Bible Encyclopedias
Revellings

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

rev´el - ingz ( κῶμος , kṓmos ): The word is found both in the King James Version and in the Revised Version (British and American) in The Wisdom of Song of Solomon 14:23 (the Revised Version (British and American) "revels," orgiastic heathen worship is in point); 2 Maccabees 6:4; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3 . In Galatians 5:21 it is classed with fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, etc., as one of the works of the flesh. In 1 Peter 4:3 it is spoken of the Gentiles and is classcd with drunkenness and carousings and such like. In Romans 13:13 the Revised Version has "revelling" instead of the King James Version "rioting," and in 2 Peter 2:13 , "revel" replaces "riot." Similarly in Amos 6:7 , "revelry" replaces "banquet." The obvious meaning of the word is excessive and boisterous intemperance and lustful indulgence.