📖 Biblical Definition
Scripture commands flight in specific contexts. "Flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor 6:18). "Flee from idolatry" (1 Cor 10:14). "Flee youthful passions" (2 Tim 2:22). "Flee these things [love of money]" (1 Tim 6:11). Joseph fled Potiphar's wife, leaving his garment behind (Gen 39:12). Lot's family was commanded to flee Sodom without looking back (Gen 19:17). The man in the Gospel of Mark who was seized in Gethsemane ran off naked rather than be captured. Standing your ground is biblical; so is flight. Knowing the difference is wisdom.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
FLEE, v.i.
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FLEE, v.i. [Sax. fleon.] To run away, as from danger or evil; to seek refuge by speed. In Scripture, flight is commanded in specific contexts: from sexual immorality, from idolatry, from youthful lusts, from the love of money. The Christian does not always stand and fight; sometimes the biblical tactic is to flee — immediately, without hesitation, without a long negotiated conversation. Joseph left his garment in her hand and ran.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Corinthians 6:18 — "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body."
2 Timothy 2:22 — "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."
1 Corinthians 10:14 — "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."
Genesis 39:12 — "She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christians often "manage" temptation rather than flee it. Scripture is clear: flight is the tactic for certain categories.
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"Flee" sounds cowardly to modern ears — we're trained to confront, engage, and lean in. Scripture distinguishes contexts: flee youthful lusts, flee idolatry, flee the love of money. Some battles are won by retreat. The corruption is making fleeing feel weak when Paul commands it as wisdom.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
H5127 — nus. G5343 — pheugō.
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H5127 — nus (נוּס) — to flee, to escape.
G5343 — pheugō (φεύγω) — to flee; root of English "fugitive."
Usage
"Some sins you resist. Some sins you flee. Sexual immorality is in the flee category. Leave the room."
"Joseph left his garment in her hand. Better to lose the garment than the soul."