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Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, the word κῶμος (kōmos) provides significant insight into the cultural and moral contexts addressed by New Testament writers. Appearing first in Romans 13:13, this term is often translated as “revelry” or “carousing” and is associated with excessive, riotous behavior. Understanding the use and meaning of κῶμος not only sheds light on the social practices and values of the ancient world but also helps modern readers grasp the moral exhortations found in the New Testament. It illustrates how early Christians were called to distinguish themselves from the surrounding pagan cultures.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κῶμος (kōmos) [KOH-mos]

Etymology: The word κῶμος originates from ancient Greek, with roots that relate to a revel or festival procession, often characterized by excessive drinking, partying, and sometimes licentious behavior. It is believed to have connections to rituals or festivities that involved public celebrations and feasts.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. As a noun, κῶμος belongs to the second declension group in Greek grammar. It is found in various grammatical cases that indicate its role in a sentence, such as nominative (subject), genitive (possessive), dative (indirect object), and accusative (direct object).

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Revelry or Carousing
The primary meaning of κῶμος is revelry, often involving drunkenness, loud celebration, and public displays of debauchery. This word frequently appears in moral exhortations within the New Testament, where believers are advised to avoid such behaviors.

Meaning 2: Riotous Behavior
Another nuanced meaning of κῶμος can extend to general riotous or disorderly behavior. This interpretation emphasizes actions that disrupt public order and peace, going beyond mere festive activities to include broader social misconduct.

Meaning 3: Festival Procession
In classical contexts, κῶμος could also refer to a festival procession, which involved participants parading through the streets, often in honor of a deity, engaging in various festivities that included music, dance, and sometimes lewd activities.

Exploring Similar Words

συμπόσιον (symposion) [sim-POH-see-on]: Refers to a “drinking party” or “banquet” but focuses more on a formal gathering where wine is consumed, often followed by intellectual discussion or entertainment, unlike the wild revelry implied by κῶμος.

εὐωχία (euōchia) [yoo-oh-KEE-ah]: Translates as “feast” or “banquet,” indicating a joyous meal or celebration. While εὐωχία can involve drinking, it does not carry the negative connotations of riotous behavior associated with κῶμος.

ὀργία (orgia) [OR-gee-ah]: Refers specifically to “orgies” or secret rites and ceremonies, often associated with ecstatic worship of certain deities. While κῶμος can include licentious elements, ὀργία is more focused on religious or mystical ceremonies.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: As a masculine noun, κῶμος follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar. It can appear in both singular and plural forms:
• Nominative Singular: κῶμος (revelry)
• Genitive Singular: κώμου (of revelry)
• Dative Singular: κώμῳ (to/for revelry)
• Accusative Singular: κῶμον (revelry, as a direct object)
• Declension Table:

For more details on Greek declensions and grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons consistently define κῶμος as behavior characterized by riotous merrymaking and indulgence, often with a strong negative moral tone. In New Testament contexts, the term is used to admonish believers against participating in such pagan practices that were common in Greco-Roman culture. Theologically, the word signifies the Christian call to live a life marked by sobriety and moral restraint, in contrast to the pagan revelries that marked non-Christian behaviors of the time.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Romans 13:13: “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing [κώμοις] and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.”

Galatians 5:21: “Envy, drunkenness, carousing [κῶμοι], and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

1 Peter 4:3: “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing [κῶμοι], drinking parties and abominable idolatries.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κῶμος provides a vivid window into the social and moral landscape of the Greco-Roman world. It is a word that captures the tension between Christian values and the surrounding pagan culture. The New Testament’s use of κῶμος serves as a powerful reminder of the early Christian call to moral purity and disciplined living, standing in stark contrast to the practices that marked much of the ancient world’s public life.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? The word κῶμος is the root of the modern English word “comedy,” although the meanings have significantly diverged over time.
• Did you know? In ancient Athens, κῶμοι were often associated with the Dionysian festivals, where revelry could turn into outright chaos and disorder.
• Did you know? κῶμος as a term emphasizes the stark moral contrasts that early Christians sought to draw in their behavior against the backdrop of the broader Roman world.