Topical Encyclopedia
Renown in the biblical context refers to the state of being widely known and esteemed, often associated with individuals who have achieved great deeds or possess significant influence. The concept of renown is frequently linked to God's glory, the fame of His people, and the legacy of His chosen leaders.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, renown is often associated with God's mighty acts and the reputation of His people. In
Genesis 6:4, the "Nephilim" are described as "the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." This passage highlights the idea of individuals who were famous for their strength and deeds, though not necessarily in a positive light.
The Israelites were called to be a people of renown, set apart by God. In
Deuteronomy 26:19, God promises to make Israel "high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor." This promise underscores the idea that renown is a divine blessing, contingent upon obedience to God's commandments.
King David is another figure associated with renown. His military victories and leadership established his fame throughout the region. In
1 Chronicles 14:17, it is noted, "And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations." David's renown was not only due to his personal achievements but also attributed to God's favor upon him.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, renown is less about personal fame and more about the spread of the Gospel and the reputation of the early Church. The apostles, through their missionary work, became renowned for their dedication to spreading the message of Christ.
Acts 2:47 describes the early believers as "having favor with all the people," indicating a positive reputation that contributed to the growth of the Church.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the renown of the churches he established. In
Romans 1:8, he writes, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world." Here, renown is linked to the faithfulness and witness of the Christian community.
Theological ImplicationsRenown in the biblical sense is not merely about personal glory but is deeply connected to God's purposes and the advancement of His kingdom. It serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. The renown of biblical figures often points back to God's work in their lives, emphasizing that true renown is derived from aligning with His will.
Moreover, the Bible warns against seeking renown for selfish reasons. In
Genesis 11:4, the builders of the Tower of Babel sought to "make a name for ourselves," which led to their downfall. This narrative serves as a caution against pride and the pursuit of fame apart from God's guidance.
ConclusionRenown, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both divine blessing and human responsibility. It is a reflection of God's glory and a call for His people to live in a manner that honors Him. Through the lives of biblical figures and the early Church, renown is shown to be a powerful tool for witnessing God's greatness to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The state of being much known and talked of; exalted reputation derived from the extensive praise of great achievements or accomplishments; fame; celebrity; -- always in a good sense.
2. (v.) Report of nobleness or exploits; praise.
3. (v. t.) To make famous; to give renown to.
Greek
1391. doxa -- opinion (always good in NT), hence praise, honor...... hence praise, honor, glory. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: doxa
Phonetic Spelling: (dox'-ah) Short Definition: honor,
renown, glory splendor
...2811. kleos -- fame
... glory. From a shorter form of kaleo;renown (as if being called) -- glory. see GREEK
kaleo. (kleos) -- 1 Occurrence. 2810, 2811. kleos. 2812 . Strong's Numbers
Strong's Hebrew
8034. shem -- a name... 1), fame (8), famous (3), famous* (1), memorial (1), Name (3), name (654), name's
(11), name* (4), named (7), named* (66), names (80),
renown (6), renowned (1
...379. Ishhod -- "man of majesty," a man of Manasseh
... Ishod. From 'iysh and howd; man ofrenown; Ishod, an Israelite -- Ishod. see HEBREW
'iysh. see HEBREW howd. 378, 379. Ishhod. 380 . Strong's Numbers.
31. Abihud -- "my father is majesty," a Benjamite
... Abihud. From 'ab and howd; father (ie Possessor) ofrenown; Abihud, the name of
two Israelites -- Abihud. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREW howd. 30, 31. Abihud. 32...
7121. qara -- to call, proclaim, read
... 1), gives (1), grasps (1), guests (4), invite (6), invited (14), live (1), made
a proclamation (1), make a proclamation (1), men ofrenown (1), mentioned (3...
282. Achihud -- "brother of majesty," a leader of Asher
... Ahihud. From 'ach and howd; brother (ie Possessor) ofrenown; Achihud, an Israelite --
Ahihud. see HEBREW 'ach. see HEBREW howd. 281, 282. Achihud. 283 ....
2143. zeker -- remembrance, memorial
... from zakar Definition remembrance, memorial NASB Word Usage memorial-name (1), memory
(12), mention (1), name (4), remembered (2), remembrance (2),renown (1)....
Library
PopularRenown and Inquisitiveness are Condemned in the Sacred...
... Of the Morals of the Catholic Church. Chapter 21. "PopularRenown and
Inquisitiveness are Condemned in the Sacred Scriptures. 38....
Rogation Days 181. Jesus, Crowned with allRenown
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Rogation Days 181. Jesus, crowned with allrenown. CMD... Alt.
Jesus, crowned with allrenown,. Since thou the earth hast trod,....
How the Preacher, when He Has Accomplished all Aright, Should...
... wert perfect in my comeliness which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord, and having
confidence in thy beauty thou hast committed fornication in thyrenown (Ibid...
On the Return of Flavian the Bishop, and the Reconciliation of the...
... 2. The city hath wonrenown, because when such a danger had overtaken her, passing
by at once all those who were in power, those who were surrounded with much...
The Scriptures
... And the language of Ps.45:4, Gird Thee with Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Thou most
Mighty, according to Thy worship andrenown,' is closely paraphrased in...
The Mother of Xerxes.
... Xerxes, and, in relating his history, they magnify the wealth, the power, and the
resources of his empire, by way of exalting the greatness andrenown of their...
Three Celebrated Mysteries.
... the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her
offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries ofrenown, [613] which...
Christ the Great Teacher.
... That Jesus was a man of unequaled wisdom, surpassing infinitely all the great
philosophers ofrenown, is freely admitted by the best informed of modern skeptics...
Letter xxxiv (Circa AD 1130) Hildebert, Archbishop of Tours, to...
... to it. This it wins unaided, and keeps unaided. Itsrenown is not diminished
by envy, nor increased by the favour of men. As the...
Debate on the Proposed Invasion of Greece.
... Counselors of Xerxes."Age and character of Mardonius."The avenues torenown."Blood
inherited and blood shed."Character of Artabanus."His advice to...
Thesaurus
Renown (24 Occurrences)... 2. (v.) Report of nobleness or exploits; praise. 3. (vt) To make famous; to give
renown to. Multi-Version Concordance
Renown (24 Occurrences).
...Renowned (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 34:29 And I have raised for them a plant forrenown, And they are no more
consumed by hunger in the land, And they bear no more the shame of the nations...
Fame (38 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Report or opinion generally diffused;renown; public estimation; celebrity,
either favorable or unfavorable; as, the fame of Washington....
Glory (590 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Praise, honor, admiration, or distinction, accorded by common consent
to a person or thing; high reputation; honorable fame;renown....
Korah (51 Occurrences)
... Abiram. Two hundred and fifty princes, "men ofrenown" ie, well-known men
from among the other tribes, joined this conspiracy. The...
Endures (75 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV NIV). Psalms 102:12 But you, Yahweh, will abide forever; yourrenown endures
to all generations. (WEB RSV NIV). Psalms 106:1 Praise Yahweh!...
Shinar (8 Occurrences)
... (15) Upe or Upia (Opis): Upe or Upia, the Greek Opis, apparently obtainedrenown
at a very early date, its kings being given in the great chronological list...
Endure (90 Occurrences)
... (YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 102:12 But you, Yahweh, will abide forever; yourrenown
endures to all generations. (Root in WEB KJV WBS RSV NIV)....
250 (5 Occurrences)
... rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty
princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men ofrenown; (See NIV)....
Victims (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 34:29 I will raise up to them a plantation forrenown, and they shall be
no more consumed with famine in the land, neither bear the shame of the...
Resources
Who / what were the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgAre there descendants of the Nephilim in the world today? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God send the flood when He knew sin would continue after the flood? | GotQuestions.orgRenown: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
