σπαταλάω
spataláō
G4684 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To live luxuriously or indulge in excessive pleasure; to pursue a lifestyle marked by extravagance, self-indulgence, or wantonness. The term denotes behaviors characterized by overabundance, indulgence in pleasures, or dissipation, especially in the context of material or sensual excess.
Semantic Range
to live luxuriously, to indulge oneself, to act prodigally, to be self-indulgent, to live in sensual or material excess, to be wanton
Root / Etymology
From the cognate noun σπατάλη (luxury, prodigality); ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly related to words for extravagance or wastefulness in Hellenistic Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
σπαταλάω first appears in Hellenistic and later Greek sources, with no classical attestation. It is primarily attested in the LXX (e.g., Ezekiel 16:49) and the NT (e.g., 1 Timothy 5:6, James 5:5). The verb carries negative connotations, often implying moral censure for indulgent or extravagant living. In the New Testament, it is used in contexts warning against indulgence and self-centered pleasure, such as wealthy individuals or those neglectful of proper conduct. English translations often render it 'live in pleasure' or 'be wanton,' but the underlying sense is closer to unrestrained luxury, dissipation, or prodigality. The related noun σπατάλη denotes luxury or prodigality, reinforcing this nuance. The word stands in contrast to more neutral terms for enjoyment (e.g., τέρπω) and is more negative than verbs meaning simply 'to rejoice' or 'take pleasure.' Its New Testament usage is rare and carries strong moral overtones regarding self-indulgence and neglect of virtue.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (luxury); to be voluptuous:--live in pleasure, be wanton.
Root Family
σπαταλάω (spataláō) — to indulge, to live extravagantly, to be wanton
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4684-02 |
σπαταλῶσα | spatalosa | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
gives-herself-to-pleasure | indulging extravagantly | 1 |
G4684-01 |
ἐσπαταλήσατε | espatalesate | V AOR ACT IND 2P PL |
been wanton | you indulged lavishly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4684-02 |
1 Timothy 5:6 | σπαταλῶσα | spatalosa | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
gives-herself-to-pleasure | indulging extravagantly |
G4684-01 |
James 5:5 | ἐσπαταλήσατε | espatalesate | V AOR ACT IND 2P PL |
been wanton | you indulged lavishly |