Definition and Meaning:
The term "lascivious" is often used in biblical contexts to describe behavior that is lewd, lustful, or driven by unrestrained sexual desire. It is associated with actions that are indecent or lacking moral restraint, particularly in the realm of sexual conduct. The word is derived from the Greek term "aselgeia," which appears in the New Testament and is translated in various versions of the Bible as "lasciviousness," "sensuality," or "debauchery."

Biblical References:
Lasciviousness is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as a work of the flesh and is condemned as contrary to the life of holiness expected of believers. In Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul lists lasciviousness among the "acts of the flesh," warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" . This passage underscores the seriousness with which lascivious behavior is viewed in the Christian moral framework.

In Ephesians 4:19, Paul describes the Gentiles as having "become callous and given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more" . Here, lasciviousness is depicted as a state of moral insensitivity and indulgence in impurity, highlighting the spiritual danger of such a lifestyle.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:
From a biblical perspective, lasciviousness is not merely a personal moral failing but a spiritual issue that affects one's relationship with God. It is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 13:13-14, Paul exhorts believers to "behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh" . This passage emphasizes the need for Christians to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ, avoiding behaviors that are inconsistent with their faith.

Contrast with Christian Virtue:
Lasciviousness stands in stark contrast to the virtues that Christians are encouraged to cultivate, such as purity, self-control, and holiness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are called to "be holy in all your conduct, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" . This call to holiness is a central theme in the Christian life, urging believers to reject lasciviousness and other sinful behaviors in favor of a life that honors God.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, avoiding lasciviousness involves exercising self-control and setting boundaries to guard against temptation. It requires a commitment to purity in thought, word, and deed, as well as a reliance on God's grace and strength to live according to His standards. Believers are encouraged to seek accountability within the Christian community and to immerse themselves in Scripture and prayer as means of spiritual growth and protection against the allure of lasciviousness.

Conclusion:
While the Bible clearly condemns lasciviousness, it also offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. Believers are reminded that, through faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, they can overcome the desires of the flesh and live in a manner that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God.1. (a.) Lewd; lustful; salacious; as, lascivious desires.

2. (a.) Tending to produce voluptuous or lewd emotions.

Achamoth in Love with the Angels a Protest against the Lascivious ...
... Chapter XVII."Achamoth in Love with the Angels A Protest Against the Lascivious
Features of Valentinianism. Achamoth Becomes the Mother of Three Natures. ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xvii achamoth in love with.htm

The Seventh Commandment
... Jerome says, they who by their lascivious attire endeavour to draw others to lust,
though no evil follows, are tempters, and shall be punished, because they ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 7 the seventh commandment.htm

Awake! Awake!
... They proceed with the merry dance; they drink the bowl of intoxicating pleasure;
they revel and they riot, still do they sing the lascivious song; yea, they do ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/awake awake.htm

Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... requited, for in a little time she deserted him at the instigation of Felix, and
was, at the time of Paul's address, living as the wife of the lascivious Felix ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/pauls sermon before felix.htm

The City of God
... That the lascivious, romantic, and poetic adventures of the ancient gods, their
statues, their temples, and all the arts arising from their religion, had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the city of god.htm

Against the Valentinians
... Chapter XVII.--Achamoth in Love with the Angels A Protest Against the Lascivious
Features of Valentinianism. Achamoth Becomes the Mother of Three Natures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/against the valentinians/

Composition and Style
... If some authors weaken the subjects of which they treat, by straining them into
certain soft and lascivious measures, we must not on that account judge that ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/composition and style.htm

Arguments Drawn Even from Heathenish Laws to Discountenance ...
... of discipline interdict their own slaves from marrying out of their own house?"in
order, of course, that they may not run into lascivious excess, desert ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter viii arguments drawn even from.htm

Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side...
... And so thieves, and robbers, and ruffians, and torturers, and slayers, are more
hated of them than lascivious, drunken, luxurious men, if these molest no man. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 38 certain it is.htm

Reasons Why Divinity Has Been Ascribed to Men.
... For if detestable and god-hated men had the reputation of being gods, and the daughter
of Derceto, Semiramis, a lascivious and blood-stained woman, was ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter xxx reasons why divinity has.htm

Lascivious (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Lewd; lustful; salacious; as, lascivious
desires. ... Multi-Version Concordance Lascivious (2 Occurrences). ...
/l/lascivious.htm - 7k

Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences)
... who "walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and
abominable idolatries." He speaks (2 Peter 2:2) of "lascivious doings" (the ...
/l/lasciviousness.htm - 11k

Wanton (20 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Specifically: Deviating from the rules of chastity; lewd; lustful; lascivious;
libidinous; lecherous. ... 7. (n.) A lewd person; a lascivious man or woman. ...
/w/wanton.htm - 13k

Lewd (37 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Obscene; lustful; lascivious; indecent.
2. (superl.) Belonging to the lower classes, or the rabble ...
/l/lewd.htm - 20k

Lasaea (1 Occurrence)

/l/lasaea.htm - 6k

Lusty (3 Occurrences)
... pleasant. 3. (superl.) of large size; big. [Obs.]. 4. (superl.) Lustful;
lascivious. Multi-Version Concordance Lusty (3 Occurrences). ...
/l/lusty.htm - 7k

Licentious (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Unrestrained by law or morality; lawless; immoral; dissolute; lewd; lascivious;
as, a licentious man; a licentious life. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/l/licentious.htm - 7k

Fleshly (15 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Human; not celestial; not spiritual or divine. 4. (a.) Carnal; worldly;
lascivious. 5. (adv.) In a fleshly manner; carnally; lasciviously. ...
/f/fleshly.htm - 11k

Doings (111 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason
of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of. (ASV). ...
/d/doings.htm - 36k

Morose (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Sullen; gloomy; brooding; ill-humored; severe.
2. (a.) Lascivious; brooding over evil thoughts. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/m/morose.htm - 7k

What is lasciviousness? | GotQuestions.org

What is Carnival? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between fornication and adultery? | GotQuestions.org

Lascivious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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