Renown in the biblical context refers to the state of being widely known and esteemed, often associated with individuals who have achieved great deeds or possess significant influence. The concept of renown is frequently linked to God's glory, the fame of His people, and the legacy of His chosen leaders.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, renown is often associated with God's mighty acts and the reputation of His people. In Genesis 6:4, the "Nephilim" are described as "the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." This passage highlights the idea of individuals who were famous for their strength and deeds, though not necessarily in a positive light.

The Israelites were called to be a people of renown, set apart by God. In Deuteronomy 26:19, God promises to make Israel "high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor." This promise underscores the idea that renown is a divine blessing, contingent upon obedience to God's commandments.

King David is another figure associated with renown. His military victories and leadership established his fame throughout the region. In 1 Chronicles 14:17, it is noted, "And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations." David's renown was not only due to his personal achievements but also attributed to God's favor upon him.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, renown is less about personal fame and more about the spread of the Gospel and the reputation of the early Church. The apostles, through their missionary work, became renowned for their dedication to spreading the message of Christ. Acts 2:47 describes the early believers as "having favor with all the people," indicating a positive reputation that contributed to the growth of the Church.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the renown of the churches he established. In Romans 1:8, he writes, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world." Here, renown is linked to the faithfulness and witness of the Christian community.

Theological Implications

Renown in the biblical sense is not merely about personal glory but is deeply connected to God's purposes and the advancement of His kingdom. It serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. The renown of biblical figures often points back to God's work in their lives, emphasizing that true renown is derived from aligning with His will.

Moreover, the Bible warns against seeking renown for selfish reasons. In Genesis 11:4, the builders of the Tower of Babel sought to "make a name for ourselves," which led to their downfall. This narrative serves as a caution against pride and the pursuit of fame apart from God's guidance.

Conclusion

Renown, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both divine blessing and human responsibility. It is a reflection of God's glory and a call for His people to live in a manner that honors Him. Through the lives of biblical figures and the early Church, renown is shown to be a powerful tool for witnessing God's greatness to the world.1. (n.) The state of being much known and talked of; exalted reputation derived from the extensive praise of great achievements or accomplishments; fame; celebrity; -- always in a good sense.

2. (v.) Report of nobleness or exploits; praise.

3. (v. t.) To make famous; to give renown to.

1391. doxa -- opinion (always good in NT), hence praise, honor ...
... hence praise, honor, glory. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: doxa
Phonetic Spelling: (dox'-ah) Short Definition: honor, renown, glory splendor ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1391.htm - 7k

2811. kleos -- fame
... glory. From a shorter form of kaleo; renown (as if being called) -- glory. see GREEK
kaleo. (kleos) -- 1 Occurrence. 2810, 2811. kleos. 2812 . Strong's Numbers
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2811.htm - 6k

8034. shem -- a name
... 1), fame (8), famous (3), famous* (1), memorial (1), Name (3), name (654), name's
(11), name* (4), named (7), named* (66), names (80), renown (6), renowned (1 ...
/hebrew/8034.htm - 6k

379. Ishhod -- "man of majesty," a man of Manasseh
... Ishod. From 'iysh and howd; man of renown; Ishod, an Israelite -- Ishod. see HEBREW
'iysh. see HEBREW howd. 378, 379. Ishhod. 380 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/379.htm - 6k

31. Abihud -- "my father is majesty," a Benjamite
... Abihud. From 'ab and howd; father (ie Possessor) of renown; Abihud, the name of
two Israelites -- Abihud. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREW howd. 30, 31. Abihud. 32 ...
/hebrew/31.htm - 6k

7121. qara -- to call, proclaim, read
... 1), gives (1), grasps (1), guests (4), invite (6), invited (14), live (1), made
a proclamation (1), make a proclamation (1), men of renown (1), mentioned (3 ...
/hebrew/7121.htm - 7k

282. Achihud -- "brother of majesty," a leader of Asher
... Ahihud. From 'ach and howd; brother (ie Possessor) of renown; Achihud, an Israelite --
Ahihud. see HEBREW 'ach. see HEBREW howd. 281, 282. Achihud. 283 . ...
/hebrew/282.htm - 6k

2143. zeker -- remembrance, memorial
... from zakar Definition remembrance, memorial NASB Word Usage memorial-name (1), memory
(12), mention (1), name (4), remembered (2), remembrance (2), renown (1). ...
/hebrew/2143.htm - 6k

Popular Renown and Inquisitiveness are Condemned in the Sacred ...
... Of the Morals of the Catholic Church. Chapter 21. "Popular Renown and
Inquisitiveness are Condemned in the Sacred Scriptures. 38. ...
/.../chapter 21 name renown and.htm

Rogation Days 181. Jesus, Crowned with all Renown
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Rogation Days 181. Jesus, crowned with all renown. CMD ... Alt.
Jesus, crowned with all renown,. Since thou the earth hast trod,. ...
/.../rogation days 181 jesus crowned.htm

How the Preacher, when He Has Accomplished all Aright, Should ...
... wert perfect in my comeliness which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord, and having
confidence in thy beauty thou hast committed fornication in thy renown (Ibid ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/part iv how the preacher.htm

On the Return of Flavian the Bishop, and the Reconciliation of the ...
... 2. The city hath won renown, because when such a danger had overtaken her, passing
by at once all those who were in power, those who were surrounded with much ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xxi on the return.htm

The Scriptures
... And the language of Ps.45:4, Gird Thee with Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Thou most
Mighty, according to Thy worship and renown,' is closely paraphrased in ...
/.../the hymns of methodism in their literary relations/chapter i the scriptures.htm

The Mother of Xerxes.
... Xerxes, and, in relating his history, they magnify the wealth, the power, and the
resources of his empire, by way of exalting the greatness and renown of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter i the mother of.htm

Three Celebrated Mysteries.
... the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her
offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, [613] which ...
/.../chapter xix three celebrated mysteries.htm

Christ the Great Teacher.
... That Jesus was a man of unequaled wisdom, surpassing infinitely all the great
philosophers of renown, is freely admitted by the best informed of modern skeptics ...
/.../vi christ the great teacher.htm

Letter xxxiv (Circa AD 1130) Hildebert, Archbishop of Tours, to ...
... to it. This it wins unaided, and keeps unaided. Its renown is not diminished
by envy, nor increased by the favour of men. As the ...
/.../letter xxxiv circa a d 1130.htm

Debate on the Proposed Invasion of Greece.
... Counselors of Xerxes."Age and character of Mardonius."The avenues to renown."Blood
inherited and blood shed."Character of Artabanus."His advice to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iii debate on the.htm

Renown (24 Occurrences)
... 2. (v.) Report of nobleness or exploits; praise. 3. (vt) To make famous; to give
renown to. Multi-Version Concordance Renown (24 Occurrences). ...
/r/renown.htm - 14k

Renowned (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 34:29 And I have raised for them a plant for renown, And they are no more
consumed by hunger in the land, And they bear no more the shame of the nations ...
/r/renowned.htm - 10k

Fame (38 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Report or opinion generally diffused; renown; public estimation; celebrity,
either favorable or unfavorable; as, the fame of Washington. ...
/f/fame.htm - 21k

Glory (590 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Praise, honor, admiration, or distinction, accorded by common consent
to a person or thing; high reputation; honorable fame; renown. ...
/g/glory.htm - 71k

Korah (51 Occurrences)
... Abiram. Two hundred and fifty princes, "men of renown" ie, well-known men
from among the other tribes, joined this conspiracy. The ...
/k/korah.htm - 44k

Endures (75 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV NIV). Psalms 102:12 But you, Yahweh, will abide forever; your renown endures
to all generations. (WEB RSV NIV). Psalms 106:1 Praise Yahweh! ...
/e/endures.htm - 26k

Shinar (8 Occurrences)
... (15) Upe or Upia (Opis): Upe or Upia, the Greek Opis, apparently obtained renown
at a very early date, its kings being given in the great chronological list ...
/s/shinar.htm - 27k

Endure (90 Occurrences)
... (YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 102:12 But you, Yahweh, will abide forever; your renown
endures to all generations. (Root in WEB KJV WBS RSV NIV). ...
/e/endure.htm - 33k

250 (5 Occurrences)
... rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty
princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown; (See NIV). ...
/num/250.htm - 7k

Victims (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 34:29 I will raise up to them a plantation for renown, and they shall be
no more consumed with famine in the land, neither bear the shame of the ...
/v/victims.htm - 9k

Who / what were the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org

Are there descendants of the Nephilim in the world today? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God send the flood when He knew sin would continue after the flood? | GotQuestions.org

Renown: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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