### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective βδελυκτός (bdelyktós, `{{G947}}`) derives from the verb βδελύσσω (bdelyssō, `{{G948}}`), which means "to detest," "to abhor," or "to render abominable." Consequently, βδελυκτός describes something that is "detestable," "abominable," or "repugnant." Its semantic range encompasses not merely dislike but a profound sense of revulsion, particularly in a moral and spiritual context. The base definition explicitly notes a specialized application to that which is "idolatrous," indicating a strong connection to the Old Testament concept of practices and objects offensive to God's holiness. This word denotes something so contrary to divine nature and will that it evokes God's utter rejection and disgust.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βδελυκτός appears three times in the New Testament, each instance underscoring its profound theological weight:
* **[[Luke 16:15]]**: "And He said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'" Here, Jesus confronts the Pharisees who "loved money" (v. 14) and sought to justify themselves. The "highly esteemed" (ὑψηλὸν) values of humanity, particularly those rooted in self-righteousness, greed, or worldly status, are declared βδελυκτός in God's eyes. This verse highlights a radical inversion of values: what humans exalt, God may utterly detest, revealing a divine perspective that pierces through outward appearances to the heart's true condition.
* **[[Titus 1:16]]**: "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed." Paul uses βδελυκτός to describe the character of false teachers or rebellious individuals in Crete. Their claim to know God is contradicted by their actions, which are morally corrupt and spiritually defiant. This "detestable" nature is not merely about specific sinful acts but describes an inherent disposition of ungodliness and an active rejection of divine authority, rendering them incapable of true goodness.
* **[[Revelation 21:8]]**: "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." In this climactic list of those excluded from the New Jerusalem and subject to eternal judgment, "the abominable" (βδελυκτοῖς) are grouped with other severe categories of sin. While broad, its inclusion here likely encompasses those whose lives are characterized by practices utterly repugnant to God's holiness, particularly idolatry and moral defilement, which are prominent themes in Revelation. It signifies a state of being utterly contrary to God's nature, deserving of ultimate separation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of βδελυκτός is closely linked to its root verb βδελύσσω (bdelyssō, `{{G948}}`), which is used in the passive voice to mean "to be abhorred" or "to be made abominable" (e.g., [[Romans 2:22]]). More significantly, it is intimately connected to the noun βδέλυγμα (bdelygma, `{{G946}}`), meaning "an abomination" or "a detestable thing." This noun is famously used in the phrase "the abomination of desolation" (e.g., [[Matthew 24:15]], [[Mark 13:14]]), which draws directly from Old Testament prophetic language, particularly in Daniel.
In the Septuagint (LXX), both βδελύσσω and βδέλυγμα frequently translate the Hebrew תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`). This Hebrew term is central to the Old Testament's understanding of what is utterly repugnant to Yahweh. It often refers to idolatrous practices (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:25]], [[Deuteronomy 18:9]]), cult prostitution, human sacrifice, certain sexual perversions (e.g., [[Leviticus 18:22]]), dishonest weights, and various forms of injustice. The consistent use of βδελυκτός and its cognates in the New Testament thus carries the strong Old Testament connotation of that which is an affront to divine holiness and covenant purity. Concepts of holiness, defilement, purity, idolatry, and divine judgment are all intrinsically linked to this word group.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βδελυκτός is profound, articulating God's absolute standard of holiness and His intense revulsion towards sin. It underscores that certain actions, attitudes, and character traits are not merely undesirable but are inherently offensive to God's nature.
1. **Divine Holiness and Purity**: βδελυκτός serves as a stark reminder of God's impeccable holiness, against which all human conduct is measured. What is βδελυκτός is that which stands in direct opposition to God's pure and righteous character.
2. **Moral and Spiritual Corruption**: The term extends beyond mere ritual impurity to encompass deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption. In Luke, it challenges human self-justification; in Titus, it exposes the hypocrisy of those who deny God through their deeds; and in Revelation, it highlights the ultimate state of those whose lives are defined by rebellion against God. It signifies a condition of being utterly defiled in God's sight.
3. **Idolatry and Rebellion**: Rooted in the Old Testament to'evah, βδελυκτός often carries an implicit or explicit connection to idolatry – the worship of anything other than the one true God – and the broader concept of rebellion against divine authority. This includes not only overt idol worship but also the idolatry of self, wealth, or human approval.
4. **Divine Judgment**: The use of βδελυκτός in [[Revelation 21:8]] directly links this state of being to eternal judgment. It signifies that those characterized as βδελυκτός are fundamentally incompatible with God's holy presence and are therefore subject to ultimate separation.
### Summary
The Greek word βδελυκτός (bdelyktós, `{{G947}}`) powerfully conveys the concept of "detestable" or "abominable." Derived from βδελύσσω (bdelyssō, `{{G948}}`) and closely related to βδέλυγμα (bdelygma, `{{G946}}`), it describes that which is utterly repugnant to God, echoing the Old Testament תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`). Its New Testament occurrences reveal its application to:
1. Human values and self-justification that contradict God's righteous standards ([[Luke 16:15]]).
2. The character of those who profess faith but deny God through their ungodly deeds ([[Titus 1:16]]).
3. A category of severe sinfulness that leads to ultimate exclusion from God's presence ([[Revelation 21:8]]).
In essence, βδελυκτός underscores God's absolute holiness and His profound revulsion toward all forms of moral and spiritual corruption, particularly those rooted in idolatry and rebellion against His divine will. It serves as a solemn warning against that which is an offense to the Holy One.
TRV