Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceHonoring, in the biblical context, refers to showing respect, reverence, and esteem towards God, parents, authorities, and others as prescribed by Scripture. It is a fundamental principle that underscores many of the teachings found in the Bible, reflecting the character and commandments of God.
Honoring GodThe Bible emphasizes the importance of honoring God above all. This is demonstrated through worship, obedience, and living a life that reflects His holiness. In
1 Samuel 2:30, the Lord declares, "Those who honor Me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained." Honoring God involves acknowledging His sovereignty and giving Him the glory due to His name (
Psalm 29:2).
Honoring ParentsOne of the Ten Commandments explicitly instructs believers to honor their parents: "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). This commandment is reiterated in the New Testament, where Paul writes, "Honor your father and mother" (which is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth" (
Ephesians 6:2-3). Honoring parents is seen as foundational to a well-ordered society and family life.
Honoring AuthoritiesScripture also instructs believers to honor governing authorities.
Romans 13:1-7 outlines the Christian's responsibility to submit to authorities, as they are instituted by God. Verse 7 specifically states, "Render to all what you owe them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due" . This teaching underscores the importance of respecting and honoring those in positions of leadership and governance.
Honoring OthersBeyond parents and authorities, the Bible calls for honoring all people. In
1 Peter 2:17, believers are instructed to "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" . This broad command encompasses showing respect and dignity to all individuals, recognizing their inherent worth as created in the image of God.
Honoring in the ChurchWithin the church, honoring one another is a key aspect of Christian fellowship.
Romans 12:10 encourages believers to "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another" . This mutual respect and honor foster unity and love within the body of Christ.
Consequences of DishonorThe Bible also warns of the consequences of dishonor.
Proverbs 30:17 states, "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and the young vultures eat it" . Such vivid imagery underscores the seriousness with which God views dishonor, particularly towards parents.
ConclusionWhile the Bible provides clear instructions on whom and how to honor, it is ultimately a reflection of one's relationship with God. By honoring others, believers demonstrate their reverence for God and His commandments, living out their faith in tangible ways.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Honor.
Strong's Hebrew
3513. kabad -- to be heavy, weighty, or burdensome... 1), harden (1), hardened (6), heavier (2), heavy (6), held in honor (1), honor
(17), honor you greatly (1), honorable (4), honored (19),
honoring (2), honors (
...Library
Whether the Fourth Precept, AboutHonoring One's Parents, is...
... OF THE PRECEPTS OF JUSTICE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the fourth precept, about
honoring one's parents, is fittingly expressed? Objection...
The ChristianHonoring God by his Dying Behavior.
... CHAPTER XXX. THE CHRISTIANHONORING GOD BY HIS DYING BEHAVIOR.... Help me to turn it
into the happy occasion ofhonoring thee, and adorning my profession!...
The Emperor Prepared a Public Table for the Synod, after Inviting...
... Book I. Chapter XXV."The Emperor prepared a Public Table for the Synod, after inviting
its Members to Constantinople, andhonoring them with Gifts, he...
The First Commandment --On the Honor and Invocation of Saints
... Lesson 31 THE FIRST COMMANDMENT"ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS. 331 Q.
Does the First Commandment forbid thehonoring of the saints?...
Whether one Ought to be Withdrawn from Entering Religion through...
... Now deference to one's parents comes under an obligation of the precept concerning
thehonoring of our parents (Ex.20:12); wherefore the Apostle says (1:Tim.5:4...
Whether the Second Precept of the Decalogue is Fittingly Expressed...
... fall out from man's heart, "and a short covering cannot cover both." On the other
hand, irreligion hinders religion by preventing man fromhonoring God after...
Whether Christ's Humanity and Godhead are to be Adored with the...
... Now properly speaking honor is given to a subsistent thing in its entirety: for
we do not speak ofhonoring a man's hand, but the man himself....
Whether Almsgiving is a Matter of Precept?
... Reply to Objection 4: All succor given to our neighbor is reduced to the precept
abouthonoring our parents. For thus does the Apostle...
Philippians ii. 11-May
... to His Father; He fell not thus into a servile state, but by this very act above
all others guarded his wondrous Sonship, by thus greatlyhonoring the Father....
Jesus and his Secret Friends.
... Two of his secret friends performed such an important part at the close of his life,
boldlyhonoring him, that the story of their discipleship is worthy of our...
Thesaurus
Honoring (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Honor. Multi-Version Concordance
Honoring (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 10:3 But the princes
...Honors (11 Occurrences)
Judicial (2 Occurrences)
... But it should be pointed out that Leviticus 19:15 legislates in view of both
tendencies-"respecting the person of the poor:" and "honoring the person of the...
Tomb (70 Occurrences)
... Though the pillar, ie sepulchral monument, has long disappeared, the spot is marked
until this day, and Christians, Jews and Mohammedans unite inhonoring it....
Rachel's (5 Occurrences)
... Though the pillar, ie sepulchral monument, has long disappeared, the spot is marked
until this day, and Christians, Jews and Mohammedans unite inhonoring it....
Raddai (1 Occurrence)
... Rhedai"; others, "Zaddai".epulchral monument, has long disappeared, the spot is
marked until this day, and Christians, Jews and Mohammedans unite inhonoring it...
Decoration (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of adorning, embellishing, orhonoring;
ornamentation. 2. (n.) That which adorns, enriches...
Mother (2641 Occurrences)
... his chief counselor. The Law places the child under obligation ofhonoring
father and mother alike (Exodus 20:12). The child that...
Honoreth (7 Occurrences)
Blindness (7 Occurrences)
... But it should be pointed out that Leviticus 19:15 legislates in view of both
tendencies-"respecting the person of the poor:" and "honoring the person of the...
Resources
Is it possible to live your life only doing things that are honoring to God? | GotQuestions.orgContemporary Christian music - is it honoring to God? Should it be used in church services? | GotQuestions.orgHow do you balance leave and cleave with honoring your parents? | GotQuestions.orgHonoring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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