The term "lewdly" in the context of the Bible refers to behavior that is morally impure, indecent, or licentious. It is often associated with actions that are contrary to the holiness and righteousness expected of God's people. The concept of lewdness is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of purity and the consequences of immoral conduct.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, lewdness is frequently condemned as a serious sin. The prophets often rebuked the Israelites for their lewd behavior, which was seen as a departure from God's commandments. For example, in the book of Ezekiel, the prophet speaks against the lewdness of Jerusalem, using vivid imagery to describe the city's spiritual adultery and idolatry:

· Ezekiel 16:27 : "Behold, therefore, I stretched out My hand against you and reduced your portion; I gave you over to the greed of your enemies, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed of your lewd conduct."

Here, lewdness is equated with unfaithfulness to God, as the people engaged in practices that were abominable in His sight. The use of the term underscores the gravity of their sin and the resulting judgment.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, lewdness is similarly condemned as part of the sinful nature that believers are called to abandon. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often lists lewdness among other vices that are incompatible with the Christian life:

· Galatians 5:19 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery."

The word "debauchery" in this context can be understood as lewdness, highlighting behaviors that are excessive and morally corrupt. Paul warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for repentance and transformation.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Lewdness is not merely a matter of external actions but is indicative of a heart that is not aligned with God's will. It reflects a deeper spiritual issue, where desires and thoughts are not submitted to the lordship of Christ. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of holiness, urging them to flee from lewdness and pursue righteousness:

· 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 encourages Christians to leave behind their former ways and live in a manner that honors God. The call to holiness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding believers of their identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, lewdness was often associated with pagan practices and idolatrous worship, which included sexual immorality and other forms of debauchery. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the customs of the surrounding nations, which were characterized by such behaviors. The call to avoid lewdness was not only a call to personal purity but also a call to maintain the distinctiveness of God's people in a corrupt world.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the admonition against lewdness remains relevant. In a culture that often promotes and normalizes immoral behavior, Christians are called to be countercultural, living lives that reflect the purity and holiness of Christ. This involves guarding one's heart and mind, being mindful of influences, and seeking to honor God in all aspects of life.2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness
... a plan, device, wickedness NASB Word Usage acts of lewdness (1), crime (1), devising
(1), evil intent (1), immorality (2), lewd (3), lewdly (1), lewdness (13 ...
/hebrew/2154.htm - 6k

How that after the Likeness of Moses, of Bezaleel, and of Aaron ...
... Lo! ghostly friend, in this work, though it be childishly and lewdly spoken, I bear,
though I be a wretch unworthy to teach any creature, the office of Bezaleel ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the three and 6.htm

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... And then, Lord, thou shalt see how religiously and wisely I shall redeem the
time, which heretofore I have so lewdly and profanely spent. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer when one begins.htm

Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the ...
... farm than spent his time seditiously in the theatre: and their womenfolk would do
better to be making linen on the Sabbath than to be dancing lewdly all day in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the third precept of.htm

Rom. I. 26, 27
... Oh, what madness! Oh, what distraction! Whence came this lust lewdly revelling
and making man's nature all that enemies could? or ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iv rom i 26.htm

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ...
... and I entreated to receive it, I neglected God's grace, and preferred the pleasures
of sin before the religious care of pleasing God; lewdly spending my short ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the misery of.htm

Mongrel Religion
... Here is a man who is known to be one of my hearers, and yet at the same time he
drinks, and speaks lewdly, and acts wickedly. What have I to do with him? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

Lewdly (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lewdly (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 22:11 One has
committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another ...
/l/lewdly.htm - 6k

Lewd (37 Occurrences)

/l/lewd.htm - 20k

Violates (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:11 One has committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another
has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in you has humbled his ...
/v/violates.htm - 7k

Shamefully (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:11 One has committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another
has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in you has humbled his ...
/s/shamefully.htm - 10k

Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:11 One has committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another
has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in you has humbled his ...
/d/daughter-in-law.htm - 12k

Neighbour's (30 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:11 And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and
another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath ...
/n/neighbour's.htm - 15k

Neighbor's (31 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:11 One has committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another
has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in you has humbled his ...
/n/neighbor's.htm - 16k

Lewdness (68 Occurrences)

/l/lewdness.htm - 29k

Commits (39 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:11 And each hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and
each hath lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and each in thee hath humbled ...
/c/commits.htm - 18k

Offense (44 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 22:11 One has committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another
has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in you has humbled his ...
/o/offense.htm - 18k

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