Bible Dictionaries
Dissipation

Holman Bible Dictionary

Deceptive desires leading to a life-style without discipline resulting in the dizzy hangovers of drunkenness. The Greek word apate means, “deception” caused by riches ( Matthew 13:22 ) and sin (Hebrews 3:13 ). This is founded in the deceptive lusts of the unredeemed human heart (Ephesians 4:22 ). People following such a way of life will suffer “the penalty for doing wrong” as they continue “reveling in their dissipation” (2 Peter 2:13 NRSV). Asotia means to be hopelessly sick and refers to a life-style by which one destroys oneself. It is the prodigal son's “wild living” ( Luke 15:13 NIV). It is the life of “dissipation” resulting from drinking wine ( Ephesians 5:18 NAS). Compare Titus 1:6; 1 Peter 4:3-4 . The Bible speaks against a disorderly life, whereas the Greeks used the term to mean a wasteful or luxurious life. The Bible teaches believers to avoid both life-styles.