βεβηλόω (bebēloō)
bebēloō
to profane
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb bebēloō means to treat something sacred with irreverence or to violate its holy status. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, describing actions that desecrate what has been set apart for God. The sources note its use in Matthew 12:5 regarding the Sabbath and in Acts 24:6 concerning the temple, highlighting how this word marks a breach of divine boundaries.
Its root lies in the idea of being "common" or outside the holy precincts, suggesting that to profane is to drag sacred things into the ordinary realm of disrespect. While synonyms like koinoō focus on ritual uncleanness, bebēloō carries a heavier weight of active violation against sanctity. Translators typically render it as "profane" or "desecrate," capturing the gravity of treating holy objects or times with contempt.
This rare term underscores the seriousness with which Scripture views the treatment of God’s institutions. By using such strong language, the biblical writers emphasize that sacredness is not merely a suggestion but a protected reality. The word serves as a stark reminder that holiness demands respect, and its violation is a significant spiritual offense.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bebēloō describes a serious breach of respect for what belongs to God. It is not about minor mistakes but active disregard for sacred boundaries. When Jesus mentions this in Matthew 12:5, He clarifies that even temple priests who perform work on the Sabbath are not guilty because their service honors God’s greater purpose. This shows that true reverence sometimes requires prioritizing God’s mission over rigid rules.
In Acts 24:6, the term highlights how deeply offensive it was to treat the temple with contempt. For us today, this word reminds us that our bodies and our worship are set apart for the Lord. We are called to honor Him not just in words but in how we live. This respect flows from gratitude for what Christ has done, rather than fear of breaking rules.
God values our hearts and our actions alike. When we treat His gifts with care, we reflect His holiness to those around us. Let this truth encourage you to approach your faith with sincerity and reverence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to profane,1×
- profane1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βεβηλῶσαι,1×
- βεβηλοῦσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:5
Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?
Jesus uses this term to show that temple service can override Sabbath restrictions without guilt, redefining what truly honors God.
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Acts 24:6
He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.
Paul’s enemies accuse him of trying to desecrate the temple, using this word to highlight the severity of violating sacred space.