Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature Wantonness, in a biblical context, refers to a state of moral and spiritual laxity characterized by unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures and a blatant disregard for moral boundaries. It is often associated with behaviors that are excessive, lascivious, and lacking in discipline or restraint. The term is used to describe actions that are driven by a desire for self-gratification without consideration for righteousness or the well-being of others. Biblical References The concept of wantonness is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, where it is condemned as contrary to the will of God and the teachings of Christ. It is often listed among other sins that are indicative of a life lived according to the flesh rather than the Spirit. 1. Romans 13:13 : "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." Here, wantonness is implied in the call to avoid debauchery and sexual immorality, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects the light of Christ. 2. Galatians 5:19-21 : "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, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Wantonness is encompassed within the acts of the flesh, highlighting its incompatibility with the life of a believer. 3. 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 reflects on the transformation expected in the life of a Christian, moving away from wanton behaviors that were once part of a sinful past. Moral and Spiritual Implications Wantonness is seen as a manifestation of living according to the desires of the flesh, which is in direct opposition to the life led by the Spirit. It represents a rejection of the self-control and holiness that God calls His people to embody. The Bible consistently warns against such behaviors, emphasizing the need for repentance and a turning away from sinful indulgence. Consequences and Warnings The scriptures provide stern warnings about the consequences of living in wantonness. Those who persist in such behaviors are said to be at risk of not inheriting the kingdom of God, as they are living in a manner that is incompatible with the values of the kingdom. The call to holiness and self-control is a recurring theme, urging believers to live lives that are pleasing to God and reflective of His righteousness. Exhortation to Believers Believers are exhorted to put aside wantonness and to clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision for the desires of the flesh (Romans 13:14). The Christian life is one of transformation, where the old self is put to death, and a new life in Christ is embraced. This involves a conscious effort to reject wanton behaviors and to pursue a life of holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit. In summary, wantonness is a serious concern in the biblical narrative, representing a lifestyle that is antithetical to the teachings of Christ. It is a call to vigilance and spiritual discipline, urging believers to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His holiness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Lack of restraint; recklessness; lasciviousness.Greek 766. aselgeia -- licentiousness, wantonness ... licentiousness, wantonness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aselgeia Phonetic Spelling: (as-elg'-ia) Short Definition: wantonness, lewdness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/766.htm - 7k 5196. hubris -- wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence 810. asotia -- unsavedness, ie wastefulness 4764. strenos -- insolent luxury Strong's Hebrew 8586. taalulim -- wantonness, caprice... 8585b, 8586. taalulim. 8587 . wantonness, caprice. Transliteration: taalulim Phonetic Spelling: (tah-al-ool') Short Definition: children. ... /hebrew/8586.htm - 6k 6349. pachaz -- wantonness, recklessness 5949. alilah -- wantonness, a deed Library Others of Your Writers, in their Wantonness, Even Minister to Your ... The Conduct of Heretics: Its Frivolity, Worldliness, and ... Easter Sunday The Epistle of Saint Jude. On a Holy Martyr's Day Sermon on a Martyr's Day That a True Lover Despises Worldly Things and Desires Heavenly ... Letter xxii. (AD 392. ) Of the Sheepskin and the Goatskin. That the Mind is not Intoxicated by Wine Alone. Thesaurus Wantonness (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Lack of restraint; recklessness; lasciviousness. Multi-Version Concordance Wantonness (6 Occurrences). ... /w/wantonness.htm - 8k Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) Wanton (20 Occurrences) Chambering (1 Occurrence) Wantonly (8 Occurrences) Wants (49 Occurrences) Vanity (100 Occurrences) Vileness (5 Occurrences) Folly (68 Occurrences) Resources Wantonness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wantonness (6 Occurrences)2 Peter 2:18 Genesis 49:6 Judges 20:6 Judges 20:10 Isaiah 9:17 Jeremiah 23:32 Subtopics Related Terms |