Brief Overview of ἀσέλγεια (G766: aselgeia)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aselgeia

Root Words:

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• ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia) is derived from ἀσέλγης (aselges), meaning “licentious” or “wanton.” The term refers to behavior that is excessive, immoral, or lacking self-control.

Primary Meanings:

• Licentiousness: Unrestrained or immoral behavior, especially of a sexual nature.
• Wantonness: Reckless or excessive indulgence in pleasure, often disregarding moral or social norms.
• Excessive Depravity: Extreme moral corruption or indecency.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσέλγεια as “excessive indulgence” or “wanton behavior,” especially relating to sexual immorality or moral depravity. It implies a lack of self-control and disregard for moral norms.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσέλγεια as “licentiousness” or “debauchery,” emphasizing its connotation of unrestrained and immoral behavior, particularly in sexual contexts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary defines ἀσέλγεια as “licentiousness” or “wantonness,” focusing on behavior that is characterized by excess and a lack of moral restraint.

LSJ: LSJ defines ἀσέλγεια as “excessive or immoral indulgence,” noting its application to behavior that disregards social and moral norms.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσέλγεια as “licentiousness” or “wantonness,” highlighting its association with excessive and immoral behavior.

Bible Verses:

• Romans 13:13 (KJV): “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
• “Wantonness” refers to ἀσέλγεια.
• 2 Peter 2:2 (KJV): “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
• The term “pernicious ways” can be linked to the concept of ἀσέλγεια.
• Jude 1:4 (KJV): “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• “Lasciviousness” aligns with ἀσέλγεια.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle’s Rhetoric: Discusses moral vices, including licentiousness and wantonness, relevant to the concept of ἀσέλγεια.
• Euripides’ Medea: Features themes of moral excess and indulgence, illustrating behaviors akin to ἀσέλγεια.
• Plato’s Laws: Explores the effects of moral corruption and excessive behavior, reflecting the ideas associated with ἀσέλγεια.

4. Summary:

ἀσέλγεια (G766: aselgeia) signifies “licentiousness” or “wanton behavior,” describing actions characterized by excessive indulgence and moral depravity. It conveys a lack of self-control and disregard for moral or social norms, particularly in sexual contexts. The term is used in the New Testament to indicate behaviors that are morally corrupt and excessive. In classic Greek literature, similar themes of moral excess and immorality reflect the essence of ἀσέλγεια.