4684. spatalaó

Lexicon

spatalaó: To live in luxury, to indulge, to live wantonly

Original Word: σπαταλάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: spatalaó
Pronunciation: spa-ta-LAH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (spat-al-ah'-o)
Definition: To live in luxury, to indulge, to live wantonly
Meaning: I live extravagantly, luxuriously; I am wanton.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

live in pleasure, be wanton.

From spatale (luxury); to be voluptuous -- live in pleasure, be wanton.

HELPS Word-studies

4684 spataláō – properly, to indulge in luxury (unneeded surplus). The Expositor's Greek Testament, "The modern term 'fast,' in which the notion of prodigality and wastefulness is more prominent than that of sensual indulgence, exactly expresses the significance of this word."

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from spatalé (lewdness, luxury)
Definition
to live riotously
NASB Translation
gives herself (1), led a life of wanton pleasure (1), wanton pleasure (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4684: σπαταλάω

σπαταλάω, σπατάλω; 1 aorist ἐσπατάλησα; (σπατάλῃ, riotous living, luxury); to live luxuriously, lead a voluptuous life, (give oneself to pleasure): 1 Timothy 5:6; James 5:5. (Proverbs 29:21; Amos 6:4 (in both of these passages, κατασπαταλασθε; Ezekiel 16:49); Sir. 21:15; Epistle of Barnabas 10, 3 [ET]; Polybius excerpt the Vat., p. 451 (i. e., 37, 4, 6 (edited by Didot)), and occasionally in later and inferior writings.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from a presumed derivative of the Greek word σπατάλη (spatálē), meaning "luxury" or "riotous living."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σπαταλάω, the concept of living in luxury or indulgence can be related to Hebrew terms that describe similar behaviors, such as זָלַל (zalal, Strong's Hebrew 2151), meaning "to be lavish, to squander," and עָשַׁר (ashar, Strong's Hebrew 6238), meaning "to be rich, to enrich," when used in contexts of excess or moral decline.

Usage: The verb σπαταλάω is used in the New Testament to describe a lifestyle characterized by excessive indulgence in luxury and pleasure, often with a negative connotation of moral laxity or wastefulness.

Context: The Greek verb σπαταλάω appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the dangers and moral pitfalls of living a life devoted to excess and self-indulgence. This term is used to caution against the spiritual and ethical decline that can accompany a focus on material wealth and pleasure.

In 1 Timothy 5:6, the Apostle Paul warns about the spiritual deadness that results from living in luxury: "But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive." Here, σπαταλάω is used to describe a widow who, instead of dedicating herself to good works and piety, chooses a life of self-indulgence, thus leading to spiritual death.

Similarly, in James 5:5, the term is employed to admonish the wealthy who have lived in luxury and self-gratification, neglecting justice and righteousness: "You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter." This usage underscores the moral and eschatological consequences of a life centered on personal pleasure at the expense of others.

The concept of σπαταλάω serves as a reminder of the biblical call to live a life of moderation, stewardship, and service, rather than one of excess and self-centeredness. It reflects the broader biblical theme that true life and fulfillment are found not in material abundance but in spiritual richness and alignment with God's will.

Forms and Transliterations

εσπαταλησατε εσπαταλήσατε ἐσπαταλήσατε εσπατάλων σπαταλωσα σπαταλώσα σπαταλῶσα espatalesate espatalēsate espatalḗsate spatalosa spatalôsa spatalōsa spatalō̂sa

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 5:6 V-PPA-NFS
GRK: ἡ δὲ σπαταλῶσα ζῶσα τέθνηκεν
NAS: But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead
KJV: But she that liveth in pleasure is dead
INT: she who however lives in self-indulgence living is dead

James 5:5 V-AIA-2P
GRK: γῆς καὶ ἐσπαταλήσατε ἐθρέψατε τὰς
NAS: on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened
KJV: and been wanton; ye have nourished
INT: earth and lived in self-indulgence you nourished the

Strong's Greek 4684
2 Occurrences

ἐσπαταλήσατε — 1 Occ.
σπαταλῶσα — 1 Occ.