Licentiousness vs. Lasciviousness
In the New Testament we find Jesus, Paul, Peter, and Jude
using (cf. Mark 7:22; 2 Cor 12:21; Gal 519; Eph 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3; Jude 1:4!) a
certain word that KJV is translating “lasciviousness.” However, per Strong’s G766, the more correct translation
of underlying Greek word is not lasciviousness, but licentiousness…
What does the word “licentiousness” mean? Or does it not have a meaning? Are we free to use and abuse our words and our language as we please and without consequence? If we come across an unusual word should we attribute at will any meaning what so ever to that word?
Words can and do mean different things, don’t they? Words are used for conveying important feelings, aren’t they?
It is important to learn to effectively share one's feelings with one another. I believe one most important thing that women generally are able to teach men much better than the other way around is how to express and convey feelings. That's one of many areas where I believe women are "an help meet for" their male counterparts in accord with Genesis 2:20.
The Greek language of the New Testament is using at least two words for "to speak." (Actually I get 34 hits when searching Strong's Dictionary for Greek words translated "speak.") The two important words I am thinking of are "laleo" (G2980) and "lego" (G3004.)
When an important message from God is conveyed to the people, then typically the word "lego" is being used. When someone, whether man or woman is using words in a nonsensical manner, though more than likely in order to convey important feelings, then typically the Greek word "laleo" is being used.
Among God's people, that is, in God's church and among God's Sons and Daughters, our objective should always be to speak sensibly such that we convey truth and not lies, error or nonsense talk that may be misconstrued as either outright lies, ignorance, “talking in tongues,” or simply nonsense. This should be true even while our chief objective is to convey important feelings, should it not?
I believe this principle is taught also by Paul, for instance in 1 Cor. 14:32, where the Greek word translated “speak” is “laleo.” In other words Paul is saying nothing in that text about it not being permitted for women to “lego” in church. The emphasis is upon not “laleo” in church, and that should not be done by either men or women, should it?! Also I believe there is a considerable difference between ‘keeping silence’ and ‘keeping silent,’ isn’t there? Keeping the silence and maintaining reverence among God’s people are important responsibilities, aren’t they?
1 Cor 14:34 “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak;G2980… “
Licentiousness is a most important word. Yet, I believe that all too often too many among us are apt to gloss over that unusual word without giving it much of a second thought. Thus we put ourselves in a position of missing out on whatever messages and concepts may be built into that word.
When I search Strong’s for words meaning “licentiousness” I get only one hit:
“G766… apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices.)“
So I learn that the word has something to do with ‘vices.’ Now, intramarital sex properly used is not ever a vice, is it? Sex, not vices, is designed by our Creator from the beginning as one of His tremendous blessings to be used for expressing the finest feelings of love and tenderness between a married man and woman, isn’t it?
Looking up the same word in my e-Sword Webster Dictionary I find this definition:
Licentiousness
LICEN'TIOUSNESS, n. Excessive indulgence of
liberty; contempt of the just restraints of law, morality and decorum. The licentiousness of authors is justly
condemned; the licentiousness of the press is punishable by law.
Law is the god of wise men; licentiousness is the god of fools.
Thus again the word pertain to something improper, and certainly not to an activity blessed from the beginning by God. Further, looking up the base word I find:
Licentious
LICEN'TIOUS, a. [L. licentiosus.]
1. Using license; indulging
freedom to excess; unrestrained by law or morality; loose; dissolute; as a
licentious man.
2. Exceeding the limits of law or propriety; wanton; unrestrained; as licentious desires. Licentious thoughts precede licentious conduct.
Aha, another word I need to look up: ‘License.’ What does that word mean?
License
LI'CENSE, n. [L. licentia,
from liceo, to be permitted.]
1. Leave; permission;
authority or liberty given to do or forbear any act. A
license may be verbal or written; when written, the paper containing the
authority is called a license. A man is not permitted to retail spirituous
liquors till he has obtained a license.
2. Excess of liberty;
exorbitant freedom; freedom abused, or used in contempt of law or decorum.
License they mean, when they
cry liberty.
LI'CENSE, v.t.
1. To permit by grant of
authority; to remove legal restraint by a grant of permission; as, to license a
man to keep an inn.
2. To authorize to act in a
particular character; as, to license a physician or a lawyer.
3. To dismiss. [Not in use.]
Thus, in essence, ‘license’ is “permission to do
something otherwise unlawful.”
Now, how many of us have applied for and obtained a license for some purpose or other? But have we ever given a second thought to the nature of whatever ‘unlawful acts’ we are thus seeking to involve ourselves in? And if our intent is not at all to do something unlawful, then why do we look for, or obtain, a license in the first place? Why do we involve ourselves in “licentiousness.”
For instance, why does anyone need a “marriage license?” What’s so unlawful about complying with God’s first words ever “legoed” to man and woman? Cf. Genesis 1:28!
On the converse: Is it lawful, per Genesis 1:28, to transfer the dominion of One's Son or Daughter to anyone else than the true parents, e.g. by registering an infant or a child within the dominion of a State? Or is that why we think we need a marriage license?
One more thought: When we restrain our sexuality such that we prohibit marriage or intramarital sex, aren’t we then disobeying God’s first commandment to men and women? What have the consequences been of such practices, for instance by forbidding priests and nuns from getting married. Isn’t it this practice that has led to untold suffering, untold illicit sexual activities of all kinds, and all kinds of abuse, not excluding wife abuse, child abuse, and perversion?!