What does the Bible say about entertainments?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that shared meals, celebrations, and festive occasions can be good gifts of God when received with gratitude, generosity, and self-control, but they must never become occasions for sin, pride, or indulgence. Genesis 21:8, Genesis 26:30, Luke 5:29, and Luke 15:23 portray fitting feasts connected with covenant joy, hospitality, repentance, and restoration. Matthew 22:2 uses a wedding banquet to picture the gladness of God’s kingdom. Yet Daniel 5:1 warns that revelry marked by arrogance and contempt for God invites judgment, while Mark 6:21 shows how a birthday banquet can become the setting for grave evil. Christians therefore may enjoy wholesome recreation, but should do so under Christ’s lordship and for God’s glory.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Often great Genesis 21:8; Daniel 5:1; Luke 5:29
- Given on occasions of
- Marriage Matthew 22:2
- Birthdays Mark 6:21
- Weaning children Genesis 21:8
- Taking leave of friends 1 Kings 19:21
- Return of friends 2 Samuel 12:4; Luke 15:23
- Ratifying covenants Genesis 26:30; Genesis 31:54
- Sheep-shearing 1 Samuel 25:2; 1 Samuel 25:36; 2 Samuel 13:23
- Harvest home Ruth 3:2-7; Isaiah 9:3
- Vintage Judges 9:27
- Coronation of Kings 1 Kings 1:9; 1 Kings 1:18; 1 Kings 1:19; 1 Chronicles 12:39; 1 Chronicles 12:40; Hosea 7:5
- Offering voluntary sacrifice Genesis 31:54; Deuteronomy 12:6; Deuteronomy 12:7; 1 Samuel 1:4; 1 Samuel 1:5; 1 Samuel 1:9
- Festivals 1 Samuel 20:5; 1 Samuel 20:24-26
- National deliverance Esther 8:17; Esther 9:17-19
- Preparations made for Genesis 18:6; Genesis 18:7; Proverbs 9:2; Matthew 22:4; Luke 15:23
- Kinds of, mentioned in scripture
- Dinner Genesis 43:16; Matthew 22:4; Luke 14:12
- Supper Luke 14:12; John 12:2
- Banquet of wine Esther 5:6
- Under the direction of a master of the feast John 2:8; John 2:9
- Served often by hired servants Matthew 22:13; John 2:5
- Served often by members of the family Genesis 18:8; Luke 10:40; John 12:2
- Invitations to
- Often addressed to many Luke 14:16
- Often only to relatives and friends 1 Kings 1:9; Luke 14:12
- Often by the master in person 2 Samuel 13:24; Esther 5:4; Zephaniah 1:7; Luke 7:36
- Repeated through servants when all things were ready Proverbs 9:1-5; Luke 14:17
- Should be sent to the poor, &c Deuteronomy 14:29; Luke 14:13
- Often given in
- The house Luke 5:29
- The air, besides fountains 1 Kings 1:9
- The court of the house Esther 1:5; Esther 1:6; Luke 7:36; Luke 7:37
- The upper room or guest chamber Mark 14:14; Mark 14:15
- Guests at
- Saluted by the master Luke 7:45
- Usually anointed Psalms 23:5; Luke 7:46
- Had their feet washed when they came a distance Genesis 18:4; Genesis 43:24; Luke 7:38; Luke 7:44
- Arranged according to rank Genesis 43:33; 1 Samuel 9:22; Luke 14:10
- Often had separate dishes Genesis 43:34; 1 Samuel 1:4
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