Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia A "byword" in biblical terms refers to a person, place, or thing that becomes a subject of scorn, ridicule, or a cautionary example. The term is often used in the context of divine judgment or as a consequence of disobedience to God's commandments. In the Bible, a byword is typically associated with shame and reproach, serving as a warning to others.Old Testament Usage The concept of a byword is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of Israel's covenant relationship with God. When the Israelites failed to uphold their covenant obligations, they risked becoming a byword among the nations. This is evident in several passages: 1. Deuteronomy 28:37 : "You will become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the nations to which the LORD will drive you." This verse is part of the curses pronounced upon Israel for disobedience, indicating that they would become a byword among the nations if they turned away from God. 2. 1 Kings 9:7 : "Then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them, and I will reject this temple I have consecrated for My Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples." Here, God warns Solomon that if Israel forsakes Him, they will become a byword, highlighting the seriousness of covenant unfaithfulness. 3. Psalm 44:14 : "You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples." This lament reflects the psalmist's anguish over Israel's disgrace and the nation's status as a byword due to their suffering and defeat. New Testament Context While the specific term "byword" is not used in the New Testament, the concept is present in the warnings and teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The New Testament continues the theme of consequences for disobedience and the importance of living a life that honors God, thus avoiding becoming a negative example to others. Theological Implications The use of "byword" in the Bible underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where blessings follow obedience, and curses follow disobedience. The notion of becoming a byword is a powerful deterrent, emphasizing the communal and public nature of sin and its repercussions. Cultural and Historical Significance In ancient Near Eastern culture, reputation and honor were of utmost importance. Becoming a byword meant losing one's honor and standing among the nations, which was a fate to be avoided at all costs. This cultural context amplifies the severity of the warnings found in Scripture, as being a byword would bring shame not only to the individual or nation but also to the name of God whom they represented. Practical Application For believers today, the concept of a byword serves as a cautionary tale. It encourages individuals and communities to remain faithful to God's teachings and to live in a way that brings honor rather than reproach to His name. It also serves as a reminder of the impact that one's actions can have on their witness to the world, urging Christians to be mindful of their conduct and its reflection on their faith. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrew millah (Job 30:9), a word or speech, and hence object of talk; Hebrew mashal (Psalm 44:14), a proverb or parable. When it denotes a sharp word of derision, as in Deuteronomy 28:37, 1 Kings 9:7, 2 Chronicles 7:20, the Hebrew sheninah is used. In Jeremiah 24:9 it is rendered "taunt." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A common saying; a proverb; a saying that has a general currency.2. (n.) The object of a contemptuous saying. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BYWORDbi'-wurd: shammah = "consternation," "astonishment," "waste," "wonderful language," "object of remark" (Deuteronomy 28:37 1 Kings 9:7 2 Chronicles 7:20); mashal, or meshol = "a satire," "byword" (Job 17:6 Psalm 44:14); millah, or milleh = "a topic," "object of talk," "byword" (Job 30:9). Greek 3942. paroimia -- a byword, a parable, an allegory ... a byword, a parable, an allegory. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paroimia Phonetic Spelling: (par-oy-mee'-ah) Short Definition: an allegory ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3942.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4914. meshol -- a byword... a byword. Transliteration: meshol Phonetic Spelling: (mesh-ol') Short Definition: byword. Word Origin from mashal Definition a byword NASB Word Usage byword (1) ... /hebrew/4914.htm - 6k 8148. sheninah -- a sharp (cutting) word, taunt 4912. mashal -- a proverb, parable 4405. millah -- a word, speech, utterance 8034. shem -- a name Library Promises and Threatenings Preface The Eighth Book The Formula of Sanctification (And Last): Homeward Bound The Kingdom of Christ A New Venture Demas The Church of Christ The Eternal Name Thesaurus Byword (14 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) The object of a contemptuous saying. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BYWORD. ... Multi-Version Concordance Byword (14 Occurrences). ... /b/byword.htm - 12k Ridicule (14 Occurrences) Object (76 Occurrences) Simile (61 Occurrences) Taunt (38 Occurrences) Proverb (24 Occurrences) Reject (56 Occurrences) By-word (6 Occurrences) Consecrated (101 Occurrences) Laughingstock (10 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 7:14? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God sometimes judge the entire nation for the actions of its king? | GotQuestions.org Why did God use a locust swarm to punish Israel (Joel 1:4)? | GotQuestions.org Byword: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Byword (14 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 28:37 1 Kings 9:7 2 Chronicles 7:20 Job 17:6 Job 30:9 Psalms 44:14 Psalms 69:11 Jeremiah 24:9 Ezekiel 14:8 Ezekiel 16:56 Ezekiel 23:10 Daniel 9:16 Joel 2:17 Zechariah 8:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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