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G949 · Greek · New Testament
Βδελυρός
Bdelyros
Adjective
Detestable, abominable

Definition

The Greek adjective bdelyros means detestable, abominable, disgusting — evoking the same root of nausea and revulsion as bdelygma. It appears once in the New Testament in Revelation 21:8, in the list of those who will not inherit the new Jerusalem.

Usage & Theological Significance

Revelation 21:8 lists eight categories excluded from the New Jerusalem, and bdelyrois (the detestable/vile) heads the list or appears near the "cowardly" and "faithless." The word is not merely a description of behavior but of character that has become fundamentally incompatible with God's holy presence. The theological force is sobering: the new creation is defined by absolute purity — nothing that causes revulsion before God will enter. This is not to terrorize the repentant sinner but to assure the redeemed that their eternal home will be forever free from everything that corrupts and destroys.

Key Bible Verses

Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.
Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it.
Revelation 22:15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters.
1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Isaiah 35:8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it.

Related Words

External Resources

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