### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βδέλυγμα (bdélygma, `{{G946}}`) signifies something that evokes intense revulsion, disgust, or abhorrence. Derived from the verb βδελύσσω (bdelýssō, `{{G948}}`), meaning "to detest" or "to feel disgust," βδέλυγμα inherently describes an object or action that is utterly repugnant. In its biblical usage, this detestation is primarily understood from a divine perspective; it refers to that which is an abomination to God. While its core meaning encompasses any detestable thing, its specialized usage in the New Testament, mirroring its Septuagintal counterpart תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`), frequently points to idolatry, sacrilege, or practices deeply offensive to divine holiness. The semantic range thus extends from a general sense of "detestation" to a specific designation of "idolatry" or "abominable defilement."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βδέλυγμα appears notably in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation, consistently carrying a strong negative theological weight.
In the Synoptic Gospels, it is most famously found in the phrase "the abomination of desolation," a direct citation from the Book of Daniel (e.g., [[Daniel 9:27]], [[Daniel 11:31]], [[Daniel 12:11]]). Jesus uses this phrase in His Olivet Discourse:
* [[Matthew 24:15]]: "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)..."
* [[Mark 13:14]]: "But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
This refers to a sacrilegious act that defiles the Jerusalem Temple. Historically, it points to Antiochus IV Epiphanes' desecration of the Temple in 167 BC by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs. Prophetically, it foreshadows a future eschatological event, likely associated with the Antichrist, involving a climactic act of spiritual rebellion and desecration in the end times. The phrase underscores the profound offense caused by the intrusion of pagan or unholy elements into sacred space.
In the Book of Revelation, βδέλυγμα is primarily associated with "Babylon the Great," symbolizing a system of spiritual and moral corruption:
* [[Revelation 17:4]]: "The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her fornication." Here, "abominations" (plural) refers to the detestable idolatrous practices and spiritual immorality that characterize this harlot figure, representing a corrupt world system.
* [[Revelation 17:5]]: "And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: 'Babylon the Great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.'" This verse reinforces the previous one, identifying Babylon as the progenitor and source of widespread detestable practices on earth.
Finally, in the description of the New Jerusalem, βδέλυγμα signifies that which is utterly incompatible with God's holy presence:
* [[Revelation 21:27]]: "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or practices falsehood, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." The exclusion of "detestable things" (plural) from the eternal city emphasizes the absolute purity required for dwelling with God, highlighting that anything repugnant to His nature cannot abide in His presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of βδέλυγμα is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **βδελύσσω (bdelýssō, `{{G948}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to detest, abhor, feel disgust." This highlights the emotional and moral intensity inherent in the noun.
* **βδελυκτός (bdelýktos, `{{G947}}`):** An adjective meaning "detestable, abominable." For example, [[Titus 1:16]] describes those who are "detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work."
* **תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`):** The primary Hebrew word translated by βδέλυγμα in the Septuagint. תּוֹעֵבָה encompasses a wide range of actions and objects detestable to God, including idolatry ([[Deuteronomy 7:25]]), child sacrifice ([[Deuteronomy 18:12]]), dishonest business practices ([[Proverbs 11:1]]), and various sexual immoralities ([[Leviticus 18:22]], [[Leviticus 20:13]]). This Old Testament background provides a rich theological context for the New Testament use of βδέλυγμα.
* **Concepts:** The word is closely associated with idolatry, spiritual impurity, sacrilege, moral defilement, and apostasy. It represents acts or objects that are fundamentally opposed to God's holiness and covenantal relationship with His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βδέλυγμα is profound, touching upon several core doctrines:
* **God's Absolute Holiness and Purity:** The existence of "abominations" underscores the unblemished nature of God. What is detestable to God is fundamentally antithetical to His character, revealing His utter separation from all that is defiled, evil, or idolatrous. His revulsion signifies His perfect moral standard.
* **The Gravity of Sin, Especially Idolatry:** The term highlights the severe nature of actions that provoke divine disgust. Idolatry, in particular, is portrayed as an ultimate affront to God's exclusive sovereignty and glory, a spiritual adultery that is profoundly offensive.
* **Eschatological Warning and Judgment:** The "abomination of desolation" serves as a critical prophetic sign. It points to a climactic act of human rebellion and desecration that will precede divine judgment, signaling the culmination of wickedness in the end times. It is a stark reminder of the consequences of defying God.
* **Exclusion from God's Presence:** The clear statement in [[Revelation 21:27]] that "nothing unclean... nor anyone who does what is detestable" will enter the New Jerusalem emphasizes that God's eternal dwelling is a realm of perfect purity. This underscores the necessity of divine cleansing, repentance, and transformation for entry into His presence. It highlights the incompatibility of sin and defilement with the holiness of God's eternal kingdom.
### Summary
βδέλυγμα (bdélygma, `{{G946}}`) denotes something utterly detestable, abhorrent, or disgusting, particularly in a moral or religious sense from God's perspective. Derived from the verb "to detest," it frequently translates the Hebrew תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`) in the Septuagint. In the New Testament, its primary applications include:
1. The "abomination of desolation," a specific sacrilegious act prophesied by Daniel and referenced by Jesus, signifying a profound defilement of the holy place with historical and eschatological implications ([[Matthew 24:15]]).
2. The idolatrous and immoral practices associated with "Babylon the Great" in Revelation, symbolizing a corrupt world system that is spiritually repugnant to God ([[Revelation 17:4]], [[Revelation 17:5]]).
3. Any defiling act or person that is utterly repugnant to God, and thus explicitly excluded from the purity of His eternal presence in the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:27]]).
The word powerfully communicates God's absolute holiness, His unwavering opposition to sin (especially idolatry), and the necessity of purity for fellowship with Him, serving as a profound reminder of the chasm between divine perfection and human corruption.
TRV