The term "vilely" is used in the Bible to describe actions or behaviors that are morally reprehensible, disgraceful, or wicked. It is often associated with conduct that is offensive to God and contrary to His commandments. The concept of acting vilely is rooted in the understanding of sin and the fallen nature of humanity, which is in need of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Usage and Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "vilely" is "נָבָל" (nabal), which can mean foolish or senseless, but also carries connotations of moral depravity. This term is used to describe actions that are not only foolish but also morally corrupt.

One notable instance of vile behavior is found in the account of Nabal, whose name itself means "fool." In 1 Samuel 25, Nabal acts with contempt and disrespect towards David, refusing to provide provisions for David and his men. His actions are described as foolish and wicked, ultimately leading to his downfall.

In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἀσχημονέω" (aschēmoneō) can be translated as "to act unbecomingly" or "to behave disgracefully." While the specific term "vilely" may not appear frequently, the concept is evident in passages that describe sinful behavior. For example, in Romans 1:26-27, Paul speaks of dishonorable passions and actions that are against nature, highlighting the vileness of sin when humanity turns away from God's design.

Moral and Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, acting vilely is a manifestation of the sin nature that has been present since the Fall of Man. It reflects a heart that is turned away from God and His righteousness. The Bible consistently calls believers to live in a manner that is holy and pleasing to God, contrasting the vile behaviors of the world with the fruits of the Spirit.

In Ephesians 4:17-19, Paul admonishes believers not to walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds, being darkened in their understanding and given over to sensuality and impurity. This passage underscores the transformation that is expected in the life of a believer, moving away from vile actions and towards a life of holiness.

Redemption and Transformation

The Bible offers hope and redemption for those who have acted vilely. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can be cleansed from their sins and transformed by the renewing of their minds. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul lists various sinful behaviors, including those that are vile, and reminds the Corinthians that some of them were once like that. However, they were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.

This transformative power of the Gospel is central to the Christian faith, offering a path from vileness to righteousness through the grace of God. Believers are called to put off the old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of vile behavior, it also provides a clear path to redemption and transformation through Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, turning away from the vileness of sin and embracing the righteousness that comes from a relationship with Him.1602. gaal -- to abhor, loathe
... abhor, fail, loathe, vilely cast away. A primitive root; to detest; by implication,
to reject -- abhor, fail, lothe, vilely cast away. 1601, 1602. ...
/hebrew/1602.htm - 6k

David's Lament
... Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain upon you, Neither fields of
offerings: For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/v davids lament.htm

Concluding Statement as to the Author.
... But I cannot part with Tatian nor think of Tertullian without recalling David's
threnode: "There the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away ... . ...
/.../tatians address to the greeks/chapter xlii concluding statement as to.htm

It was once Usual, in Speaking Allegorically, to Conceal under ...
... clothe [4531] with the respectability of decency, what was base and horrible to
speak of openly; but now venerable things are at your instance vilely spoken of ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/41 it was once usual.htm

Prison Meditations Directed to the Heart of Suffering Saints and ...
... 14. This was the work I was about When hands on me they laid, 'Twas this
from which they pluck'd me out, And vilely to me said,. 15. ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/prison meditations directed to the.htm

Of Hell
... the immense increase of knowledge which they will then undoubtedly receive;) but
they will then fully understand the value of what they have vilely cast away. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 73 of hell.htm

Another Foolish Erasure of Marcion's Exposed Certain Figurative ...
... that) it is enough for me that the works of the Creator are great mysteries [6038]
in the estimation of the apostle, although they are so vilely esteemed by ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xviii another foolish erasure of.htm

Letter of Certain Easterns, who had Been Sent to Constantinople ...
... For in the Chapters he has boldly laid bare his impiety, and dared to anathematize
all who disagree with him, while in the letter he has vilely endeavoured to ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/clxx letter of certain easterns.htm

Of the Massacre of Thessalonica; the Boldness of Bishop Ambrosius ...
... Footnotes: [873] "Botheric, the Gothic general, shut up in prison a certain
scoundrel of a charioteer who had vilely insulted him. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xvii of the massacre of.htm

A Solemn Deprival
... He loves his people, and came to earth to wipe out an iniquity which had stained
them most vilely, and to work out a righteousness which should cover them most ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a solemn deprival.htm

The Unbeliever's Unhappy Condition
... God has now presented not the law but the gospel to us, and he has said: "My creatures,
you have broken my law, you have acted very vilely towards me. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the unbelievers unhappy condition.htm

Vilely (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vilely (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 1:21 You mountains
of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither ...
/v/vilely.htm - 6k

Vileness (5 Occurrences)

/v/vileness.htm - 8k

Upsurging (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither
fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away ...
/u/upsurging.htm - 6k

Gilbo'a (8 Occurrences)
... 1:21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain upon you, neither fields
of choice fruits; for there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away ...
/g/gilbo'a.htm - 8k

Gilboa (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither
fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away ...
/g/gilboa.htm - 12k

Rubbed (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither
fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away ...
/r/rubbed.htm - 9k

Shield (65 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither
fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away ...
/s/shield.htm - 28k

Vile (59 Occurrences)

/v/vile.htm - 26k

Heave-offerings (13 Occurrences)
... heave-offerings! For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away,
The shield of Saul, as not anointed with oil. (DBY YLT). 2 ...
/h/heave-offerings.htm - 11k

Vilely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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