Topical Encyclopedia
Infamy, in a biblical context, refers to a state of being well known for some bad quality or deed. It is often associated with actions that are contrary to the teachings and commandments of God, leading to a reputation of dishonor and disgrace. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the consequences of infamous behavior and the importance of maintaining a good name.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, infamy is often linked with actions that defy God's laws and result in a tarnished reputation.
Proverbs 22:1 states, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold." This verse underscores the value of a good reputation over material wealth, implying that infamy, or a bad name, is to be avoided at all costs.
The account of Achan in the Book of Joshua serves as a poignant example of infamy. Achan's disobedience in taking forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho brought disgrace upon himself and Israel.
Joshua 7:25 recounts, "Joshua said, 'Why have you brought this trouble upon us? The LORD will bring trouble upon you this day.' Then all Israel stoned him to death." Achan's infamous act led to severe consequences, illustrating the destructive nature of infamy.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, infamy is addressed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who emphasize the importance of living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. In
Matthew 5:16 , Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This teaching encourages believers to live in a way that brings honor to God, contrasting with the shame associated with infamy.
The apostle Paul also warns against behaviors that lead to infamy. In
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , he writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." This passage lists behaviors that result in a reputation of infamy and exclusion from God's kingdom.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, infamy is seen as a manifestation of sin and rebellion against God. It is the antithesis of the Christian call to holiness and righteousness. The infamous actions of individuals not only affect their personal relationship with God but also have broader implications for the community of believers. The Bible consistently calls for repentance and transformation, urging those who have fallen into infamy to seek forgiveness and restoration.
Practical ApplicationsBelievers are encouraged to guard their reputations by living according to biblical principles. This involves practicing integrity, honesty, and love in all interactions. The pursuit of a good name is not merely for personal benefit but serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. Christians are called to be ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His character in a world that often celebrates infamy.
In summary, infamy in the Bible is a state of dishonor resulting from actions that violate God's commandments. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on avoiding such a reputation and emphasize the importance of living a life that honors God and upholds a good name.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Total loss of reputation; public disgrace; dishonor; as, a day that will live in infamy.
2. (n.) A quality which exposes to disgrace; extreme baseness or vileness; as, the infamy of an action.
3. (n.) That loss of character, or public disgrace, which a convict incurs, and by which he is at common law rendered incompetent as a witness.
Greek
3856. paradeigmatizo -- to set forth as an example... expose, make a public example. From para and deigmatizo; to show alongside (the
public), ie Expose to
infamy -- make a public example, put to an open shame.
...819. atimia -- dishonor
... dishonor, reproach, shame, vile. From atimos;infamy, ie (subjectively) comparative
indignity, (objectively) disgrace -- dishonour, reproach, shame, vile....
Strong's Hebrew
1681. dibbah -- whispering, defamation, evil report... defaming, evil report,
infamy, slander. From dabab (in the sense of furtive motion);
slander -- defaming, evil report,
infamy, slander. see HEBREW dabab.
...Library
The Inferior Gods, Whose Names are not Associated withInfamy...
... Chapter 4."The Inferior Gods, Whose Names are Not Associated withInfamy, Have Been
Better Dealt with Than the Select Gods, Whose Infamies are Celebrated....
Whether the Priest Ought to Deny the Body of Christ to the Sinner...
... seeking it. For Christ's precept is not to be set aside for the sake of
avoiding scandal or on account ofinfamy to anyone. But...
Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... Despite the greatinfamy of their defiled celibacy, the adversaries have the
presumption not only to defend the pontifical law by the wicked and false pretext...
Whether all Perjury is a Mortal Sin?
... Objection 3: Further, according to the Law a man incursinfamy through
committing perjury (VI, qu. i, cap. Infames). Now it would...
Jesus' Unrequited Friendships.
... one has eaten day after day, in the blessing of whose friendship one has rested
for months and years"are there words black enough to paint theinfamy of such...
Now in Vergilius and in Many of that Time the Human Heart had...
... make out the name, but I was able to recall how the great father had said to me,
once, that when a man secretly puts blame upon another, theinfamy he charges...
(Of Marriages among Blood-Relations, and of those who are Born of...
... And we too, following our fathers, and keeping close by their footsteps, brand such
withinfamy, and hold them to be infamous, because they are sprinkled with...
(Of those who Ought not to be Admitted to Prefer an Accusation, or...
... The laws of the world, indeed, put such persons to death; but we, with whom mercy
has the first place, receive them under the mark ofinfamy to repentance....
Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction.
... In like manner is it decided to be with those whose faith and life and liberty are
unknown, or who are marked with the stains ofinfamy, or entangled in the...
That the Judgment of God and Men as to Human Acts of violence, is...
... But amidst these offences ofinfamy and violence, and so many iniquities, are the
sins of men who are, on the whole, making progress; which, by those who judge...
Thesaurus
Infamy (8 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Total loss of reputation; public disgrace; dishonor;
as, a day that will live in
infamy.
...Infamy (8 Occurrences).
...Infamous (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Of very bad report; having a public reputation Of the worst kind; held in
abhorrence; guilty Of something that exposes toinfamy; base; notoriously vile...
Brand (4 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A mark put upon criminals with a hot iron. Hence: Any mark ofinfamy or
vice; a stigma.... 9. (vt) Fig.: To fix a mark ofinfamy, or a stigma, upon. 10....
Object (76 Occurrences)
... to throw against." So with the meaning "to charge with" in The Wisdom of Solomon
2:12, the King James Version "He objecteth to ourinfamy the transgressing of...
Levi (79 Occurrences)
... worship! Levi shared with Simeon theinfamy incurred at Shechem by the
treacherous slaughter of the Shechemites (Genesis 34). Jacob's...
Infancy (2 Occurrences)
Ignominy (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Public disgrace or dishonor; reproach;infamy.
2. (n.) An act deserving disgrace; an infamous act. Multi-Version Concordance...
Reuben (73 Occurrences)
... His birthright was forfeited by a deed of peculiarinfamy (Genesis 35:22), and
as far as we know his tribe never took the lead in Israel....
Maachah (19 Occurrences)
... Possibly she acted as regent during his minority. Ultimately, she was degraded by
him for an act of peculiarinfamy (1 Kings 15:13 2 Chronicles 15:16)....
Maacah (30 Occurrences)
... Possibly she acted as regent during his minority. Ultimately, she was degraded by
him for an act of peculiarinfamy (1 Kings 15:13 2 Chronicles 15:16)....
Resources
Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgInfamy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
