Explaining Peter’s Use of the Word “Orgies” to Children
Just sent this out to my NIV & ESV families. Thought I'd pass it along to you in case you get
any phone calls or emails due to the use of the word "orgies" in 1 Peter 4:3.
Hope it can be helpful!
Blessings!
Jennie Weed
Dear NIV & ESV Families,
Have you ever read through passages in the Bible, and wondered: “How can I explain this to my
children in an age-appropriate way?” As a parent of children ages 12, 10, 8, 5, & 3, it is
something we often have to consider. After reading through 1 Peter, my husband and I came
across a passage (1 Peter 4:3) that immediately made us go: “Hmmm.” Knowing that some of
you may have a similar moment of pause, we wanted to share with you how we will be
discussing the passage in our home, and the research we will be leaning on for those discussions.
While reading through 1 Peter 4:3, I have to say we were surprised and caught off guard by the
use of the word “orgies” in the passage (It is translated differently in the KJV, NKJV, &
NASB). As parents of younger children, we immediately thought: “How are we going to explain
this one?” And since the study encourages kids to write down and look up words they aren’t
familiar with…well, let’s just say, we don’t want our kids looking that one up and trying to
figure it out on their own.
So, in an effort to be proactive, I did some digging…here’s what I found:
Starting at the source, I looked up the original Greek word to see what it was and what it referred
to. The Greek word here translated “orgies” is the word “komois.” I have copied the definition
below for you. This comes from The Complete Word Study New Testament with Greek Parallel,
ed. Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D.

Komois – [root: komos]: derived from Comus, the god of feasting and
reveling. His sacred rights consisted in feasting and drunkenness with impurity
and obscenity of the grossest kind. Actually there were lascivious feastings with
songs, music, and drinking wine. Therefore, it always presupposes a festal
company and drunken revelers.
If you look in modern dictionaries, from what I have seen, they place the definitions with sexual
content/implications up at the top of their definition options. Older dictionaries tend to be more
conservative and discreet. With that in mind and knowing that meaning & connotations of words
can change over time, I thought a good place to start was Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. The
definition is below.

Orgies: n.plu. - Frantic revels at the feast in honor of Bacchus, or the feast
itself. This feast was held in the night; hence nocturnal orgies. (This is the
definition in entirety)
Webster’s 1977 New Collegiate Dictionary gives the following definition. (I have only included
the part that I would allow my kids to read)

Orgies: 1) secret ceremonial rites held in honor of an ancient Greek or Roman
deity and usually characterized by ecstatic singing and dancing. 2 a) drunken
revelry …
So, having looked at all this, here’s what I will tell my kids…

In the time of ancient Greece and Rome, during the time in which Peter was
writing, there were those who worshipped false gods. One of the false gods they
worshipped was Bacchus, the god of wine. One of the ways they would
“worship” him was to hold feasts, called “orgies,” where they would drink too
much wine, for the purpose of getting drunk. They would become wild and out of
control.
I will also tell my children …

That this word has a very negative connotation because of what it represents. It
is a very strong and ugly word. And like some other words we have heard, it is
not an appropriate word for us to use when talking to others. Therefore, we do
not need to repeat or use this word around anyone.
I anticipate this question: “If it’s such a bad word, why does Peter use it?”
My answer will be …

He is using a specific term to describe a specific sin that was prevalent in their
culture. When Peter used the term “orgies” the readers knew exactly what event
& sin he was addressing. If Peter was talking about sins you used to struggle
with, he might say: “You used to lie, you used to disobey your parents…”
(whatever issues you’ve had to deal with your children about, you can insert
here. Maybe examples of things they did when they were little that they don’t do
now, especially if they seem a bit ridiculous to them now). Peter is basically
having a similar conversation with them: “You used to participate in these sinful
drunken feasts (orgies), but you don’t anymore now. Instead, you live for the one
true God.”
Since the main thrust of the Bible Bee is family discipleship, we hope this information will be
beneficial for you toward that end. As you begin the study this upcoming week, we will be
praying that this summer is extremely fruitful for you and your family.
Regards,
Jennie Weed
Calvary Community Church Bible Bee