In the biblical context, the concept of being "dishonoured" is often associated with shame, disgrace, and a loss of respect or dignity. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, where individuals, nations, and even God Himself can be subject to dishonour due to sin, disobedience, or the actions of others.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, dishonour is frequently linked to the violation of God's commandments and the resulting consequences. For instance, in the book of Genesis, Ham dishonours his father Noah by exposing his nakedness, leading to a curse upon Ham's descendants (Genesis 9:22-25). This narrative underscores the importance of honouring one's parents, a principle later codified in the Ten Commandments: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).

The prophets often speak of Israel's dishonour due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. In Jeremiah 2:26-27, the prophet describes Israel's shame as akin to a thief caught in the act: "As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is ashamed—they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets. They say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces." Here, dishonour is a direct result of turning away from God and worshipping idols.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, dishonour is often addressed in the context of the Christian community and personal conduct. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts believers to live honourably. In Romans 1:24, Paul speaks of those who dishonour their bodies through sinful desires: "Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another." This passage highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of living contrary to God's design.

Paul also addresses the issue of dishonour within the church. In 1 Corinthians 11:4-5, he discusses the conduct of men and women in worship: "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved." Here, dishonour is linked to cultural norms and the importance of maintaining order and respect within the worship setting.

Dishonour and Christ

The ultimate example of dishonour in the New Testament is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Despite His sinlessness, Jesus was subjected to the utmost shame and disgrace, bearing the sins of humanity. Isaiah 53:3 prophetically describes the Messiah as "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Yet, through His dishonour, Christ brought redemption and honour to those who believe in Him.

Practical Implications

For believers, the concept of dishonour serves as a reminder to live in a manner that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God. Christians are called to honour God in their bodies, relationships, and communities, avoiding actions that would bring shame or disgrace. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5, "Each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."

Dishonour, therefore, is not merely a social or cultural issue but a spiritual one, reflecting one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.820. atimos -- without honor, dishonored
... From a (as a negative particle) and time; (negatively) unhonoured or (positively)
dishonoured -- despised, without honour, less honourable (comparative degree ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/820.htm - 7k

Prophets in their Country.
... We must inquire whether the expression has the same force when applied universally
to every prophet (as if each one of the prophets was dishonoured in his own ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 prophets in their country.htm

Thanks and Salutation.
... even as the Lord you. But may those that dishonoured them be forgiven through
the grace of Jesus Christ! The love of the brethren ...
/.../chapter xi thanks and salutation.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... For it is grievous to a king that merely his soldier should be dishonoured; and
when one of his nobler officers or friends is dishonoured, then his anger is ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

His Humiliation Predicted.
... But that, having become man for our sakes, He endured to suffer and to be dishonoured,
and that He shall come again with glory, hear the prophecies which ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter l his humiliation predicted.htm

The Coming of the Son of Man in Glory.
... 5737] Now, indeed, the Son of man has not come in His glory; "for we saw Him, and
He had no form nor beauty; but His form was dishonoured and defective ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/29 the coming of the.htm

What Say You, O Fathers of New Religions, and Powers? do You Cry ...
... Do you cry out? What say you, O fathers of new religions, and powers? [4132] Do
you cry out, and complain that these gods are dishonoured by us, and ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/11 what say you o.htm

Prophecies of his Passion and Death in all Its Circumstances.
... Him at their hands.2. They say then: "A man [287] in stripes, and knowing how to
bear weakness, for his face is turned away: he was dishonoured and held in no ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 34 prophecies of his.htm

For the Sake of a Nation.
... The waters came! Just like God! They were cared for, though He had been disobeyed
and dishonoured. ... Moses disobeyed God. He dishonoured God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/for the sake of a.htm

God's Love for a Sinning World
... The law of God must not be dishonoured by anything He shall do. ... Suppose the righteous
and necessary laws which it imposes are disowned and dishonoured. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings ...
... I am filled with indignation and grief for my Christ (and would that you might
sympathize with me) when I see my Christ dishonoured on this account on which He ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxvii on the words.htm

Dishonoured (8 Occurrences)
...Dishonoured (8 Occurrences). ... Luke 20:11 And he added to send another servant, and
they that one also having beaten and dishonoured, did send away empty; (YLT). ...
/d/dishonoured.htm - 8k

Disrepute (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and we dishonoured; (See RSV). ...
/d/disrepute.htm - 7k

Dishonored (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and we dishonoured; (See NIV). ...
/d/dishonored.htm - 11k

Dishonour (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:41 They therefore went their way from the presence of the council, rejoicing
that they were counted worthy to be dishonoured for the name. ...
/d/dishonour.htm - 12k

Distinguished (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and we dishonoured; (See NAS). ...
/d/distinguished.htm - 11k

Dishonourest (1 Occurrence)

/d/dishonourest.htm - 6k

Dishonourable (1 Occurrence)

/d/dishonourable.htm - 6k

Ailing (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and we dishonoured; (YLT). ...
/a/ailing.htm - 11k

Added (97 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Luke 20:11 And he added to send another servant, and they
that one also having beaten and dishonoured, did send away empty; (YLT). ...
/a/added.htm - 34k

Honored (51 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:10 we 'are' fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we
'are' ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and we dishonoured; (See NIV). ...
/h/honored.htm - 21k

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