indicative of a life lived according to the flesh rather than the Spirit.
1.
Romans 13:13 : "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." Here, wantonness is implied in the call to avoid debauchery and sexual immorality, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects the light of Christ.
2.
Galatians 5:19-21 : "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." Wantonness is encompassed within the acts of the flesh, highlighting its incompatibility with the life of a believer.
3.
1 Peter 4:3 : "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." This passage reflects on the transformation expected in the life of a Christian, moving away from wanton behaviors that were once part of a sinful past.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsWantonness is seen as a manifestation of living according to the desires of the flesh, which is in direct opposition to the life led by the Spirit. It represents a rejection of the self-control and holiness that God calls His people to embody. The Bible consistently warns against such behaviors, emphasizing the need for repentance and a turning away from sinful indulgence.
Consequences and WarningsThe scriptures provide stern warnings about the consequences of living in wantonness. Those who persist in such behaviors are said to be at risk of not inheriting the kingdom of God, as they are living in a manner that is incompatible with the values of the kingdom. The call to holiness and self-control is a recurring theme, urging believers to live lives that are pleasing to God and reflective of His righteousness.
Exhortation to BelieversBelievers are exhorted to put aside wantonness and to clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision for the desires of the flesh (
Romans 13:14). The Christian life is one of transformation, where the old self is put to death, and a new life in Christ is embraced. This involves a conscious effort to reject wanton behaviors and to pursue a life of holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit.
In summary, wantonness is a serious concern in the biblical narrative, representing a lifestyle that is antithetical to the teachings of Christ. It is a call to vigilance and spiritual discipline, urging believers to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His holiness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Lack of restraint; recklessness; lasciviousness.
Greek
766. aselgeia -- licentiousness,wantonness... licentiousness,
wantonness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aselgeia
Phonetic Spelling: (as-elg'-ia) Short Definition:
wantonness, lewdness
...5196. hubris --wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence
...wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: hubris Phonetic Spelling: (hoo'-bris) Short Definition: insult...
810. asotia -- unsavedness, ie wastefulness
... ie wastefulness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: asotia Phonetic
Spelling: (as-o-tee'-ah) Short Definition:wantonness, profligacy Definition...
4764. strenos -- insolent luxury
... insolent luxury. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: strenos Phonetic
Spelling: (stray'-nos) Short Definition:wantonness, luxury Definition...
Strong's Hebrew
8586. taalulim --wantonness, caprice... 8585b, 8586. taalulim. 8587 .
wantonness, caprice. Transliteration: taalulim
Phonetic Spelling: (tah-al-ool') Short Definition: children.
...6349. pachaz --wantonness, recklessness
... 6348, 6349. pachaz. 6350 .wantonness, recklessness. Transliteration: pachaz
Phonetic Spelling: (pakh'-az) Short Definition: uncontrolled....
5949. alilah --wantonness, a deed
... 5948, 5949. alilah or alilah. 5950 .wantonness, a deed. Transliteration: alilah
or alilah Phonetic Spelling: (al-ee-law') Short Definition: deeds....
Library
Others of Your Writers, in theirWantonness, Even Minister to Your...
... Chapter XV. Others of your writers, in theirwantonness, even minister
to your pleasures by vilifying the? Others of your writers...
The Conduct of Heretics: Its Frivolity, Worldliness, and...
... Heretics. Chapter XLI."The Conduct of Heretics: Its Frivolity, Worldliness,
and Irregularity The NotoriousWantonness of Their Women....
Easter Sunday
... saved them from it by this epistle admonishing and urging them to purge out the
leaven of license; for they had begun to practice greatwantonness, and had...
The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... Who are godless, and turn the grace of God intowantonness. That Gospel
which is given us concerning the grace of God, and which...
On a Holy Martyr's Day
... Now mark, it is to be counted as spiritual unchastity orwantonness, when a man
seeks himself too much, and with eager desire strives after warmth and sensible...
Sermon on a Martyr's Day
... Now mark: it is to be counted as spiritual unchastity orwantonness, when a man
seeks himself too much, and with eager desire strives after warmth and sensible...
That a True Lover Despises Worldly Things and Desires Heavenly...
... Truly if the sweetness of endless love be now biding in thy soul, withouten doubt
it destroys allwantonness of fleshly wickedness; and delighting thee in...
Letter xxii. (AD 392. )
... The words of the chosen vessel are these: "Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in
chambering andwantonness, not in strife and envying: but put ye on the Lord...
Of the Sheepskin and the Goatskin.
... deserts, and in mountains, and in dens, and in caves of the earth." [659] And this
garment of goatskin signifies that having destroyed allwantonness of carnal...
That the Mind is not Intoxicated by Wine Alone.
... The belly when filled with all kinds of food gives birth to seeds ofwantonness,
nor can the mind, when choked with the weight of food, keep the guidance and...
Thesaurus
Wantonness (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Lack of restraint; recklessness; lasciviousness.
Multi-Version Concordance
Wantonness (6 Occurrences).
...Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences)
... la-siv'-i-us-nes (aselgeia, "licentiousness," "wantonness," "unbridled lust,"
"shamelessness," "outrageousness"): 1. Sources: Etymologists assign three...
Wanton (20 Occurrences)
... lasciviously. 10. (vt) To cause to become wanton; also, to waste inwantonness.
Multi-Version Concordance Wanton (20 Occurrences)....
Chambering (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Romans 13:13),wantonness, impurity. Noah Webster's
Dictionary. 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Chamber. 2. (n.) Lewdness. Int....
Wantonly (8 Occurrences)
Wants (49 Occurrences)
Vanity (100 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through muchwantonness, those that were clean...
Vileness (5 Occurrences)
... their young men, neither shall He have compassion on their fatherless and widows;
for every one is ungodly and an evil-doer, and every mouth speakethwantonness...
Folly (68 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Scandalous crime; sin; specifically, as applied to a woman,wantonness.
4. (n.) The result of a foolish action or enterprise. Int....
Resources
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