The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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; Ga 5:21; 1Pe 4:3. In Ga 5:21 it is classed with fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, etc., as one of the works of the flesh. In 1Pe 4:3 it is spoken of the Gentiles and is classcd with drunkenness and carousings and such like. In Ro 13:13 the Revised Version has "revelling" instead of the King James Version "rioting," and in 2Pe 2:13, "revel" replaces "riot." Similarly in Am 6:7, "revelry" replaces "banquet." The obvious meaning of the word is excessive and boisterous intemperance and lustful indulgence.

G. H. Gerberding

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, James Orr (1915). Public domain, from the CrossWire SWORD module.