12:20-21 How are these sins defined?
12:20-21 How are these sins defined?
Debates, in V20, means strife and discord, contentions, wrangling (CP 1Cor 1:11; 3:3; Tit 3:9). Debates in this context is not the same as disputing for truth (CP Ac 9:29; 15:2, 7; 17:17; 19:8-9).
Envyings here is from the Greek word zelos, from which the English word zeal is derived in a favourable sense, or jealousy, as here, in an unfavourable sense (CP Ac 13:45; Ro 13:13; Jas 3:14-16).
Wraths refers to anger, fierceness, indignation (CP Ac 19:28; Ga 5:20; Rev 12:12). Strifes mean contentions, rivalry. It represents a motive of self-interest (CP Ro 2:8; Php 2:3; Jas 3:14-16). Backbitings are false accusations, speaking evil of others, slander (CP Jas 4:11; 1Pe 2:1).
Whisperings mean slander of others secretly, detraction; hurtful gossip that destroys men's reputations (CP Ro 1:29). Swellings means puffed up, swelling with pride, ambition, arrogance. Used only in 2Cor 12:20. Tumults refers to disorder, confusion, commotions (CP 1Cor 14:33; 2Cor 6:5; Jas 3:16).
Uncleanness in 2Cor 12:21 refers to moral uncleanness, impure dissolute living (CP Ro 1:24; 1Cor 6:19; Eph 4:17-19). Fornication means any form of sexual immorality. It includes adultery, incest, homosexuality, prostitution etc (CP Mt 5:32; 1Cor 5:1; 7:2).
Lasciviousness means licentiousness, debauchery, sexual excess, wantonness (CP Ro 13:13; 1Pe 4:3; Jude 1:4). See also comments on Ro 13:11-14; 1Cor 6:9-10 and 6:15-20, and author's study Christian - Beware of Failing God's Grace and Forfeiting your Salvation in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).