Is lasciviousness the same as lust?

They are close. Lust is disordered sexual desire; lasciviousness (aselgeia) is that desire lived out without restraint or shame, in the open. The Greek word stresses the loss of shame.

What does wantonness mean in the Bible?

It is the same Greek word, aselgeia. The King James translates it “wantonness” in Romans 13:13 and 2 Peter 2:18, and “lasciviousness” in six other verses.

Greek word · Strong G766

What does lasciviousness mean?

Lasciviousness is unrestrained sensuality: desire that has lost its shame and no longer hides. It is the King James word for the Greek aselgeia, which modern versions render “sensuality”, “debauchery” or “licentiousness” — one of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19.

ἀσέλγεια

asélgeia · transliteration

In Strong’s lexicon: licentiousness (sometimes including other vices)
In the King James: lasciviousness6
wantonness2
Appears in: 9 verses

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The meaning of lasciviousness in the Bible

Aselgeia appears in the New Testament's lists of sins alongside uncleanness and adultery: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness” (Galatians 5:19). What sets it apart is the lack of any limit or modesty — not only committing sin, but losing all shame about it. That is why Paul says of those who were past feeling that they “have given themselves over unto lasciviousness” (Ephesians 4:19).

Jesus places it among the things that come out of the heart and defile a person (Mark 7:21-22): the problem does not start in the body but within. And Jude warns about those who turn grace into license — men “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 4). Grace forgives sin; it never authorizes it.

Where lasciviousness appears

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

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Mark 7:22

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

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Ephesians 4:19

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

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Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Frequently asked questions

Is lasciviousness the same as lust?: They are close. Lust is disordered sexual desire; lasciviousness (aselgeia) is that desire lived out without restraint or shame, in the open. The Greek word stresses the loss of shame.
What does wantonness mean in the Bible?: It is the same Greek word, aselgeia. The King James translates it “wantonness” in Romans 13:13 and 2 Peter 2:18, and “lasciviousness” in six other verses.

The meaning of lasciviousness in the Bible

Where lasciviousness appears

Galatians 5:19

Mark 7:22

Ephesians 4:19

Jude 1:4

Frequently asked questions

More Bible words