Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Irreverence, in a biblical context, refers to a lack of respect or reverence for God, His commandments, His institutions, or anything deemed sacred. This attitude is often characterized by a disregard for the holiness and authority of God, leading to actions or behaviors that are contrary to His will.Biblical Instances of Irreverence 1. Nadab and Abihu: One of the most striking examples of irreverence in the Bible is the account of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. In Leviticus 10:1-2 , they offered "unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command." As a result, fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them. This incident underscores the seriousness with which God views irreverence, especially in matters of worship. 2. Uzzah and the Ark: Another example is found in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 , where Uzzah touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it, an act of irreverence that led to his immediate death. This event highlights the importance of respecting God's instructions and the sacredness of His symbols. 3. Belshazzar's Feast: In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar displayed irreverence by using the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple to drink wine and praise false gods. This act of disrespect led to the writing on the wall and the subsequent fall of his kingdom, as described in Daniel 5:22-23 . Teachings on Irreverence The Bible consistently warns against irreverence and emphasizes the need for a respectful and humble approach to God. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse suggests that reverence for God is foundational to a proper relationship with Him. In the New Testament, irreverence is addressed in various contexts. In Romans 1:21 , Paul describes how irreverence leads to a darkened heart: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." Consequences of Irreverence The Bible makes it clear that irreverence has serious consequences. It can lead to spiritual blindness, moral decay, and ultimately, divine judgment. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts believers to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." This passage serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with the utmost respect. Encouragement to Reverence Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of reverence through prayer, worship, and obedience to God's Word. Psalm 89:7 declares, "In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him." This reverence is not only a duty but a privilege, as it draws believers closer to the heart of God and aligns them with His purposes. In summary, irreverence is a serious offense in the biblical narrative, with numerous examples and teachings underscoring the importance of honoring God and His sacred commands. The call to reverence is a call to recognize God's holiness and to live in a manner that reflects His glory. Topical Bible Verses Hebrews 10:26-31For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, Topicalbible.org Revelation 14:7 Exodus 20:8 Matthew 12:31-32 Psalm 115:11 Revelation 1:7 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Disregard for what is sacred; disrespect of the authority and character of a superior.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia IRREVERENCEi-rev'-er-ens. Greek 763. asebeia -- ungodliness, impiety ... impiety. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: asebeia Phonetic Spelling: (as-eb'-i-ah) Short Definition: impiety, irreverence, wickedness Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/763.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 7944. shal -- perhaps error... 7943, 7944. shal. 7945 . perhaps error. Transliteration: shal Phonetic Spelling: (shal) Short Definition: irreverence. Word Origin ... /hebrew/7944.htm - 6k Library Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude The Christian Refusal to Swear by the Genius of C??sar Flippancy ... Whether Sacrilege is the violation of a Sacred Thing? Of the Temptation of God (Four Articles) Whether Temptation of God is Opposed to the virtue of Religion? Reverence in Prayer Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Salvation The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth. The Words, "All Things were Made by Him," are not a Proof that the ... Thesaurus Irreverence (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IRREVERENCE. i-rev'-er-ens. See CRIME, CRIMES. Multi-Version Concordance Irreverence (1 Occurrence). ... /i/irreverence.htm - 7k Profane (69 Occurrences) Crimes (22 Occurrences) Crime (45 Occurrences) Violation (6 Occurrences) Irreverent (1 Occurrence) Irresolute (1 Occurrence) Impiety (9 Occurrences) Profanity (2 Occurrences) Profanation (1 Occurrence) Resources What is sacrilege? What does it mean to be sacrilegious? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin? | GotQuestions.org What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org Irreverence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Irreverence (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 6:7 Subtopics Related Terms |