Topical Encyclopedia The term "profanes" in the biblical context generally refers to actions, attitudes, or individuals that treat what is sacred with irreverence or disrespect. The concept of profaning is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where the sacredness of God, His name, His temple, and His commandments are to be upheld with the utmost reverence.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "profane" is "ḥālal," which means to defile, pollute, or treat as common. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against profaning the name of the Lord. Leviticus 19:12 states, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This command underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of God's name, which represents His character and authority. The Sabbath is another area where profanation is addressed. In Ezekiel 22:26 , the priests are condemned for failing to distinguish between the holy and the common, and for profaning the Sabbaths. "Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "bebēloō" is used to describe profaning. The concept is expanded to include not only actions but also attitudes that are contrary to the holiness of God. Hebrews 12:16 warns against being like Esau, "who for a single meal sold his birthright." Esau is described as "profane" because he treated his birthright, a sacred inheritance, as something common and of little value. Jesus Himself addressed the issue of profaning sacred things in Matthew 7:6 , "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." This metaphorical language emphasizes the importance of discerning the value of what is holy and not exposing it to those who would treat it with contempt. Profaning the Temple The physical temple in Jerusalem was a central symbol of God's presence among His people. Profaning the temple was a serious offense, as seen in the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar, an event that led to the Maccabean revolt. In the New Testament, Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out those who were buying and selling, declaring, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13). This act underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of places dedicated to worship. Profaning the Body The Apostle Paul extends the concept of the temple to the believer's body, teaching that it is a temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." Profaning the body through sexual immorality or other sins is seen as a violation of the sacredness bestowed upon believers by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Conclusion The biblical teaching on profaning underscores the call to holiness and reverence for God and His commandments. Whether it is the name of God, the Sabbath, the temple, or the believer's body, the Bible consistently calls for a recognition of the sacred and a life that reflects the holiness of God. Strong's Hebrew 2490c. chalal -- to pollute, defile, profane... as profane (1), defile (2), defiled (3), desecrate (1), enjoy (1), first (1), pollute (1), polluted (1), profane (21), profaned (29), profanes (3), profaning (5 ... /hebrew/2490c.htm - 6k Library Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ... St. James ii. 10 Hallowed be Thy Name. How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... Having Called a Council, the High Priests and Scribes Annas and ... Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ... The Almost Christian He Rejects the Sacred Scriptures as Too Simple, and as not to be ... Whether the Sinner Sins in Receiving Christ's Body Sacramentally? General Index of Chapters. Thesaurus Profanes (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Profanes (2 Occurrences). Exodus 31:14 You shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy to you. Everyone ... /p/profanes.htm - 7k Defiles (12 Occurrences) Disgraces (5 Occurrences) Playing (37 Occurrences) Prostitute (83 Occurrences) Profane (69 Occurrences) Becoming (75 Occurrences) Herself (121 Occurrences) Desecrates (1 Occurrence) Profaneness (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of Hashem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Profanes (2 Occurrences)Exodus 31:14 Leviticus 21:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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