Topical Encyclopedia Indecency, as understood within the biblical context, refers to behavior or actions that are considered morally or socially offensive, particularly in relation to sexual conduct and modesty. The Bible addresses the concept of indecency in various passages, emphasizing the importance of purity, modesty, and holiness in the lives of believers.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the concept of indecency is often linked to sexual immorality and improper behavior. Deuteronomy 24:1 mentions a "matter of indecency" as a legitimate reason for a man to divorce his wife: "If a man marries a woman but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house." This passage highlights the seriousness with which indecent behavior was regarded in ancient Israelite society. The book of Leviticus also addresses indecency in the context of sexual relations. Leviticus 18 outlines various prohibitions against sexual immorality, including incest, adultery, and other forms of sexual misconduct. These laws were given to the Israelites to set them apart as a holy people, distinct from the surrounding nations. New Testament References In the New Testament, the call to avoid indecency is reiterated with an emphasis on living a life that reflects the holiness of God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against behaviors that are considered indecent or immoral. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul exhorts believers to flee from sexual immorality, stating, "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. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." Paul also addresses the issue of indecency in the context of public worship and conduct within the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, he instructs, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This directive underscores the importance of maintaining decency and order in all aspects of Christian life, including worship and community interactions. Moral and Ethical Implications The biblical teaching on indecency extends beyond sexual conduct to encompass a broader call to modesty and propriety in all areas of life. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul advises women to dress modestly and with decency, "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." The call to avoid indecency is rooted in the understanding that believers are called to reflect the character of God in their conduct. Ephesians 5:3-4 further emphasizes this, stating, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." Cultural and Historical Context In biblical times, the concept of indecency was closely tied to the cultural and social norms of the day. The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart by their adherence to God's laws, which included maintaining purity and holiness in their personal and communal lives. The New Testament church, likewise, was called to uphold these standards as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. The biblical admonitions against indecency serve as a reminder of the high moral and ethical standards to which believers are called. By living lives marked by decency and propriety, Christians are able to bear witness to the holiness of God and the transformative work of Christ in their lives. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of being indecent; want of decency, modesty, or good manners; obscenity.2. (n.) That which is indecent; an indecent word or act; an offense against delicacy. Greek 808. aschemosune -- unseemliness ... Spelling: (as-kay-mos-oo'-nay) Short Definition: unseemliness, shame, nakedness Definition: unseemly behavior, unseemliness, indecency, shame, nakedness, an ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/808.htm - 7k 151. aischrotes -- baseness Strong's Hebrew 6172. ervah -- nakedness... Word Origin from arah Definition nakedness NASB Word Usage bare (1), indecency (1), indecent (1), nakedness (48), shame (1), undefended parts (2). ... /hebrew/6172.htm - 6k Library Defending Field Preaching Acts xix. 21, 23 1 Thessalonians iv. 3-Jan From this Perfection of Our Restored Bodies Will Flow the ... Paul an Example to Widows, and to those who do not Live with their ... Jewish Criticism of the Law of Christ. The Crucifixion. Of the Same Thing. His Unsuccessful Attempt to be Consistent with his Own Statements ... But Perhaps those Seem to You Weak-Minded and Silly... Thesaurus Indecency (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Indecency (2 Occurrences). Galatians ... natures. Fornication, impurity, indecency, idol-worship, sorcery; (WEY). ... /i/indecency.htm - 7k Indebted (4 Occurrences) Natures (12 Occurrences) Lower (72 Occurrences) Impurity (42 Occurrences) Indecent (3 Occurrences) Idol-worship (2 Occurrences) Filth (21 Occurrences) Filthiness (16 Occurrences) Filthy (22 Occurrences) Resources What does Deuteronomy 24 teach about divorce? | GotQuestions.orgIndecency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Indecency (2 Occurrences)Galatians 5:19 Deuteronomy 24:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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