βδέλυγμα
bdelugma
abomination
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word βδέλυγμα (bdelugma) translates to "abomination." It is a term used six times in the Bible to describe something that is considered detestable or repulsive. The semantic domain of Geography & Place suggests that βδέλυγμα is often associated with locations or objects that are considered unclean or polluted. In its occurrences in the Bible, βδέλυγμα is used to describe idolatrous practices, such as sacrificing children to Molech (Acts 7:43), and the worship of false gods (Ezekiel 5:11, 7:20, 36:18, 39:7). This suggests that βδέλυγμα is closely tied to spiritual or moral concepts, rather than physical geography or place. The significance of βδέλυγμα lies in its emphasis on the importance of spiritual purity and the rejection of idolatrous practices. By using this term, the Bible highlights the gravity of sin and the need for spiritual cleansing.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
“When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
Mark 13:14But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,
Luke 16:15He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Revelation 17:4The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth.
Revelation 17:5And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
Revelation 21:27There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.