### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma ἀτιμάζω (atimázō), Strong's Number `{{G818}}`, is derived from the adjective ἄτιμος (atimos, `{{G820}}`), which means "without honor," "dishonored," or "despised." The root of ἄτιμος is the negative particle ἀ- (a-, `{{G1}}`) combined with τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`), meaning "honor," "price," or "value." Therefore, ἀτιμάζω literally signifies "to treat as without honor" or "to deprive of honor."
The semantic range of ἀτιμάζω encompasses several facets of dishonor:
* **Active Dishonor:** To disgrace, despise, contemn, insult, or treat with contempt. This implies a deliberate act of devaluing or showing disrespect.
* **Maltreatment:** To abuse, treat shamefully, or inflict physical or emotional harm as a manifestation of contempt.
* **Passive Dishonor (Implied):** To suffer shame or be dishonored, often as a consequence of being treated with contempt by others.
The core idea is not merely a lack of honor, but an active and often aggressive infliction of dishonor upon someone or something deemed unworthy of respect or value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀτιμάζω appears several times in the New Testament, illustrating various dimensions of dishonor:
* **Mark 12:4 and Luke 20:11 (Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers):** In these parallel accounts, the tenants "treated shamefully" (ἠτιμάσαν) the servants sent by the vineyard owner, and even "wounded" and "cast out" another. Here, ἀτιμάζω describes the contemptuous and violent rejection of the owner's representatives, highlighting the escalating rebellion and disrespect for authority.
* **John 8:49 (Jesus' Defense):** Jesus declares, "I honor my Father, and you dishonor me (ὑμεῖς ἀτιμάζετε)." The Jewish leaders' accusations and rejection of Jesus' divine claims constitute a profound act of dishonoring Him, contrasting sharply with Jesus' own devotion to the Father. This instance underscores the theological weight of dishonoring the Son of God.
* **Acts 5:41 (Apostles' Rejoicing):** After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles "rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor (ἀτιμασθῆναι) for the Name." This is a crucial passive use of the word. The apostles did not inflict dishonor but endured it for Christ's sake, transforming worldly shame into spiritual privilege and joy.
* **Romans 1:24 (Consequences of Idolatry):** Paul states that God "gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor (τοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι) their own bodies among themselves." Here, the active rejection of God's truth leads to a passive state of self-dishonor and degradation, as humanity's sinful desires lead to the abuse and defilement of the body, which was created for God's glory.
* **Romans 2:23 (Jewish Hypocrisy):** Paul challenges those who boast in the law but "dishonor (ἀτιμάζεις) God through your transgression of the law." This highlights the hypocrisy of claiming a privileged relationship with God while actively violating His commands. Such actions bring disrepute not only upon the individual but also upon God Himself in the eyes of the Gentiles.
* **James 2:6 (Partiality in the Church):** James condemns believers who "have dishonored (ἠτιμάσατε) the poor man" by showing favoritism to the rich. This is a direct indictment of social injustice and class discrimination within the Christian community, demonstrating that to dishonor the poor is to violate the royal law of love and contradict the very nature of God, who chose the poor to be rich in faith.
Across these contexts, ἀτιμάζω consistently points to a deliberate act of contempt, rejection, or abuse that strips away rightful dignity, whether directed towards God, His Son, His messengers, or fellow human beings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀτιμάζω includes:
* **Antonyms:**
* τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`): honor, value, respect. The direct opposite, emphasizing the positive esteem that ἀτιμάζω negates.
* δοξάζω (doxazō, `{{G1391}}`): to glorify, to honor. Often used in relation to God's glory.
* **Synonyms/Related Terms:**
* καταφρονέω (kataphroneō, `{{G2730}}`): to despise, disdain, look down upon. This term shares the sense of contempt but may not always imply the active maltreatment often associated with ἀτιμάζω.
* ὕβρις (hybris, `{{G5196}}`): insolence, outrage, abusive treatment. While ὕβρις can lead to ἀτιμάζω, it focuses more on the arrogant pride that motivates the action.
* ἐντρέπω (entrepō, `{{G1791}}`): to put to shame, to respect. Can be related in the sense of causing shame, but also carries the meaning of respecting or revering.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Honor and Shame:** A pervasive theme in biblical cultures, where honor was paramount and shame deeply feared. ἀτιμάζω is a direct assault on one's honor.
* **Sin as Disobedience and Rebellion:** Dishonoring God or His representatives is a fundamental aspect of sin, demonstrating a rejection of divine authority.
* **Impartiality:** The call to not dishonor the poor (James 2:6) highlights God's impartiality and the church's ethical responsibility.
* **Suffering for Righteousness:** The experience of being dishonored for Christ's sake is a hallmark of true discipleship, aligning believers with the suffering of their Lord.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀτιμάζω is profound and multi-faceted:
* **The Nature of Human Sin:** At its core, sin is an act of ἀτιμάζω against God. Humanity's rebellion and idolatry (Romans 1:24) constitute a deliberate dishonoring of the Creator, exchanging His glory for created things. This rejection leads to self-degradation and the dishonoring of one's own body. Similarly, hypocrisy (Romans 2:23) is a form of dishonoring God by misrepresenting His character and law.
* **Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation:** Jesus Himself was the supreme object of human ἀτιμάζω (John 8:49). His trial, scourging, and crucifixion were acts of profound public dishonor, culminating in His being "despised and rejected by men" (Isaiah 53:3). Yet, paradoxically, it was through this very dishonor and suffering that God's plan of salvation was accomplished, and Christ was ultimately exalted to the highest honor (Philippians 2:8-11). This highlights the divine reversal of human values.
* **The Cost and Mark of Discipleship:** Believers are called to embrace the possibility of being ἀτιμάζω for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 5:41). Enduring dishonor and persecution for Christ is not a sign of failure but a mark of authentic discipleship, aligning the follower with the suffering Lord. This suffering is transformed into a source of joy and spiritual honor.
* **Ethical Imperative for Justice and Love:** The condemnation of dishonoring the poor (James 2:6) reveals the ethical implications of ἀτιμάζω within the community of faith. To treat any person with contempt, especially the vulnerable, is an affront to God's image in humanity and a violation of the command to love one's neighbor. True faith demands impartial love and respect for all, regardless of social status.
### Summary
ἀτιμάζω (atimázō, `{{G818}}`) denotes the active and often aggressive act of dishonoring, despising, or treating shamefully. Rooted in the concept of being "without honor" (`{{G820}}`), it describes a deliberate stripping away of dignity or value. Biblically, its usage illuminates the nature of human sin as a fundamental rejection and dishonoring of God's authority and worth (John 8:49, Romans 1:24, Romans 2:23). The term profoundly describes Christ's suffering, as He was ἀτιμάζω by humanity, yet this very dishonor became the means of ultimate glory and salvation. Furthermore, it characterizes the experience of believers who are called to endure ἀτιμάζω for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 5:41), transforming worldly shame into divine approval. The term also serves as a strong ethical warning against social injustice, condemning the dishonoring of the poor (James 2:6). Ultimately, ἀτιμάζω underscores the profound spiritual and ethical implications of how one treats God, His Son, His messengers, and His people, revealing the critical importance of honor, respect, and love in the divine economy.
TRV