Respectable
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The term "respectable" in a biblical context often refers to qualities of character and behavior that are honorable, dignified, and worthy of respect. In the New Testament, the concept of being respectable is closely associated with living a life that reflects Christian virtues and upholds the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Timothy 3:2 : "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." In this passage, the Apostle Paul outlines the qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing that they must be respectable. This implies a life that is orderly, dignified, and worthy of emulation by others in the community.

2. 1 Timothy 2:9 : "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes." Here, Paul addresses the importance of modesty and propriety, suggesting that respectability is also reflected in one's outward appearance and demeanor, aligning with inner virtues.

3. Philippians 4:8 : "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." While the term "respectable" is not directly used, the qualities listed are synonymous with a respectable life, encouraging believers to focus on virtues that are commendable and worthy of respect.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical sense, being respectable is not merely about external appearances or societal status but is deeply rooted in one's character and relationship with God. It involves living a life that is consistent with Christian teachings, demonstrating integrity, humility, and love for others. Respectability is seen as a reflection of one's faith and commitment to living according to God's will.

Practical Application:

For Christians, striving to be respectable involves cultivating virtues such as honesty, kindness, and self-discipline. It means being mindful of one's actions and words, ensuring they align with the teachings of Scripture. In daily life, this can manifest in how one interacts with others, manages responsibilities, and represents the Christian faith in various settings.

Cultural Context:

In the early Christian communities, being respectable was crucial for maintaining a positive witness to the surrounding society. Christians were often scrutinized and faced persecution; thus, living respectably helped to counteract false accusations and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. Today, the call to be respectable remains relevant as believers seek to influence the world positively while upholding biblical values.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (a.) Worthy of respect; fitted to awaken esteem; deserving regard; hence, of good repute; not mean; as, a respectable citizen.

2. (a.) Moderate in degree of excellence or in number; as, a respectable performance; a respectable audience.

Greek
4561. sarx -- flesh
... Thus what is " ()" is by definition displeasing to the Lord -- even things that
"respectable!" In short, generally relates to , ie decisions (actions) that ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4561.htm - 8k

2887. kosmios -- orderly
... ordered). Word Origin from kosmos Definition orderly NASB Word Usage proper
(1), respectable (1). of good behavior, modest. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2887.htm - 7k

2156. euschemonos -- becomingly
... Cognate: 2156 (from 2158, which is literally "having good form") -- properly;
"becomingly" (), ie what is respectable, honorable (modest, noble). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2156.htm - 6k

4587. semnotes -- seriousness
... 4587 ("dignity because weighty") refers to what is august (venerable, time-honored),
ie "solemnly respectable." 4587 () reflects what has been transformed by ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4587.htm - 7k

Library

The Most Ancient and Most Respectable of the Christian Fathers ...
... SECOND PART II. THE MOST ANCIENT AND MOST RESPECTABLE OF THE CHRISTIAN FATHERS
APPROVE OF THE INTERPRETATION WHICH WE GIVE TO THIS CHAPTER. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/ii the most ancient and.htm

The Heavenly Race
... I. In the first place, then, WHAT IS IT THAT WE OUGHT TO SEEK TO OBTAIN? Some
people think they must be religious, in order to be respectable. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the heavenly race.htm

The Great Commandment
... If we are asked to be respectable and sober, to live and let live, not to harm our
neighbours wilfully or spitefully, and to come to church tolerably regularly ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xiv the great commandment.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress of 1352
... of older people. First a clergyman, and next a respectable and honourable
man and woman, and lastly two other women. And they were ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlvii the pilgrims progress.htm

The Two Debtors
... that He was in her own town, what could she do but hasten to the Pharisee's house,
and brave the cruel, scornful eyes of the eminently respectable people that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the two debtors.htm

Wary Walking.
... down-hill road. They are there with the rest, but they are outnumbered
by those whom the world calls very respectable. Amid that ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lv wary walking.htm

The Allies of the Tempter.
... all these places where the habitually intemperate, the degraded, the wretchedly
poor congregate; and let these beverages be sold only in respectable places and ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse vi the allies of.htm

For they Loved the Praise of Men More than the Praise of God. John ...
... as the churches around them. Their object is to maintain a respectable
profession of religion. Instead of seriously inquiring for ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/for they loved the praise.htm

An Appeal to Sinners
... On the outside of the throng there stood a few respectable people, who in those
days were called Pharisees and Scribes"men who were highly esteemed in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/an appeal to sinners.htm

Independence of Christianity
... Methodism goes on till it grows to be a most respectable kind of society, its
ramifications extend all over England and it has societies in every country"and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/independence of christianity.htm

Thesaurus
Respectable (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Worthy of respect; fitted to awaken esteem; deserving regard; hence, of
good repute; not mean; as, a respectable citizen. ...Respectable (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/respectable.htm - 7k

Respected (28 Occurrences)

/r/respected.htm - 15k

Gentle (48 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Well-born; of a good family or
respectable birth, though not noble. 2. (superl.) Quiet and ...
/g/gentle.htm - 20k

Gain (142 Occurrences)
... the floor beam. 2. (a.) Convenient; suitable; direct; near; handy; dexterous;
easy; profitable; cheap; respectable. 3. (vt) That ...
/g/gain.htm - 39k

Family (438 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) Course of descent; genealogy; line of ancestors; lineage. 5. (vt) Honorable
descent; noble or respectable stock; as, a man of family. ...
/f/family.htm - 87k

Decent (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Moderate, but competent; sufficient; hence, respectable; fairly good;
reasonably comfortable or satisfying; as, a decent fortune; a decent person. ...
/d/decent.htm - 7k

Considerable (17 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Worthy of consideration, borne in mind, or attended to. 2. (a.) of some
distinction; noteworthy; influential; respectable; -- said of persons. ...
/c/considerable.htm - 11k

Asahel (17 Occurrences)
... etc.). The three brothers seem to have been from the beginning members
of David's troop of strangely respectable brigands. Asahel ...
/a/asahel.htm - 16k

Honorable (42 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/h/honorable.htm - 22k

Adullam (10 Occurrences)
... David's men included his numerous and respectable kinsmen, and the representative
of the priesthood, and some of David's military companions, and some men who ...
/a/adullam.htm - 16k

Resources
What is the importance of the empty tomb? | GotQuestions.org

Is there value in studying comparative religions? | GotQuestions.org

When is it right to criticize my pastor? | GotQuestions.org

Respectable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Respectable (1 Occurrence)

1 Timothy 3:2
The Bishop, then, is to be a man of good name, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, serious-minded, having respect for order, opening his house freely to guests, a ready teacher;
(See NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Respectable

Related Terms

Oppression (67 Occurrences)

Value (138 Occurrences)

Highly (48 Occurrences)

Violate (14 Occurrences)

Overseers (47 Occurrences)

Imparted (6 Occurrences)

Favoured (8 Occurrences)

Far-seeing (3 Occurrences)

Favored (19 Occurrences)

Reputed (4 Occurrences)

Resting-place (211 Occurrences)

Respectable (1 Occurrence)

Respectful (6 Occurrences)

Reputation (12 Occurrences)

Relationships (1 Occurrence)

Repute (12 Occurrences)

Respecter (2 Occurrences)

Expectation (25 Occurrences)

Difference (19 Occurrences)

Disregarded (8 Occurrences)

Mother (2641 Occurrences)

Market-places (4 Occurrences)

Meshach (15 Occurrences)

Privately (29 Occurrences)

Portions (49 Occurrences)

Partiality (26 Occurrences)

Private (32 Occurrences)

Bible

Courage (74 Occurrences)

Contributed (13 Occurrences)

Abednego (14 Occurrences)

Someone (153 Occurrences)

Summoned (103 Occurrences)

Somehow (8 Occurrences)

Shows (42 Occurrences)

Scoundrel (3 Occurrences)

Shadrach (14 Occurrences)

Flock (242 Occurrences)

Seemed (89 Occurrences)

Heeded (11 Occurrences)

Appearance (126 Occurrences)

Fat (150 Occurrences)

Affairs (27 Occurrences)

Vain (141 Occurrences)

Important (39 Occurrences)

Estate (40 Occurrences)

Race (36 Occurrences)

Servant's (29 Occurrences)

Esteemed (44 Occurrences)

Jehu (63 Occurrences)

Running (135 Occurrences)

Hebron (71 Occurrences)

Watch (203 Occurrences)

Province (66 Occurrences)

Pleasure (331 Occurrences)

Gentiles (150 Occurrences)

Degree (19 Occurrences)

Standard (42 Occurrences)

Exalted (126 Occurrences)

Favor (184 Occurrences)

Beg (77 Occurrences)

Abel (22 Occurrences)

Sits (52 Occurrences)

Firstborn (119 Occurrences)

Preach (72 Occurrences)

Aged (63 Occurrences)

Countrymen (60 Occurrences)

Noble (61 Occurrences)

Run (147 Occurrences)

Aram (130 Occurrences)

Offering (850 Occurrences)

Makes (483 Occurrences)

Respect (204 Occurrences)

Namely (81 Occurrences)

Shown (131 Occurrences)

Doesn't (300 Occurrences)

Divided (102 Occurrences)

Rulers (310 Occurrences)

Respectability and Hospitality
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