βδέλυγμα

an abominable thing, an accursed thing

Definition

βδέλυγμα refers to something that is abominable, detestable, or an object of intense disgust, often in a religious or moral sense. In the Gospels, it describes idolatrous or sacrilegious acts that provoke divine wrath, such as the 'abomination of desolation' prophesied in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14. In Luke 16:15, Jesus uses it to condemn the Pharisees' self-justification, which is an 'abomination' to God. In Revelation, it describes the ultimate corruption and idolatry of the evil world system, as seen in the 'mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth' (Revelation 17:4-5) and the exclusion of anything 'abominable' from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27).

Biblical Usage

This word is used six times in the New Testament, appearing in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and Revelation. In Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14, it is used in an eschatological context, quoting Daniel, to warn of a future sacrilegious act. In Luke 16:15, it is used in a moral context to describe what God finds detestable in human pride. In Revelation (17:4, 17:5, 21:27), it is used repeatedly to characterize the profound spiritual corruption of Babylon and the purity of God's final kingdom, emphasizing a stark contrast between holiness and defilement.

Etymology

Derived from the verb βδελύσσομαι (bdelussomai, G948), meaning 'to detest' or 'to feel loathing.' The root conveys a strong sense of physical revulsion or nausea, which was extended metaphorically to moral and religious disgust. The word group is related to terms expressing foul smells or repulsive things, highlighting the visceral reaction it was meant to evoke.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it marks the absolute boundary between the holy and the profane. It is central to understanding biblical concepts of idolatry, divine judgment, and eschatology. In the Gospels, it points to a specific eschatological sign of great tribulation. In Revelation, it defines the nature of evil opposed to God's kingdom. Understanding its force enriches reading by revealing the intensity of God's view of sin and the certainty of its ultimate removal from His presence.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish world, 'abomination' (often translating the Hebrew תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah) carried strong cultic and covenantal overtones. For Jews, it specifically referred to idolatrous practices, ritual impurity, and severe moral violations that broke covenant with Yahweh (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:9-12). The 'abomination of desolation' would have evoked the memory of the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167 BC), making Jesus's warning in Matthew 24:15 resonate deeply with his Jewish audience.

ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia, G167) — emphasizes ritual or moral impurity or uncleanness. ἀσέβεια (asebeia, G763) — focuses on impiety or lack of reverence toward God. μολυσμός (molusmos, G3436) — denotes defilement or pollution, often in a moral sense.

Word Details

Scripture References