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G766 · Greek · New Testament
ἀσέλγεια
Aselgeia
Noun, feminine
Licentiousness, debauchery

Definition

The Greek noun aselgeia (ἀσέλγεια) means "licentiousness, debauchery, sensuality, wantonness" — describing a pattern of unrestrained indulgence in sexual immorality or other sensual excess. The word implies not just sin but a shameless, brazen abandonment of all moral restraint, especially public disregard for decency.

Usage & Theological Significance

Aselgeia appears in Paul's list of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19) as "debauchery" and in Mark 7:22 in Jesus' list of things that defile a person from within. Peter warns that false teachers follow "the corrupt desire of the flesh" and "depravity" (aselgeian) in 2 Peter 2:2, 7. Jude describes it as what Sodom and Gomorrah gave themselves over to (Jude 1:4). The consistent NT witness is that aselgeia is characteristic of the old life that Christ redeems us from — a life of uncontrolled appetite. Spirit-filled life, by contrast, is marked by self-control (Galatians 5:23).

Key Bible Verses

Galatians 5:19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery.
Mark 7:22 Adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness (aselgeia), envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
2 Peter 2:7 And if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct (aselgeias) of the lawless.
Ephesians 4:19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality (aselgeian) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity.
Jude 1:4 They are ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.

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External Resources

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