Contumely refers to insolent or insulting language or treatment, often manifesting as contemptuous or scornful behavior. In biblical contexts, contumely is associated with actions and attitudes that are contrary to the virtues of humility, respect, and love that are central to Christian teachings.

Biblical References and Context

While the specific term "contumely" is not directly used in most English translations of the Bible, the concept is addressed through various scriptures that speak against pride, arrogance, and disrespect. The Bible consistently warns against behaviors that demean or belittle others, emphasizing the importance of treating others with dignity and respect.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, the wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently addresses the themes of pride and scorn. Proverbs 21:24 states, "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." This verse highlights the destructive nature of pride and mockery, which are closely related to contumely.

The prophets also spoke against the arrogance and contempt shown by the people of Israel and their leaders. For example, Isaiah 3:5 describes a time of social upheaval where "The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, the base against the honorable." Such behavior reflects a breakdown of respect and the rise of contumely within society.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies humility and teaches against the spirit of contumely. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This teaching directly counters the natural human inclination towards contempt and insult.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:31-32 , Paul writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Here, Paul encourages believers to reject behaviors associated with contumely and instead embrace kindness and forgiveness.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, contumely is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that opposes the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Contumely stands in stark contrast to these virtues, representing a heart that is not aligned with God's will.

The call to avoid contumely is rooted in the understanding that all humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and deserve to be treated with respect and honor. Contumely not only harms relationships between individuals but also disrupts the unity and harmony within the body of Christ.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and actions, seeking to eliminate any form of contumely from their lives. This involves cultivating a spirit of humility, practicing active listening, and showing empathy towards others. By doing so, Christians can reflect the character of Christ and foster a community marked by love and mutual respect.(n.) Rudeness compounded of haughtiness and contempt; scornful insolence; despiteful treatment; disdain; contemptuousness in act or speech; disgrace.3680. oneidismos -- a reproach
... reproach. From oneidizo; contumely -- reproach. see GREEK oneidizo. (oneidismoi) --
1 Occurrence. (oneidismois) -- 1 Occurrence. (oneidismon) -- 3 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3680.htm - 7k2781. cherpah -- a reproach
... rebuke, reproachfully, shame. From charaph.; contumely, disgrace, the pudenda --
rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. see HEBREW charaph. 2780, 2781. ...
/hebrew/2781.htm - 6k

That they who Cast Contumely Upon Clerics Because they have Been ...
... Canon V. That they who cast contumely upon clerics because they have been ordained
in the church without bringing a gift with them, are to be published with a ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon v that they who.htm

If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ...
... Listen, then, to that which Solomon the wise says about you and all who are addicted
to evil speaking and contumely. 43. ... The impious exalt contumely. ...
/.../43 if you wish me.htm

Of Scoffing and Derision.
... A dull contumely quickly vanishes, nobody thinking it worth remembering; but when
tis steeled with Wit, it pierces deep, leaves such impressions in the fancy ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vii of scoffing and.htm

Christ's Flesh Perfectly Natural, Like Our Own None of the ...
... [7075] Had the prophets given us no information whatever concerning His ignoble
appearance, His very sufferings and the very contumely He endured bespeak it all ...
/.../ on the flesh of christ/chapter ix christs flesh perfectly natural.htm

The Opposite Opinion is Injurious to Grace and Hurtful to Good ...
... (1.) The contest which is described in that chapter, cannot be attributed to the
Holy Spirit dwelling in a man, without manifest contumely to the Holy Ghost. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/i the opposite opinion is.htm

Whether Six Daughters are Fittingly Assigned to Anger?
... Objection 1: It would seem that six daughters are unfittingly assigned to anger,
namely "quarreling, swelling of the mind, contumely, clamor, indignation and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether six daughters are fittingly 2.htm

Whether the Reason for Taking Pity is a Defect in the Person who ...
... ii, 8) that "those who are disposed to contumely are pitiless." Therefore the reason
for taking pity, is not a defect in the person who pities. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the reason for taking.htm

On the Second Command in the Decalogue
... the honour exhibited to such images, or to the deity through such images, be
reproachful to the true God himself; yet he, also, who pours contumely on the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxxv on the second.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... The monotonous repetition of 'and,' 'and,' 'and,' gives the effect of an endless
succession of the wares of sorrow, pain, and contumely which broke over that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

The Tomb of Jesus
... We answer, for this reason: Christ was unhonored till he had finished his sufferings;
Christ's body suffered contumely, shame, spitting, buffeting, and reproach ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the tomb of jesus.htm

Contumely (2 Occurrences)
... or speech; disgrace. Multi-Version Concordance Contumely (2 Occurrences).
2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah ...
/c/contumely.htm - 7k

Convene (6 Occurrences)

/c/convene.htm - 8k

Controversy (21 Occurrences)

/c/controversy.htm - 14k

Upbraid (2 Occurrences)
... person. 5. (vi) To utter upbraidings. 6. (n.) The act of reproaching; contumely.
Multi-Version Concordance Upbraid (2 Occurrences). ...
/u/upbraid.htm - 7k

Offscouring (2 Occurrences)
... of licentious idolaters. The haughty, cruel, cutting boastfulness of the
victors covered Israel with contumely. In 1 Corinthians ...
/o/offscouring.htm - 8k

Scorn (65 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To scoff; to mock; to show contumely, derision, or reproach; to
act disdainfully. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCORN. ...
/s/scorn.htm - 31k

Hezeki'ah (120 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him: 'Thus saith Hezekiah: This day is a day of
trouble, and of rebuke, and of contumely; for the children are come to the birth ...
/h/hezeki'ah.htm - 35k

Why does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.org

Contumely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus