ἀτιμάζω

I disgrace, dishonor

Definition

The verb ἀτιμάζω means to dishonor, disgrace, or treat someone with contempt. It involves stripping away the honor or respect that is rightfully due, often through insulting words or shameful actions. In the New Testament, it can describe social rejection, as when the rich dishonor the poor (James 2:6), or spiritual rebellion, as when humans dishonor God by breaking His law (Romans 2:23). It also appears in the context of enduring persecution for Christ's name, where believers are 'dishonored' for His sake (Acts 5:41).

Biblical Usage

ἀτιμάζω is used six times in the New Testament across various contexts. It describes the mistreatment of people, such as the servants sent to the vineyard tenants (Luke 20:11) and the poor by the rich (James 2:6). It also denotes a direct insult against God or Christ, as when Jesus asks, 'Why do you dishonor me?' (John 8:49) and when Paul speaks of those who dishonor God through disobedience (Romans 1:24; 2:23). A unique positive usage is in Acts 5:41, where the apostles rejoice at being 'counted worthy to suffer dishonor' for Jesus' name.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀ- (meaning 'not' or 'without') and the verb τιμάω (timaō, G5091), which means 'to honor, value, or price.' Thus, ἀτιμάζω literally means 'to not honor' or 'to treat as without value.' It is part of a word family centered on the concept of honor (τιμή, timē), which was a core social value in the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on the concepts of human dignity, sin, and discipleship. To dishonor (ἀτιμάζω) God is a serious sin, revealing a heart that devalues His glory (Romans 1:24). Conversely, being dishonored for Christ redefines shame as a badge of honor in God's kingdom, flipping worldly values upside down (Acts 5:41). Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the biblical contrast between seeking human honor and being willing to bear disgrace for the sake of the Gospel.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, honor and shame were foundational social values. Public honor (τιμή) was a primary measure of a person's worth. To 'dishonor' someone was not merely a personal insult but a public act that diminished their social standing and could provoke a crisis requiring a response. Jesus and the apostles' teachings often subverted this system, declaring that true honor comes from God, not people, and that suffering dishonor for righteousness' sake is commendable.

ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō, G1848) — to despise, treat with contempt, often with a sense of considering something as nothing. καταφρονέω (kataphroneō, G2706) — to look down on, scorn, or think little of, emphasizing an attitude of disdain.

Word Details

Scripture References