How does the Bible define honour?

Asked by: Amina Gutkowski  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

That which is valued and esteemed is “honored.” The biblical use sometimes also means to seek to enhance the reputation of someone. The biblical emphasis on honoring others has everything to do with the biblical command to honor God.

What is the biblical principle of honour?

The biblical principle of honour stands out as a countercultural call to value and esteem others above oneself in a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal gain. For the Christian, honour is not just a grand idea but a directive that carries profound blessings.

What are the three types of honor in the Bible?

The three types of honor are bad honor, good honor, and eternal honor. People use the same word “honor” for all three, and this causes confusion. Failing to note the three kinds of honor affects our discipleship and theology.

What is the true meaning of honour?

a. : to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect : to regard or treat with honor. b. : to give special recognition to : to confer honor on.

How to show honor according to the Bible?

Third, we demonstrate honor by placing others above ourselves. The NIV translation of Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Contrary to most competitions, this game is won by lifting others up, not ourselves. Our goal is to help others be successful.

Biblical Honor Explained! How Did We Get This So Wrong?

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How does God define honor?

In the New Testament, the word “honor” (time) means to esteem or hold in great respect, or to place value on a person. One expositor said honor means to ascribe a high price on someone to the point that we give them preference over our own life. Honor truly begins by how God treated you and me.

What does the Bible say about the definition of honor?

So, honor is defined as, “showing esteem for one deserving of respect, attention, or obedience.” The supreme level of honor is reserved for God alone (Deut. 32:51; Psa. 22:3; 33:8; 119:161). To honor God is to revere and fear Him.

What is the Hebrew meaning of honour?

The primary Hebrew word for honor is kvd. The word is central to Old Testament culture and theology; the verb kvd occurs 173x and the noun kavod occurs 200x. The main meaning is “weight,” which then carries a metaphorical sense of weightiness, importance, and honor.

What does the honor symbolize?

In ancient Egypt, taxes were paid with it, while in early Greece and Rome honey symbolized fertility, love, and beauty. In the Bible, this sublime nectar is dubbed “the heavenly food.” To the ancients, honey was a source of health, a sign of purity and a symbol of strength and virility.

What is an example of honor in the Bible?

There are biblical instructions for whom we should esteem in this manner. For example, Deuteronomy 5:16 states that we are to honor our parents. Leviticus 19:32 encourages us to honor the elderly. And 1 Peter 2:13 admonishes us to honor those who rule.

How do you honor God according to the Bible?

10 Ways to Glorify God (Session 2 – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
  1. Praise Him with your lips.
  2. Obey His Word.
  3. Pray in Jesus' name.
  4. Produce spiritual fruit.
  5. Remain sexual pure.
  6. Seek the good of others.
  7. Give generously.
  8. Live honorably among unbelievers.

What does John 12 verse 8 mean?

Rather, the point is about the uniqueness of this moment. Seven days from the evening described here, there will still be opportunities to feed the poor of Jerusalem; but Jesus will not be there anymore. Mary isn't "wasting" money on something she could have done at any time or any place.

What is the honor code in the Bible?

Scripture: Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Honor is to regard or treat an individual or group with admiration and respect.

What does Jesus say about honour?

ESV that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. NIV that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

What is honor spiritually?

In the Bible, the concepts of glory and honor are closely related when it comes to honoring God. The word "glory" refers to something that has inherent, intrinsic worth, while the word "honor" refers to the perceived value or esteem placed on someone or something.

What does Paul say about honor?

Our behavior should be informed by proper honor. As Paul says in 12:23-25, “the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. … But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body.”

Why is honor important to God?

Significantly, Peter exhorts us, “Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17), at a time when believers were being persecuted for the faith. Honor is not tied to our feelings for someone. The biblical emphasis on honoring others has everything to do with the biblical command to honor God. God fashioned human beings in His image.

What is the full meaning of honors?

Meaning of honors in English

a public reward, prize, or title that expresses appreciation for unusual achievement: He was buried with full military honors. An honors course or program is one or more courses of a high standard for advanced students.

What is a famous quote about honor?

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.

What does biblical honor look like?

God wants us to demonstrate honour to everyone– especially to those in authority in our family, in our church, in our work place, and in our government. This does not mean that we always have to obey or agree with those in authority, but we do have to strive to not act in ways that are dishonouring towards them.

What is the honour that comes from God?

The honor that comes from God is an honor that begins by giving Him the supreme position in the heart, mind, and life. This honor, in reality, is the essence of belief that humbles oneself to a lowly position and God to the supreme position.

What is the Hebrew word for honor in Exodus 20?

D'var Torah

In Exodus 20:12 it is written: "Honor [Hebrew, kabeid ] your father and your mother, that you may long endure on the land that the Eternal your God is assigning to you." A similar commandment appears in this week's Torah portion, K'doshim, with a slightly different text.

What are the characteristics of honor in the Bible?

The Bible teaches that there are several characteristics possessed by one who is honorable. An honorable person is gracious (Prov. 11:16), kind, and thoughtful. He is humble.

How do we give honor to God?

Obeying the commandments, doing good wherever it is needed, praying to God to thank him for the blessings he gives us and asking for the talents, skill, strength, or opportunities to bless others in his kingdom. These are all ways we honor God.

Who did God honour in the Bible?

Through the course of history, there were men who caught God's attention. In the Bible, for example, we have people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, Cornelius etc. Simply put, the men of honour are those who demonstrate their faith in God.