profane, profaned

Definition

To profane something means to act in a way that defiles, pollutes, or disrespects something that is holy.

• A profane person is one who acts in a way that is unholy and dishonoring of God.
• The verb to “profane” could be translated as to “treat as unholy” or to “be irreverent toward” or to “dishonor.”
• God told the Israelites that they “profaned” themselves with idols, meaning that the people were making themselves “unclean” or “dishonored” by this sin. They were also dishonoring God.
• Depending on the context, the adjective “profane” could be translated as “dishonoring” or “godless” or “unholy.”

(See also: defile, holy, clean)

Bible References

• 2 Timothy 2:16-18
• Ezekiel 20:9
• Malachi 1:10-12
• Matthew 12:5
• Numbers 18:30-32

Word Data

• Strong’s: H2455, H2490, H2491, H5234, H8610, G09520, G09530