REVELLINGS

rev'-el-ingz (komos): The word is found both in the King James Version and in the Revised Version (British and American) in The Wisdom of Solomon 14:23 (the Revised Version (British and American) "revels," orgiastic heathen worship is in point); 2 Macc 6:4; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3. In Galatians 5:21 it is classed with fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, etc., as one of the works of the flesh. In 1 Pet 4:3 it is spoken of the Gentiles and is classcd with drunkenness and carousings and such like. In Romans 13:13 the Revised Version has "revelling" instead of the King James Version "rioting," and in 2 Peter 2:13, "revel" replaces "riot." Similarly in Amos 6:7, "revelry" replaces "banquet." The obvious meaning of the word is excessive and boisterous intemperance and lustful indulgence.

G. H. Gerberding

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.