Lewd; Lewdness
TextsWhat is the meaning of Lewd; Lewdness in the Bible?
The English adjective 'lewd' and noun 'lewdness' translate a range of Hebrew terms including zimmah (evil plan), mezimmah (wicked purpose), and nabhluth (vile/loathsome), as well as Greek terms such as poneros (evil) and rhadiourgema (villainy), encompassing broad concepts of moral corruption and criminal wickedness.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that these terms often signify general moral evil or criminal intent rather than exclusively sexual misconduct allows for a more precise interpretation of biblical narratives and legal codes, preventing anachronistic modern assumptions about the scope of the original authors' condemnation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.