Bible Dictionary: Honest

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (a.) Decent; honorable; suitable; becoming.

2. (a.) Characterized by integrity or fairness and straight/forwardness in conduct, thought, speech, etc.; upright; just; equitable; trustworthy; truthful; sincere; free from fraud, guile, or duplicity; not false; -- said of persons and acts, and of things to which a moral quality is imputed; as, an honest judge or merchant; an honest statement; an honest bargain; an honest business; an honest book; an honest confession.

3. (a.) Open; frank; as, an honest countenance.

4. (a.) Chaste; faithful; virtuous.

5. (v.) To adorn; to grace; to honor; to make becoming, appropriate, or honorable.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

HONEST; HONESTY

on'-est, on'-es-ti: The word "honest" in the New Testament in the King James Version generally represents the adjective kalos, "good," "excellent," "honorable," and, with the exception of Luke 8:15, "honest and good heart," is changed in the Revised Version (British and American) into the more correct "honorable" (Romans 12:17 2 Corinthians 8:21; 2 Corinthians 13:7 Philippians 4:8); in 1 Peter 2:12, into "seemly.' In the American Standard Revised Version "honestly" in Hebrews 13:18 is rendered "honorably," and in 1 Thessalonians 4:12 (here euschemonos) is rendered "becomingly." The noun "honesty" occurs but once in the King James Version as the translation of semnotes (1 Timothy 2:2), and in the Revised Version (British and American) is more appropriately rendered "gravity."

James Orr

Greek

2570. kalos -- beautiful, good
... NASB Word Usage beautiful (1), better (5), better* (2), commendable manner (1),
excellent (1), fair (1), fine (2), good (79), high (1), honest (1), honorable (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2570.htm - 7k

4586. semnos -- reverend, ie venerable, spec. serious
... serious NASB Word Usage dignified (2), honorable (1), men of dignity (1). grave,
honest. From sebomai; venerable, ie Honorable -- grave, honest. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4586.htm - 7k

3717. orthos -- straight, upright
... Probably from the base of oros; right (as rising), ie (perpendicularly) erect
(figuratively, honest), or (horizontally) level or direct -- straight, upright. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3717.htm - 7k

3140. martureo -- to bear witness, testify
... From martus; to be a witness, ie Testify (literally or figuratively) -- charge,
give (evidence), bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3140.htm - 10k

Topical Bible Verses

1 John 2:1
My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 4:25
Why putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Topicalbible.org

1 Timothy 1:10
For fornicators, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for enslavers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Topicalbible.org

Romans 1:26-2:1
For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Topicalbible.org

Strong's Hebrew

3653a. ken -- right, veritable, honest
... 3653, 3653a. ken. 3653b . right, veritable, honest. Transliteration:
ken Short Definition: right. Word Origin from kun Definition ...
/hebrew/3653a.htm - 5k

3653. ken -- right, veritable, honest
... ken. 3653a . right, veritable, honest. Transliteration: ken Phonetic Spelling:
(kane) Short Definition: base. base, estate, foot, office, place, well ...
/hebrew/3653.htm - 5k

833. ashar -- to go straight, go on, advance
... a primitive root; to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level,
right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, proper -- (call, be ...
/hebrew/833.htm - 6k

3476. yosher -- straightness, uprightness
... Word Origin from yashar Definition straightness, uprightness NASB Word Usage correctly
(1), honest (1), integrity (1), justly due (1), right (1), upright (1 ...
/hebrew/3476.htm - 6k

Library

Whether the Honest is the Same as the Beautiful?
... FOUR ARTICLES) [*Honesty must be taken here in its broad sense as synonymous with
moral goodness, from the point of view of decorum.] Whether the honest is the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the honest is the.htm

Whether the Honest Differs from the Useful and the Pleasant?
... Honesty must be taken here in its broad sense as synonymous with moral goodness,
from the point of view of decorum.] Whether the honest differs from the useful ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the honest differs from.htm

"Whatsoever Things are Honest. "
... Epistle of Peter to James. Chapter X.""Whatsoever Things are Honest.". "Let
the brethren who have causes to be settled not be judged ...
/.../unknown/epistle of peter to james/chapter x whatsoever things are honest.htm

Thus Ended Honest Old John the Shepherd. ...
... [Way-2-11] Thus ended honest old John the shepherd.� Thus ended honest old
John the shepherd. And now, Academicus, if your learned ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-11 thus ended honest old.htm

The one Tradition of the Faith, which is Substantially Alike in ...
... The One Tradition of the Faith, Which is Substantially Alike in the Churches Everywhere,
a Good Proof that the Transmission Has Been True and Honest in the Main ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter xxviii the one tradition of.htm

The Testing of Joseph's Brothers
... We are all sons of one man; we are honest men; your servants are not spies." But
he again said to them, "No, you have come to see how defenseless the land is ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the testing of josephs brothers.htm

The Poor Debtor.
... "THERE is one honest man in the world, I am happy to say," remarked a rich merchant,
named Petron, to a friend who happened to call in upon him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the poor debtor.htm

What is Your Word Worth?
... hindrances. We ought to be honest in making our promises. Many ... Be honest enough
to let the other know the state of your mind. Be honest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk fifteen what is your.htm

An unconscionable time a-dying
... In order that he may be kind and honest, it may be needful he should become a total
abstainer; let him become so then, and the next day let him forget the ...
/.../stevenson/a christmas sermon/an unconscionable time a-dying.htm

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... Note, too, that the apostle was a very honest pastor"when he marked anything amiss
in his people, he did not blush to tell them; he was not like your modern ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/false professors solemnly warned.htm

Thesaurus

Honest (34 Occurrences)
... free from fraud, guile, or duplicity; not false; -- said of persons and acts, and
of things to which a moral quality is imputed; as, an honest judge or merchant ...
/h/honest.htm - 18k

Honesty (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The quality or state of being honest; probity; fairness and straightforwardness
of conduct, speech, etc.; integrity; sincerity; truthfulness; freedom ...
/h/honesty.htm - 9k

Integrity (46 Occurrences)
... In the above sense of simplicity of intention it is equivalent to being honest,
sincere, genuine, and is fundamental to true character. WL Walker. ...
/i/integrity.htm - 22k

Spies (22 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:11 We are all one man's sons; we are honest men. ... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY
WBS YLT NAS RSV). Genesis 42:31 We said to him,'We are honest men. ...
/s/spies.htm - 15k

Matter (263 Occurrences)
... Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying,
"Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no ...
/m/matter.htm - 39k

Honestly (8 Occurrences)
... 1. (adv.) Honorably; becomingly; decently. 2. (adv.) In an honest manner; as,
a contract honestly made; to live honestly; to speak honestly. ...
/h/honestly.htm - 8k

Defer (7 Occurrences)
... Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying,
"Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no ...
/d/defer.htm - 9k

Millennium
... Many honest and faithful men hold that it will be introduced by the agencies now
at work, mainly by the preaching of the gospel of Christ and the extension of ...
/m/millennium.htm - 24k

Premillennial
... Many honest and faithful men hold that it will be introduced by the agencies now
at work, mainly by the preaching of the gospel of Christ and the extension of ...
/p/premillennial.htm - 23k

Providing (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Providing (9 Occurrences). Romans 12:17 recompensing to
no one evil for evil: providing things honest before all men: (DBY YLT). ...
/p/providing.htm - 9k

Bible Concordance

Honest (34 Occurrences)

Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren't partial to anyone.
(WEB)

Matthew 23:28 The same is true of you: outwardly you seem to the human eye to be good and honest men, but, within, you are full of insincerity and disregard of God's Law.
(WEY)

Mark 12:14 When they had come, they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don't defer to anyone; for you aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
(WEB)

Luke 8:15 That in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and bring forth fruit with patience.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
(Root in WEB WEY RSV NIV)

Luke 20:20 So, after impatiently watching their opportunity, they sent spies who were to act the part of good and honest men, that they might fasten on some expression of His, so as to hand Him over to the ruling power and the Governor's authority.
(WEY NIV)

John 3:21 But he who does what is honest and right comes to the light, in order that his actions may be plainly shown to have been done in God.
(WEY)

Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
(KJV WBS)

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
(KJV DBY WBS)

2 Corinthians 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
(KJV DBY WBS)

2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
(KJV WBS)

Ephesians 4:28 He who has been a thief must steal no more, but, instead of that, should work with his own hands in honest industry, so that he may have something of which he can give the needy a share.
(WEY DBY RSV)

Philippians 1:18 What does it matter, however? In any case Christ is preached--either perversely or in honest truth; and in that I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
(WEY)

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(KJV WBS)

Titus 3:1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
(See RSV)

Titus 3:14 And let our people too learn to set a good example in following honest occupations for the supply of their necessities, so that they may not live useless lives.
(WEY)

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
(KJV DBY WBS)

2 Peter 3:1 This letter which I am now writing to you, dear friends, is my second letter. In both my letters I seek to revive in your honest minds the memory of certain things,
(WEY)

Genesis 42:11 We are all one man's sons; we are honest men. Your servants are not spies."
(WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 42:19 If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses.
(WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 42:31 We said to him,'We are honest men. We are no spies.
(WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 42:33 The man, the lord of the land, said to us,'By this I will know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your houses, and go your way.
(WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 42:34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. So I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.'"
(WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 23:7 "Keep far from a false charge, and don't kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.
(See NIV)

Leviticus 19:36 You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 25:15 You shall have a perfect and just weight. You shall have a perfect and just measure, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 29:6 Then Achish called David, and said to him, "As Yahweh lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords don't favor you.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that you try the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, that are present here, offer willingly to you.
(See NIV)

Job 6:25 How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Job 31:6 (let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know my integrity);
(See NIV)

Proverbs 12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
(Root in WEB RSV NIV)

Proverbs 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
(WEB NIV)

Proverbs 16:13 Lips of righteousness are the delight of kings; and he who says what is upright is dear to him.
(See NIV)

Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
(WEB NIV)

Subtopics

Honest

Related Terms

Honesty (4 Occurrences)

Integrity (46 Occurrences)

Spies (22 Occurrences)