What does "revellings" mean in the Bible?

Definition and Etymology

“Revellings” in many older English translations refers to a behavior of excessive feasting, loud partying, and licentious celebration. In the original Greek of the New Testament, the term often translated as “revellings” is κῶμος (kōmos). This word historically pointed to rowdy, drunken festivals or parades characterized by unrestrained indulgence and immorality. Modern translations frequently render it as “orgies,” “wild parties,” or “carousing.”

Scriptural Usage

Scripture highlights “revellings” among the kinds of behaviors that are contrary to living in a manner that is pleasing to God. One of the foremost references appears in the list of the “acts of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19–21. That passage reads in part:

“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, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

In this context, “revellings” (translated as “orgies” in the Berean Standard Bible) signifies more than just enjoying a party; it indicates wild, drunken behavior that promotes sinful actions. Similarly, 1 Peter 4:3 mentions “orgies” and “carousing” as practices once pursued by some believers before they turned to a faithful life.

Context in the New Testament

In the cultural landscape of the early Church, Greco-Roman society often held massive feast-days and street parties that featured brazen indulgence. The word κῶμος (kōmos) precisely depicted loud, boisterous nighttime revels where participants would engage in excessive drinking, lustful indulgences, and idol-worship. Romans 13:13 also admonishes believers to “behave decently, as in the daytime—not in carousing and drunkenness…” emphasizing personal responsibility before God to refrain from such destructive behavior.

Old Testament Parallels

Although “revellings” is a New Testament term, the Old Testament has accounts of excessive celebrations deviating into sin. For example, the people’s celebration around the golden calf (Exodus 32:6) featured unbridled idolatry and misconduct. While the word “revellings” is not specifically used there, the narrative captures a similar spirit of disorderly feasting and moral chaos, cautioning against ungodly celebrations that dishonor the Creator.

Behavioral and Moral Implications

From a behavioral standpoint, unrestrained partying can yield negative consequences, such as addiction, relational strife, and emotional instability. Scriptural teaching consistently warns that such conduct is incompatible with godly self‑control (Proverbs 23:29–30; Ephesians 5:18). Research in psychology has often shown that chronic substance misuse or incessant pursuit of pleasure can disrupt mental and emotional health, aligning with the biblical message that these behaviors result in harm to both self and others.

Contrasts with Godly Celebration

It is important to distinguish between “revellings” and legitimately joyful gatherings or festivities. Scripture encourages rejoicing, gratitude, and feasting in a manner that honors God (Nehemiah 8:10; John 2:1–11). Godly celebration invites fellowship and thankfulness without descending into immorality or drunkenness. The difference lies in the focus: the one who honors God remains self‑controlled and mindful of holiness, whereas “revellings” abandons moral restraints entirely.

Manuscript Consistency and Historical Reliability

Multiple early Greek manuscripts convey this concept with the same term, κῶμος, underscoring the consistency across textual witnesses for the Epistles of Paul and Peter. Copies such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus confirm the uniformity of the text in passages like Galatians 5:21 and 1 Peter 4:3. This strong manuscript evidence, alongside extensive archaeological discoveries showing first‑century cultural practices, supports the reliability of the biblical account when it describes the context of these wild festivities.

Practical Guidance and Conclusion

The Bible firmly dissuades believers from any behavior that fosters moral decay or undermines one’s capacity to live righteously. “Revellings” warns of unrestrained indulgence stemming from selfish impulses rather than a heart that seeks to honor the Creator. Its inclusion in biblical admonitions reminds each reader that genuine freedom comes from living responsibly and in reverent fear of God, not through wild celebrations that harm both spiritual and emotional well-being.

In Scripture’s teaching, “revellings” stands as a vivid illustration of how misdirected desires lead to destructive outcomes. By setting aside such indulgences and walking in alignment with the principles found in God’s Word, one avoids the pitfalls of destructive conduct and experiences the wholeness and joy that come with a life dedicated to honorable worship and service.