Topical Encyclopedia The term "loathsome" in the Bible is often used to describe something that is detestable, repugnant, or abhorrent, particularly in the sight of God. It is associated with sin, disease, and moral corruption, reflecting the deep aversion that God has towards unrighteousness and impurity.Biblical Usage and Context 1. Sin and Moral Corruption: In the Scriptures, sin is frequently depicted as loathsome because it is contrary to the holy nature of God. Proverbs 13:5 states, "The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace." Here, the loathsomeness of deceit and wickedness is contrasted with the purity and truth loved by the righteous. 2. Physical and Spiritual Disease: The Bible often uses physical ailments as metaphors for spiritual conditions. In Job 7:5, Job describes his suffering: "My flesh is clothed with worms and encrusted with dirt; my skin is cracked and festering." This vivid imagery of loathsome physical affliction parallels the spiritual and emotional turmoil he experiences, highlighting the repulsiveness of sin and suffering. 3. Idolatry and Abominations: Idolatry is frequently described as loathsome in the Bible. In Ezekiel 5:11, God declares, "Therefore, as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look on you with pity or spare you." The loathsomeness of idolatry is underscored by God's reaction, emphasizing His intolerance for anything that usurps His rightful place. 4. Consequences of Sin: The loathsome nature of sin often leads to severe consequences. In Leviticus 26:30, God warns the Israelites of the repercussions of disobedience: "I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and heap your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and I will abhor you." The imagery of loathsomeness here serves as a stark warning of the judgment that follows persistent rebellion against God. 5. Repentance and Restoration: Despite the loathsomeness of sin, the Bible also offers hope for repentance and restoration. In Ezekiel 36:31, God promises renewal: "Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations." This self-loathing is a step towards repentance, leading to God's forgiveness and the restoration of a right relationship with Him. Theological Implications The concept of loathsome in the Bible underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. It serves as a reminder of the need for purity and righteousness in the lives of believers. The loathsomeness of sin calls for a response of repentance and a turning away from anything that defiles or corrupts. Through Christ, believers are offered cleansing and redemption, transforming what is loathsome into what is pleasing in the sight of God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Fitted to cause loathing; exciting disgust; disgusting.Greek 2556. kakos -- bad, evil ... word Definition bad, evil NASB Word Usage bad (1), bad things (1), evil (32), evil men (1), evil things (1), evildoer (1), harm (4), loathsome (1), wretches (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2556.htm - 7k 4767. stugetos -- hateful Strong's Hebrew 2214. zara -- loathsome thing... 2213, 2214. zara. 2215 . loathsome thing. Transliteration: zara Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-raw') Short Definition: loathsome. Word ... /hebrew/2214.htm - 6k 2603b. chanan -- to be loathsome 2092. zaham -- to be foul, loathsome 2114b. zur -- to be loathsome 7033. qalah -- to roast, parch 1741. devay -- illness 887. baash -- to have a bad smell, to stink 3988. ma'ac -- to reject 8441. toebah -- abomination Library Spiritual Resurrection Christ's Resurrection Song. April the Second "On Him!" A Divided Heart "But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses ... B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11 A Miracle of Grace Whether Simple Fornication is a Mortal Sin? Christ's Touch Rahab's Faith Thesaurus Loathsome (20 Occurrences)...Loathsome (20 Occurrences). ... For there hath become loathsome The shield of the mighty, The shield of Saul -- without the anointed with oil. (YLT). ... /l/loathsome.htm - 12k Noisome (7 Occurrences) Loathing (6 Occurrences) Foul (41 Occurrences) Abominable (52 Occurrences) Loins (72 Occurrences) Herod (45 Occurrences) Quenched (22 Occurrences) Vilely (2 Occurrences) Ugly (7 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the cause of the recent plague of child molestation incidents? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil? | GotQuestions.org Loathsome: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Loathsome (20 Occurrences)Revelation 16:2 Genesis 43:32 Genesis 46:34 Numbers 11:20 2 Samuel 1:21 Job 2:7 Job 6:7 Job 7:5 Job 8:14 Job 19:17 Psalms 38:5 Psalms 38:7 Proverbs 13:5 Isaiah 66:24 Jeremiah 6:15 Jeremiah 8:12 Ezekiel 6:9 Ezekiel 8:10 Ezekiel 20:43 Ezekiel 36:31 Subtopics Related Terms |