ἄτιμος

without honor, despised

Definition

The adjective ἄτιμος fundamentally means 'without honor' or 'dishonored,' describing someone or something that is held in low esteem, disregarded, or treated with contempt. In the Gospels, it specifically refers to a prophet being dishonored in his own hometown (Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4), highlighting a lack of respect and acceptance. In 1 Corinthians, Paul uses it in two distinct senses: first, to describe the apostles as 'dishonored' in contrast to the Corinthians' perceived honor (1 Corinthians 4:10), and second, to refer to the 'less honorable' or 'unpresentable' parts of the body that receive greater care (1 Corinthians 12:23), indicating a status of being overlooked or deemed inferior.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in the Synoptic Gospels and Paul's letters. In Matthew 13:57 and Mark 6:4, it describes the social dishonor Jesus faced from those who knew him in Nazareth. In 1 Corinthians, Paul employs it rhetorically to contrast the apostles' humble, dishonored state with the Corinthians' pride (1 Corinthians 4:10) and to illustrate the value God places on seemingly weak or dishonorable members within the church body (1 Corinthians 12:23). The usage consistently revolves around themes of social or spiritual valuation and reversal.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀ- (a-), meaning 'not' or 'without,' combined with the root τιμή (timē, G5092), meaning 'honor, value, or price.' Thus, ἄτιμος literally means 'without honor' or 'valueless.' It is the direct opposite of ἔντιμος (entimos, G1784), meaning 'honored' or 'precious.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the counter-cultural values of God's kingdom, where human notions of honor and status are inverted. Jesus, the honored Messiah, was treated as ἄτιμος by his own people, fulfilling the pattern of the suffering servant. Paul uses it to teach that God bestows greater honor on what the world considers weak and dishonorable (1 Corinthians 12:23-24), a central theme in the theology of the cross and the nature of the church as one body. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the radical humility and divine revaluation inherent in the gospel.

In the Greco-Roman world, honor (τιμή) was a core social value, defining one's status, reputation, and worth in the community. To be ἄτιμος was to be socially marginalized, shamed, or stripped of one's standing. This cultural backdrop makes Jesus' and the apostles' experiences of dishonor profoundly significant, as they deliberately embraced a status that their society deemed shameful. The concept differs from a modern individualistic understanding of self-worth, being deeply tied to public perception and communal standing.

ἀδόκιμος (adokimos, G96) — rejected, failing to pass a test (focus on proven worthlessness). ταπεινός (tapeinos, G5011) — lowly, humble (focus on social position or attitude, not necessarily dishonor). ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō, G1848) — to despise, treat with contempt (a verb expressing the action of dishonoring).

Word Details

Scripture References