Topical Encyclopedia The term "honorable" in the biblical context refers to qualities of integrity, respect, and moral uprightness that are esteemed by God and society. It is often associated with actions, character, and positions that reflect righteousness and virtue. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of living an honorable life.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of honor is deeply rooted in the Hebrew culture and is often linked with the fear of the Lord and obedience to His commandments. Proverbs 21:21 states, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." This verse underscores the connection between living a life of righteousness and being regarded as honorable. The patriarchs and leaders of Israel, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, are often depicted as honorable figures due to their faithfulness and obedience to God. For instance, David, despite his failings, is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), highlighting the honor associated with his sincere devotion and repentance. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of being honorable is further expanded through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, which are all aspects of an honorable life: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." The apostle Paul often exhorts Christians to live honorably in their conduct and relationships. In Romans 12:17 , he advises, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody." This instruction emphasizes the importance of maintaining an honorable reputation even in the face of adversity. Honorable Conduct Honorable conduct is characterized by honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult. The Bible frequently contrasts honorable behavior with dishonorable actions, urging believers to choose the former. In 1 Peter 2:12 , Peter writes, "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." Honorable Positions and Titles The Bible also recognizes certain positions and titles as honorable, often due to the responsibilities and service associated with them. Elders and deacons in the early church, for example, were to be men of honorable character, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. These roles required individuals to be "worthy of respect" and "sincere," reflecting the high standards expected of those in leadership. Conclusion The biblical concept of being honorable is multifaceted, encompassing personal integrity, righteous living, and the fulfillment of roles and responsibilities with dignity. It is a quality that is highly valued in Scripture and is seen as a reflection of one's relationship with God and commitment to His ways. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Worthy of honor; fit to be esteemed or regarded; estimable; illustrious.2. (a.) High-minded; actuated by principles of honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or reputation. 3. (a.) Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base; irreproachable; fair; as, an honorable motive. 4. (a.) Conferring honor, or produced by noble deeds. 5. (a.) Worthy of respect; regarded with esteem; to be commended; consistent with honor or rectitude. 6. (a.) Performed or accompanied with marks of honor, or with testimonies of esteem; an honorable burial. 7. (a.) of reputable association or use; respectable. 8. (n.) An epithet of respect or distinction; as, the honorable Senate; the honorable gentleman. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HONORABLEon'-er-a-b'-l (kabhedh; euschemon): In the Old Testament "honorable" is for the most part the translation of kabhedh, properly, "to be heavy," "weighty" (Genesis 34:19, the Revised Version (British and American) "honored"; Numbers 22:15 1 Samuel 9:6; Isaiah 3:5, etc.); kabhodh, "weight," "heaviness," etc., occurs in Isaiah 5:13; hodh, "beauty," "majesty," "honor" (Psalm 111:3, the Revised Version (British and American) "honor"); 'adhar, "to make honorable," "illustrious" (Isaiah 42:21, "magnify the law, and make it honorable," the Revised Version margin "make the teaching great and glorious"); yaqar}, "precious" (Psalm 45:9); nasa' panim, "lifted up of face" (2 Kings 5:1 Isaiah 3:3; Isaiah 9:15); nesu phanim (Job 22:8, the Revised Version margin "he whose person is accepted"); euschemon, literally, "well fashioned," is translated Mark 15:43, the King James Version "honorable," the Revised Version (British and American) "of honorable estate"; compare Acts 13:50; Acts 17:12; endoxos, "in glory," occurs 1 Corinthians 4:10, the Revised Version (British and American) "glory"; timios, "weighty" (Hebrews 13:4, the Revised Version (British and American) "had in honor"); atimos, "without weight or honor" (1 Corinthians 12:23, "less honorable"); entimos, "in honor" (Luke 14:8), "more honorable." Greek 4586. semnos -- reverend, ie venerable, spec. serious ... serious. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: semnos Phonetic Spelling: (sem-nos') Short Definition: honorable Definition: venerable, honorable, grave ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4586.htm - 7k 2570. kalos -- beautiful, good 2158. euschemon -- comely 2567. kalodidaskalos -- a teacher of good 511. anoteros -- higher 820. atimos -- without honor, dishonored 1784. entimos -- valued, precious 5092. time -- a valuing, a price 2903. kratistos -- strongest, noblest 5389. philotimeomai -- to love or seek after honor Strong's Hebrew 3358. yaqqir -- honorable, difficult... 3357, 3358. yaqqir. 3359 . honorable, difficult. Transliteration: yaqqir Phonetic Spelling: (yak-keer') Short Definition: difficult. ... /hebrew/3358.htm - 6k 3513. kabad -- to be heavy, weighty, or burdensome 5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take 3519. kabowd -- glorious 6440. panim -- face, faces 3519b. kabod -- abundance, honor, glory 5057. nagid -- a leader, ruler, prince 142. adar -- wide, great 7336. razan -- to be weighty, judicious or commanding Library "Honorable," Therefore, "Is Marriage in All, and the Bed Undefiled ... "I am Become an Honorable Man" Honorable Submission Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ... As Concerning Purity of Body; Here Indeed a Very Honorable Regard ... Our Status. Justification from Eternity Third Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. xii. 21 The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Father and the Son. ... Thesaurus Honorable (42 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base; irreproachable; fair; as, an honorable motive. ... /h/honorable.htm - 22k Included (17 Occurrences) Renowned (15 Occurrences) Attained (20 Occurrences) Honest (34 Occurrences) Attain (30 Occurrences) Good (8348 Occurrences) Estate (40 Occurrences) Esteem (25 Occurrences) Rank (42 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about reputation? | GotQuestions.orgIs being holy even possible, since only God is holy? | GotQuestions.org What is the prayer of Jabez? | GotQuestions.org Honorable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Honorable (42 Occurrences)Matthew 2:6 Mark 15:43 Luke 14:8 Acts 13:50 Acts 17:12 Romans 9:21 Romans 12:17 1 Corinthians 4:10 1 Corinthians 12:23 2 Corinthians 8:21 2 Corinthians 13:7 Philippians 4:8 1 Thessalonians 4:4 Hebrews 13:4 James 2:7 Genesis 34:19 Numbers 22:15 1 Samuel 9:6 1 Samuel 22:14 2 Samuel 23:19 2 Samuel 23:23 2 Kings 5:1 1 Chronicles 4:9 1 Chronicles 11:21 1 Chronicles 11:25 Ezra 4:10 Job 22:8 Psalms 45:9 Psalms 111:3 Proverbs 25:27 Isaiah 3:3 Isaiah 3:5 Isaiah 5:13 Isaiah 9:15 Isaiah 23:8 Isaiah 23:9 Isaiah 32:5 Isaiah 42:21 Isaiah 43:4 Isaiah 49:5 Isaiah 58:13 Nahum 3:10 Subtopics Related Terms |