Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of being "dishonoured" is often associated with shame, disgrace, and a loss of respect or dignity. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, where individuals, nations, and even God Himself can be subject to dishonour due to sin, disobedience, or the actions of others.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, dishonour is frequently linked to the violation of God's commandments and the resulting consequences. For instance, in the book of Genesis, Ham dishonours his father Noah by exposing his nakedness, leading to a curse upon Ham's descendants (
Genesis 9:22-25). This narrative underscores the importance of honouring one's parents, a principle later codified in the Ten Commandments: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you" (
Exodus 20:12).
The prophets often speak of Israel's dishonour due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. In
Jeremiah 2:26-27, the prophet describes Israel's shame as akin to a thief caught in the act: "As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is ashamed—they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets. They say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces." Here, dishonour is a direct result of turning away from God and worshipping idols.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, dishonour is often addressed in the context of the Christian community and personal conduct. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts believers to live honourably. In
Romans 1:24, Paul speaks of those who dishonour their bodies through sinful desires: "Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another." This passage highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of living contrary to God's design.
Paul also addresses the issue of dishonour within the church. In
1 Corinthians 11:4-5, he discusses the conduct of men and women in worship: "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved." Here, dishonour is linked to cultural norms and the importance of maintaining order and respect within the worship setting.
Dishonour and ChristThe ultimate example of dishonour in the New Testament is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Despite His sinlessness, Jesus was subjected to the utmost shame and disgrace, bearing the sins of humanity.
Isaiah 53:3 prophetically describes the Messiah as "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Yet, through His dishonour, Christ brought redemption and honour to those who believe in Him.
Practical ImplicationsFor believers, the concept of dishonour serves as a reminder to live in a manner that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God. Christians are called to honour God in their bodies, relationships, and communities, avoiding actions that would bring shame or disgrace. As Paul writes in
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5, "Each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."
Dishonour, therefore, is not merely a social or cultural issue but a spiritual one, reflecting one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.
Greek
820. atimos -- without honor, dishonored... From a (as a negative particle) and time; (negatively) unhonoured or (positively)
dishonoured -- despised, without honour, less honourable (comparative degree
...Library
Prophets in their Country.
... We must inquire whether the expression has the same force when applied universally
to every prophet (as if each one of the prophets wasdishonoured in his own...
Thanks and Salutation.
... even as the Lord you. But may those thatdishonoured them be forgiven through
the grace of Jesus Christ! The love of the brethren...
On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from...
... For it is grievous to a king that merely his soldier should bedishonoured; and
when one of his nobler officers or friends isdishonoured, then his anger is...
His Humiliation Predicted.
... But that, having become man for our sakes, He endured to suffer and to bedishonoured,
and that He shall come again with glory, hear the prophecies which...
The Coming of the Son of Man in Glory.
... 5737] Now, indeed, the Son of man has not come in His glory; "for we saw Him, and
He had no form nor beauty; but His form wasdishonoured and defective...
What Say You, O Fathers of New Religions, and Powers? do You Cry...
... Do you cry out? What say you, O fathers of new religions, and powers? [4132] Do
you cry out, and complain that these gods aredishonoured by us, and...
Prophecies of his Passion and Death in all Its Circumstances.
... Him at their hands.2. They say then: "A man [287] in stripes, and knowing how to
bear weakness, for his face is turned away: he wasdishonoured and held in no...
For the Sake of a Nation.
... The waters came! Just like God! They were cared for, though He had been disobeyed
anddishonoured.... Moses disobeyed God. Hedishonoured God....
God's Love for a Sinning World
... The law of God must not bedishonoured by anything He shall do.... Suppose the righteous
and necessary laws which it imposes are disowned anddishonoured....
On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings...
... I am filled with indignation and grief for my Christ (and would that you might
sympathize with me) when I see my Christdishonoured on this account on which He...
Thesaurus
Dishonoured (8 Occurrences)...Dishonoured (8 Occurrences).
... Luke 20:11 And he added to send another servant, and
they that one also having beaten and
dishonoured, did send away empty; (YLT).
...Disrepute (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and wedishonoured; (See RSV)....
Dishonored (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and wedishonoured; (See NIV)....
Dishonour (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:41 They therefore went their way from the presence of the council, rejoicing
that they were counted worthy to bedishonoured for the name....
Distinguished (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and wedishonoured; (See NAS)....
Dishonourest (1 Occurrence)
Dishonourable (1 Occurrence)
Ailing (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and wedishonoured; (YLT)....
Added (97 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Luke 20:11 And he added to send another servant, and they
that one also having beaten anddishonoured, did send away empty; (YLT)....
Honored (51 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and wedishonoured; (See NIV)....
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