Brief Overview of βεβηλόω (G953: bebēlóō)

1. Overview

The Greek verb bebēlóō (βεβηλόω), pronounced beh-bay-LOH-oh, is derived from the adjective bébēlos (βεβήλος), which means “profane” or “unholy.” The root of this word, bébēlos, signifies something that is accessible or common, often used in contrast to what is sacred or set apart. Bebēlóō, therefore, carries the meaning of treating something sacred as common, to defile, desecrate, or profane.

In the New Testament, bebēlóō is specifically used to describe actions that defile or desecrate something holy, such as the temple or the Sabbath. The verb emphasizes the serious nature of such actions, indicating a violation of the sanctity associated with what is considered holy. It appears in contexts where sacred boundaries are crossed, leading to a loss of holiness or purity.

2. Detailed Description

Bebēlóō is used in various Greek lexicons, including BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones), and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. BDAG defines bebēlóō as “to desecrate, treat as common, or violate something sacred.” This definition is echoed in Thayer’s lexicon, which further explains that the verb is associated with making something unholy or profane by treating it with disrespect.

In the New Testament, bebēlóō is found in passages like Matthew 12:5, where Jesus refers to the priests in the temple who, by their duties, “profane” the Sabbath, yet are considered blameless. Here, the verb highlights the tension between religious duty and ritual observance. In Acts 24:6, the term is used by the Jews accusing Paul of “profaning” the temple by bringing Gentiles into the sacred space. These examples underscore the gravity of actions that are seen as desecrating what is considered holy.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, bebēlóō was used to describe actions that violated the sanctity of religious practices, sacred spaces, or moral codes. The term is often found in contexts where the sacred is intentionally desecrated or where traditional boundaries are transgressed.

1.  Plato’s “Laws”: Plato uses the verb bebēlóō to describe the act of desecrating or violating laws considered sacred or integral to the state’s moral fabric. The verb underscores the seriousness of violating not just religious laws but also the ethical standards that uphold society.
2.  Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus employs bebēlóō when discussing the desecration of temples and religious artifacts during wars or conflicts. He uses the term to highlight the moral and religious transgressions committed by those who disregard the sacredness of these sites, thereby bringing dishonor upon themselves and their people.
3.  Euripides’ “The Bacchae”: In this play, bebēlóō is used in the context of characters who violate sacred rites or disrespect the gods. The term is employed to emphasize the gravity of such acts, often leading to dire consequences for those who commit them.

These classical examples illustrate that bebēlóō was not merely about the physical act of desecration but also about the deeper violation of divine or societal laws, with implications that could extend beyond the immediate act to affect the broader moral order.

4. Summary

The verb bebēlóō (βεβηλόω), from its roots in the Greek word bébēlos, encapsulates the concept of taking what is sacred or holy and treating it as common or profane. In the New Testament, it is used to describe acts that defile or desecrate, particularly in religious contexts, as seen in references to the temple and the Sabbath. The word also appears in classical Greek literature to describe acts of moral or religious transgression that undermine the sanctity of societal norms or religious practices.

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Overall, bebēlóō carries a heavy connotation of moral and spiritual violation, reflecting the cultural and religious significance of maintaining what is sacred. Whether in the context of the temple, the Sabbath, or broader ethical standards, this verb is a powerful descriptor of actions that bring what is holy into disrepute, stripping it of its sacred character and reducing it to the ordinary or even the contemptible.

This comprehensive overview offers a detailed examination of the word bebēlóō across different contexts, both in biblical usage and classical Greek literature.