Definition and Usage:
The term "enormity" is often misunderstood in contemporary language, where it is sometimes used to describe something of great size. However, in its traditional sense, "enormity" refers to the extreme wickedness or evil of an act. In a biblical context, enormity is associated with actions or behaviors that are profoundly immoral or sinful, going against the divine laws and principles set forth by God.

Biblical Context:
The Bible, while not using the term "enormity" directly, addresses the concept through various narratives and teachings that highlight the gravity of sin and the consequences of actions that are considered abominable in the sight of God. The enormity of sin is a recurring theme, emphasizing the separation it causes between humanity and God.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, the enormity of sin is often illustrated through the actions of individuals and nations that defy God's commandments. For example, the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah is depicted as exceedingly grave, leading to divine judgment (Genesis 18:20-21: "Then the LORD said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is so grievous'"). The enormity of their sin warranted a response from God, demonstrating His intolerance for such profound immorality.

The account of the golden calf in Exodus 32 also exemplifies the enormity of idolatry, as the Israelites turned away from God to worship a man-made image. This act of rebellion was met with severe consequences, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, the enormity of sin is further expounded upon through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus often spoke about the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. In Matthew 18:6 , Jesus warns about the gravity of leading others into sin: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

The apostle Paul also addresses the enormity of sin in his epistles, urging believers to live righteously and avoid behaviors that are contrary to God's will. In Romans 1:29-32 , Paul lists various sins that are considered egregious in the eyes of God, emphasizing the severity of such actions and the need for divine judgment.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the enormity of sin underscores the need for redemption and the transformative power of God's grace. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but through faith in Jesus Christ, believers can receive forgiveness and be reconciled to God. The enormity of sin is met with the enormity of God's love and mercy, offering hope and salvation to those who repent and turn to Him.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The concept of enormity in the Bible serves as a moral and ethical guide for believers, urging them to recognize the seriousness of sin and strive for holiness. It calls for a deep awareness of one's actions and their alignment with God's standards, encouraging a life of integrity and obedience to His word.1. (n.) Immensity, magnitude; atrociousness; as, the enormity of a disaster; the state or quality of exceeding a measure or rule, or of being immoderate, monstrous, or outrageous.

2. (n.) That which is enormous; especially, an exceeding offense against order, right, or decency; an atrocious crime; flagitious villainy; an atrocity.

ENORMITY

e-nor'-mi-ti:

The marginal rendering in the King James Version of Hosea 6:9 for "lewdness," and in the Revised Version (British and American) of Leviticus 18:17; Leviticus 19:29; Leviticus 20:14 for "wickedness." In each case it is the translation of zimmah, meaning originally, "thought" or "plot," mostly in a bad sense, lewdness, wickedness; in Leviticus it is unnatural wickedness-incest.

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... world.". The teachings of the Bible about sin is unique. Man regards sin
as a misfortune and ever seeks to minimize its enormity. In ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

Peter's Denial and Repentance.
... There was that in Christ's look that made him feel the enormity of his guilt; there
was that also that softened him and saved him from sullen despair. ...
/.../xviii peters denial and repentance.htm

(On the Passion, xvi. : Delivered on the Sunday. )
... have no pretext for his crime at all. IV. The enormity of Judas' crime is
set forth. But O ungodliest of men, "thou seed of Chanaan ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxvii on the passion.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... of the Lord," and Moses, whose general character was that of "a servant, faithful
in all God's house," were both seduced into sins of such enormity that they ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

Repentance
... inspired his prayer. David saw the enormity of his transgression; he saw
the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm

Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2
... Already has it been brought into the Church itself. Already has it laid hold of
the very Scriptures. Need I say anything to prove the enormity of the evil? ...
/.../homily xvii ephesians iv 32.htm

Argument. --He First of all Asserts that the Law is Spiritual; and ...
... And of this the enormity and contradiction will remain for ever if that Jewish doctrine
is persisted in, which must be got rid of with all our ability; so that ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter ii argument he first of.htm

Ezra, the Praying Reformer
... Nor did he minimize the condition of things or seek to palliate the sins
of the people or to minimize the enormity of their crimes. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/vii ezra the praying reformer.htm

The Physical Tendencies of Fasting and Feeding Considered the ...
... thy) silver and gold, thy heart be elated, and thou be forgetful of the Lord thy
God." [1034] To the corrupting power of riches He made the enormity of edacity ...
/.../chapter vi the physical tendencies of.htm

He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10.
... Or that if he would enslave a fellow man, and deprive him of instruction and of
all the rights of man, he will certainly commit other crimes of equal enormity. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that is unjust in.htm

Enormity (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Immensity, magnitude; atrociousness; as, the enormity of a disaster; the
state or quality of exceeding a measure or rule, or of being immoderate ...
/e/enormity.htm - 8k

Gravity (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Sobriety of character or demeanor. 3. (a.) Importance, significance, dignity,
etc; hence, seriousness; enormity; as, the gravity of an offense. ...
/g/gravity.htm - 9k

Idolatry (14 Occurrences)
... on the evidence of two witnesses at least, he was stoned (Deuteronomy 17:2-7). To
attempt to seduce others to false worship was a crime of equal enormity (13:6 ...
/i/idolatry.htm - 21k

Enon (2 Occurrences)

/e/enon.htm - 6k

Enormous (5 Occurrences)

/e/enormous.htm - 8k

Monster (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Something of unnatural size, shape, or quality;
a prodigy; an enormity; a marvel. 2. (n.) Specifically ...
/m/monster.htm - 10k

Menahem (8 Occurrences)
... is obvious that some 60,000 persons, "mighty men of wealth," must have been laid
under contribution in this levy-an indication at once of the enormity of the ...
/m/menahem.htm - 13k

Blackness (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being black; black color;
atrociousness or enormity in wickedness. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/b/blackness.htm - 12k

Jehoiakim (37 Occurrences)
... a people more righteous than they, with a sense of the value of steadfast faith
and of Yahweh's world-movement and purpose which explains the seeming enormity. ...
/j/jehoiakim.htm - 33k

Ebionites
... young men. Epiphanius adds as an especial enormity that the Ebionites
permit second, third and even seventh marriages. Although ...
/e/ebionites.htm - 34k

Did God divorce Israel? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Bernard of Clairvaux? | GotQuestions.org

The needs of the world overwhelm me. Am I too sensitive? | GotQuestions.org

Enormity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus