The term "dishonourest" is an archaic form of the verb "dishonor," which means to bring shame or disgrace upon someone or something. In the context of the Bible, dishonoring is often associated with actions or attitudes that fail to show the respect, reverence, or obedience due to God, parents, or other authorities.

Biblical Context

1. Dishonoring God: The Bible frequently addresses the concept of dishonoring God through idolatry, disobedience, or irreverence. In Malachi 1:6 , God expresses His grievance against the priests of Israel: "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me? says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name." This passage highlights the expectation of honor due to God and the consequences of failing to give it.

2. Dishonoring Parents: The command to honor one's father and mother is one of the Ten Commandments, underscoring its importance in biblical teaching. In the New Testament, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for allowing traditions that nullify this commandment, as seen in Matthew 15:4-6 : "For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition."

3. Dishonoring Authorities: The Bible also speaks to the importance of honoring governing authorities as instituted by God. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Dishonoring God, parents, or authorities is seen as a serious moral failing in the biblical narrative. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's will and purposes. The act of dishonoring is not merely a social faux pas but a spiritual issue that can have significant consequences for individuals and communities.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In the ancient Near Eastern context, honor and shame were pivotal social values. To dishonor someone was to undermine their social standing and disrupt the community's harmony. This cultural backdrop amplifies the biblical emphasis on honor, as maintaining honor was essential for societal stability and personal integrity.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, dishonoring God or others is ultimately a reflection of humanity's fallen nature. It underscores the need for redemption and transformation through Christ, who perfectly honored the Father and calls His followers to live in a manner that reflects His righteousness. The call to honor God and others is a call to live in accordance with God's design and to reflect His character in all relationships.

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 52, "Therefore Every ...
... Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast
of the Law, through breaking the Law dishonourest thou God? ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxiv on the words.htm

But that the Honour which we Pay to the Son of God...
... of an upright course of life, is plainly taught us by the passage, "Thou that makest
thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter x but that the.htm

The Objection that Christ, on the Showing of St. ...
... Flesh and of His Blood, thou perceivest the sacred pledges, [conveying to us the
merits and power] of the Lord's death, [2444] and thou dishonourest His Godhead ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x the objection that.htm

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
... thou not thyself? Thou that makest a boast of the law, through breaking of it,
dishonourest thou God?" Romans 2:17-23. Why then, certainly ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm

Acts of Andrew and Matthias
... said to Andrew: Now hast thou fallen into our hands; where is thy glory and thy
exultation, thou that raisest thyself up against us, and dishonourest us, and ...
/.../unknown/acts of andrew and matthias/acts of andrew and matthias.htm

Dishonourest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dishonourest (1 Occurrence). Romans 2:23 Thou that makest
thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (KJV). ...
/d/dishonourest.htm - 6k

Dishonoured (8 Occurrences)

/d/dishonoured.htm - 8k

Dishonour (22 Occurrences)
... YLT). Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking
the law dishonourest thou God? (Root in KJV WEY DBY YLT). ...
/d/dishonour.htm - 12k

Dishonoureth (4 Occurrences)

/d/dishonoureth.htm - 7k

Makest (68 Occurrences)
... KJV DBY WBS). Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through
breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (KJV WBS). Exodus 26 ...
/m/makest.htm - 25k

Breaking (69 Occurrences)
... smitten? (DBY). Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking
the law dishonourest thou God? (KJV WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/breaking.htm - 27k

Boast (86 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the
law dishonourest thou God? (KJV WEY DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/b/boast.htm - 33k

Honour (475 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the
law dishonourest thou God? (Root in KJV WEY BBE DBY YLT). ...
/h/honour.htm - 35k

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