from the base of βάσις and (a threshold); accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e. (by implication, of Jewish notions) heathenish, wicked:--profane (person).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **βέβηλος (bébēlos)**, represented by `{{G952}}`, is a term for what is **profane**. According to its base definition, it suggests something accessible, and by implication, heathenish or wicked. This word appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently denoting that which is unholy or in opposition to godliness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural usage, `{{G952}}` is applied to both people and ideas. It is used to characterize Esau as a **profane person** who sold his sacred birthright for a single meal [[Hebrews 12:16]]. The term is also part of a list of descriptors for whom the law is made, including the lawless, unholy, and sinners [[1 Timothy 1:9]]. Furthermore, believers are instructed to reject or shun ideas described as **profane**, such as "old wives' fables" [[1 Timothy 4:7]] and "vain babblings" ([[1 Timothy 6:20]], [[2 Timothy 2:16]]), which are said to lead to more ungodliness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of what is profane by appearing in similar contexts:
* `{{G462}}` **anósios** (unholy): Defined as "wicked," this word appears directly alongside **profane** in the list of those for whom the law is intended [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
* `{{G2757}}` **kenophōnía** (vain babblings): Meaning "empty sounding, i.e. fruitless discussion," this term is twice paired directly with **profane** to describe speech that must be avoided ([[1 Timothy 6:20]], [[2 Timothy 2:16]]).
* `{{G4205}}` **pórnos** (fornicator): This term, meaning "a (male) prostitute... a debauchee (libertine)," is used in parallel with **profane person** to describe the character of Esau [[Hebrews 12:16]].
* `{{G765}}` **asebḗs** (ungodly): Defined as "irreverent, i.e. (by extension) impious or wicked," this word is found in the same list as **profane**, highlighting a character that is contrary to God's law [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G952}}` lies in its clear distinction between the sacred and the common or wicked.
* **Contempt for the Sacred:** The example of Esau marks a **profane** person as one who holds sacred things in low esteem, willing to trade a divine inheritance for temporary satisfaction [[Hebrews 12:16]].
* **Spiritually Corrupting Speech:** The repeated warnings against **profane** babblings and fables establish a theme that certain discussions are not merely empty but actively harmful, as they "will increase unto more ungodliness" [[2 Timothy 2:16]].
* **A Trait of the Lawless:** By its inclusion in the list of sins in 1 Timothy, being **profane** is shown to be a characteristic of those who live in opposition to God's righteous standard, alongside being unholy, disobedient, and sinful [[1 Timothy 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G952}}` serves as a critical label for that which is unhallowed and must be separated from a life of faith. Whether describing a person who devalues their spiritual heritage like Esau or the kinds of fruitless discussions that lead away from God, **bébēlos** consistently points to a state of being wicked or heathenish. The scriptural command is to refuse and shun such profanity in favor of pursuing godliness.
TRV