The term "dignities" in the Bible is often associated with positions of authority, honor, and respect. It is used in contexts that highlight the importance of recognizing and respecting those who hold positions of power and influence, both in the earthly and spiritual realms. The concept of dignities is rooted in the biblical understanding of order and hierarchy established by God.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Peter 2:10 : "Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings." In this passage, the term "glorious beings" is often interpreted as referring to dignities or authorities, possibly including angelic beings or spiritual authorities. The context warns against the arrogance and disrespect shown by false teachers who slander these dignities.

2. Jude 1:8 : "Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings." Similar to 2 Peter, Jude warns against those who reject authority and speak ill of dignities. The passage underscores the seriousness of such actions, as they reflect a broader rebellion against God's established order.

Theological Implications:

The biblical admonition to respect dignities is rooted in the understanding that all authority is ultimately derived from God. Romans 13:1 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This verse emphasizes that earthly authorities are instituted by God, and therefore, respecting them is part of honoring God's divine order.

Spiritual Authorities:

In addition to earthly authorities, the Bible also speaks of spiritual dignities. Ephesians 6:12 mentions, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the existence of spiritual hierarchies and the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to recognize and respect the spiritual dignities, understanding their role in the cosmic order.

Practical Application:

From a practical standpoint, the recognition of dignities calls for a posture of humility and respect towards those in positions of authority. This includes leaders in the church, government, and other societal structures. Hebrews 13:17 instructs, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Warnings Against Disrespect:

The Bible provides stern warnings against those who disrespect dignities. The actions of false teachers and rebellious individuals who slander authorities are condemned, as seen in 2 Peter and Jude. Such behavior is indicative of a deeper spiritual rebellion and a rejection of God's ordained order.

In summary, the concept of dignities in the Bible encompasses both earthly and spiritual authorities. Believers are called to respect and honor these dignities as part of their obedience to God, recognizing the divine order established by Him.(n.) Plural of Dignity.DIGNITIES; DIGNITY

dig'-ni-tiz, dig'-ni-ti (Hebrew marom, se'eth, gedhullah): Rank or position, not nobility or austerity of personal character or bearing, is denoted by this word in its Old Testament occurrences (Genesis 49:3 Esther 6:3 Ecclesiastes 10:6 Habakkuk 1:7). In 2 Peter 2:10 Jude 1:8, "dignities" (doxai) are angels, lofty spiritual beings, possible objects of blasphemy; compare the context in both passages.

Next Day an Edict was Published, Depriving the Christians of all ...
... Chap. XIII. Next day an edict was published, depriving the Christians of
all honours and dignities? Next day an edict was published ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xiii next day an.htm

Degrees of Glory in Heaven Corresponding with the Dignities of the ...
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book VI. Chapter XIII."Degrees of Glory in
Heaven Corresponding with the Dignities of the Church Below. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiii degrees of glory in.htm

"And Truly Our Fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son,"
... Now, truly, according to this rule, the honour is incomparable, and the credit riseth
infinitely above all the airy and fancied dignities of men. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi and truly our.htm

Bishop Hosius Said: Our Importunity and Great Pertinacity and ...
... not (as ought to be done and as is fitting) assist and help the poor and the laity
or the widows, but is intriguing to obtain worldly dignities and offices for ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon vii bishop hosius said .htm

Dress as Connected with Idolatry.
... But the purple, or the other ensigns of dignities and powers, dedicated from the
beginning to idolatry engrafted on the dignity and the powers, carry the spot ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xviii dress as connected with.htm

He Declares Falsely that the Manner of the Generation is to be ...
... But if there is a peculiar force fitting our conceptions of the Deity in each of
these words, the intrinsic dignities of God must plainly be viewed in ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 33 he declares falsely.htm

The Two Paths
... gate through which a man has to press. It is too narrow for any of his
dignities or honours. A camel cannot go through the eye of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the two paths.htm

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom
... Their conception of the kingdom and of rank in it is frankly and entirely earthly.
There are to be graded dignities, and these are to depend on His mere will. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the law of precedence in.htm

Letter xii. Leo, Bishop of the City of Rome, to all the Bishops of ...
... For if it is improper to attain to the world's dignities without the help of time
and without the merit of having toiled, and if the seeking of office is ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xii leo bishop of.htm

To Three Italian Cardinals
... not loves not, and he who loves not and fears not his Creator loves himself with
fleshly love, and whatever he loves, joys or honours and dignities of the world ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to three italian cardinals.htm

Dignities (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Dignity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
DIGNITIES; DIGNITY. ... Multi-Version Concordance Dignities (3 Occurrences). ...
/d/dignities.htm - 8k

Dignity (14 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) One holding high rank; a dignitary. 6. (n.) Fundamental principle; axiom;
maxim. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DIGNITIES; DIGNITY. ...
/d/dignity.htm - 11k

Lordship (12 Occurrences)
... and despise lordship. Bold are they, self-willed; they do not fear speaking
injuriously of dignities: (DBY YLT). Jude 1:8 Yet in ...
/l/lordship.htm - 10k

Rail (8 Occurrences)
... and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at
dignities: (ASV). Jude 1:8 Yet in like manner these also in ...
/r/rail.htm - 11k

Dominion (72 Occurrences)
... and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:
(ASV). Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers ...
/d/dominion.htm - 30k

Jude (4 Occurrences)
... 3. Censorious and Arrogant Detractors. "In their dreamings defile the flesh, and
set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities" (Jude 1:8). Destitute of true ...
/j/jude.htm - 40k

Naught (40 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:8 Yet in just the same way these dreamers also pollute the body, while
they set authority at naught and speak evil of dignities. (WEY). ...
/n/naught.htm - 19k

Governor (78 Occurrences)
... 2; 3:32). These dignities appear to have been elective, not hereditary.
(3.) Hebrews pakid, an officer or magistrate. It is used ...
/g/governor.htm - 48k

Indulge (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:10 and chiefly those going behind the flesh in desire of uncleanness,
and lordship despising; presumptuous, self-complacent, dignities they are not ...
/i/indulge.htm - 10k

Injuriously (13 Occurrences)
... uncleanness, and despise lordship. Bold are they, self-willed; they do not
fear speaking injuriously of dignities: (DBY). 2 Peter 2 ...
/i/injuriously.htm - 10k

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