What are revellings in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Revellings, as described in the Bible, refer to wild, excessive partying or revelry characterized by uncontrolled and indulgent behavior. The original Greek word, komos , conveys a sense of letting loose or going wild. It is translated in various Bible versions as "revellings," "revelries," "orgies," "wild celebrations," or "carousing." This type of behavior typically includes excessive drinking, gluttony, lewdness, and other forms of overindulgence and moral laxity. The Bible warns against such behaviors, urging Christians to live by the Spirit and uphold values of moderation, self-control, and respect for God and others.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Exodus 32:6, after the Israelites made the golden calf, it says, "And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." The phrase "rose up to play" suggests they engaged in revelry and festivities.
• Isaiah prophesies against Jerusalem, mentioning their revelry and feasting, which would end with the impending judgment (Isaiah 22:12–14). Verse 13 mentions "killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine," indicative of excessive celebration.
• Amos condemns the complacency and luxury of the wealthy in Israel, describing their revelry, including singing idle songs, inventing instruments, excessive drinking, and the indulgence in expensive oils and perfumes, while having no concern for the plight of their nation (Amos 6:3–7).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The word "revellings," meaning "letting loose" or "going wild" in the original Greek (komos), is translated in different ways in various versions of the Bible.
• The King James Version translates komos as "revellings." The NKJV has "revelries;" the NIV and ESV use "orgies;" the ISV has "wild celebrations" or "wild partying;" and the NASB has "carousing."
• Peter uses the word translated revellings to delineate a person's former way of life before they became a Christian. He writes that revellings and other sins belong to people who are not Christians. He writes that some people may be surprised when their old friends, who used to party with them but now follow Jesus, are no longer partying (see 1 Peter 4:3–4).
• Paul takes a more direct approach in Galatians 5. There, he instructs the people of the church to avoid a list of sins, including sexual sin, hateful attitudes toward others, drunkenness, and revellings. Paul compares this list of sins with the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Paul writes that Christians have forgiveness in Christ and now live by the Holy Spirit. Those who don't know Christ are ruled by the flesh; and their behavior, including drunken revellings, follows.
• Though "revellings" describes wild partying that should be avoided by Christians, it doesn't mean that Christians can't attend parties. The Bible is warning against gatherings that feature gluttony, drunkenness, lewdness, and a sort of out-of-control behavior. When the Holy Spirit dwells inside a Christian, such partying opposes the Spirit and His fruit.
• In several places, the Bible makes it clear that there should be a difference in behavior between a Christian and someone who does not follow Jesus (Romans 8; Titus 2:12).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Revellings in the Bible serve as warnings about the risks of allowing celebrations and indulgence to overshadow a life anchored in faith. They illustrate how easily we can veer into excess. We are called to live wholeheartedly for Christ and be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), not to live for ourselves and be filled with wine, which is dissipation, a wasteful or luxurious lifestyle that leads believers astray from their spiritual calling and distracts them from God's purpose for their lives (Luke 21:34). We are challenged to approach social events with intentionality, ensuring we uphold values of moderation and respect for others, not drunkenness and wild partying. We can do this by embodying the fruit of the Spirit—self-control, kindness, and gentleness—in all aspects of life, including participation in festivities and gatherings.

UNDERSTAND

• Revellings in the Bible refer to wild, excessive partying and indulgent behavior, including excessive drinking and gluttony.
• Both Old and New Testaments caution against revelry, urging Christians to live by the Spirit, practicing moderation and self-control.
• Christians are called to avoid revellings and embody the fruits of the Spirit, approaching social events with intentionality and upholding values of moderation, respect, and faithfulness.

REFLECT

• How can you ensure that your social life reflects your values as a Christian and does not lead to excess or indulgence?
• How can you better embody the fruits of the Spirit, such as self-control and gentleness, in your daily interactions and activities?
• Reflecting on past experiences, how have you responded to situations involving excessive partying or revelry? Do you need to make any changes to align more closely with living by the Spirit and not the flesh?

ENGAGE

• How do we as a community balance enjoying social events while avoiding the excesses described as revellings in the Bible?
• In what practical ways can we support each other in living by the Spirit and avoiding behaviors that lead to overindulgence?
• How can we effectively communicate the biblical warnings about revellings to younger generations or those new to the Christian faith, without being judgmental or legalistic?