Dictionary Home / R

revellings

archaic_biblical_term theological_term standard

An archaic Bible term for riotous partying, carousing, and disorderly feasting marked by excess and lack of self-control.

At a Glance

Revellings = noisy, reckless, fleshly partying; not ordinary joy or wholesome celebration.

Key Points

Description

“Revellings” is a traditional English Bible term for noisy, reckless celebration—especially drinking parties or carousing marked by excess, sensuality, and disorder. In the New Testament it appears in lists of sins that characterize an ungodly way of life and stand opposed to sober, self-controlled, and holy conduct. The basic idea is not mere joy or lawful festivity, but shameful indulgence that often accompanies drunkenness and other fleshly behavior. Because the word is archaic for many readers, a modern explanation such as “carousing” or “wild partying” may help, while preserving the biblical warning against forms of pleasure-seeking that abandon self-control and righteousness.

Biblical Context

The New Testament places revellings among behaviors that belong to the works of the flesh or to the old life before conversion. The word points to public excess, especially feast-like gatherings that become morally uncontrolled. Scripture does not condemn rejoicing or celebration itself, but it does warn against celebrations that are ruled by sin.

Historical Context

In older English Bible translation, “revellings” commonly conveyed the idea of riotous or boisterous partying, often associated with drinking. The term is now less common in everyday speech, so modern readers may need a brief gloss to catch its force. Its presence in older versions reflects a time when Bible English used a wider range of terms for social excess and drunken festivity.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Second Temple Jewish and wider Greco-Roman culture both knew banquet settings that could become occasions for excess, drunkenness, and immorality. The New Testament warning fits that social world, where communal feasting could slide from ordinary fellowship into shameful indulgence. The term should be read in that moral setting, not as a rejection of all meals or celebrations.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The New Testament idea commonly reflects Greek komoi, referring to carousing, riotous feasting, or revelry. English versions have often rendered it as “revellings,” “carousing,” or “wild parties.”

Theological Significance

Revellings are a concrete example of life in the flesh rather than life governed by the Spirit. The warning highlights God’s concern for self-control, sobriety, and holiness in ordinary conduct, including social and recreational settings.

Philosophical Explanation

The term illustrates the moral difference between lawful enjoyment and disordered pleasure. Not every celebration is sinful, but pleasure detached from restraint, gratitude, and righteousness becomes destructive and enslaving.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse revellings with lawful rejoicing, worship, or festive meals. The term describes excess, riot, and moral disorder, not the simple fact of celebration. Because the word is archaic, readers should interpret it by context rather than by modern colloquial guesswork.

Major Views

Interpreters are broadly agreed that the term refers to carousing, riotous partying, or drunken revelry. Differences are mainly translational, not doctrinal.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Scripture forbids drunkenness, sensual excess, and disorderly behavior; it does not forbid joy, hospitality, or moderate celebration. The issue is moral control, not celebration as such.

Practical Significance

Believers are called to sober, disciplined living and should avoid social patterns that normalize drunkenness, indulgence, and loss of self-control. The term remains a warning against parties or gatherings that draw people into sin.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for revellings

↑ Top