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Sacrilege

/SAK-rih-lij/

Summary

The violation or profanation of holy places, persons, or things dedicated to God, severely condemned throughout Scripture.

☩Definition

Sacrilege (from the Greek hierosuleo, 'to rob a temple') refers to the violation or profanation of holy places, persons, or things. While the specific word appears rarely in Scripture, the concept is expressed through phrases like 'profaning the sanctuary,' 'profaning hallowed things,' and 'profaning the covenant.'

Key verses:Romans 2:22Acts 19:37Malachi 2:10

☩Biblical Examples

The first sacrilegious act recorded is Esau selling his birthright, for which he is called 'profane' by Paul. Under the Mosaic economy, which sternly forbade such violations, notable instances include: Nadab and Abihu offering unauthorized fire; the men of Beth-shemesh looking into the ark; Uzzah touching the ark; Uzziah burning incense in the temple; and Korah's rebellion. In the New Testament, the money changers profaning the temple and those partaking unworthily of the Lord's Supper are cited as sacrilege.

Key verses:Hebrews 12:16Leviticus 10:1-72 Samuel 6:6-72 Chronicles 26:16-211 Corinthians 11:29

☩Divine Jealousy

God's jealousy regarding things dedicated to Him is emphasized throughout Scripture. Paul warns that 'if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy.' Both Mosaic law and apostolic teaching establish severe consequences for those who treat holy things with contempt or use them for personal gain.

Key verses:1 Corinthians 3:17Leviticus 19:8

Related Verses16 mentions

1 Corinthians· 2 verses

3:1711:29

Numbers· 2 verses

3:416:40

2 Samuel· 2 verses

6:66:7

2 Chronicles· 2 verses

26:1628:24

See Also

Worship
Worship

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sacrilege," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sacrilege," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  3. 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sacrilege," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  4. 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sacrilege," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  5. 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sacrilege," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  6. 6.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sacrilege," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  7. 7.James Orr (ed.), "Sacrilege," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).