### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀτιμόω (atimóō, `{{G821}}`) is derived from the adjective ἄτιμος (atimos, `{{G819}}`), meaning "without honor," "dishonored," or "disgraced." It is closely related in meaning and usage to ἀτιμάζω (atimazō, `{{G818}}`), which signifies "to dishonor," "to treat with contempt," "to despise," or "to insult." While ἀτιμάζω often implies a verbal or attitudinal slight, ἀτιμόω carries a more active and often physical connotation of "to maltreat" or "to handle shamefully." The base definition suggests an action that not only deprives someone of honor but actively imposes disgrace or ill-treatment upon them. It implies a deliberate act of public or personal humiliation, often involving physical abuse or severe indignity. The semantic range thus extends from a general sense of dishonoring to specific acts of shameful and abusive handling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀτιμόω (atimóō, `{{G821}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 5:26]]**: "Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned." The King James Version translates ἀτιμόω here as "handle shamefully." In this context, the temple guard and officers were sent to apprehend the apostles, who had been miraculously released from prison. The text explicitly states that they brought the apostles "without violence" (οὐ μετὰ βίας) because they feared the people might stone them. The implication of ἀτιμόω in this verse is that the officers refrained from the kind of treatment—public humiliation, physical abuse, or severe indignity—that would typically accompany an arrest of this nature and that would provoke the crowd. The fear of being stoned by the people served as a deterrent against "handling them shamefully." This single occurrence underscores the severity of the action implied by ἀτιμόω, suggesting a treatment that would evoke strong public condemnation and potentially violent retribution. It highlights that "handling shamefully" would involve actions beyond mere arrest, likely encompassing public degradation or physical mistreatment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding ἀτιμόω (atimóō, `{{G821}}`) includes several important related terms:
* **ἄτιμος (atimos, `{{G819}}`)**: The root adjective, meaning "without honor," "dishonored," or "disgraced." This describes the state of being deprived of respect or social standing.
* **ἀτιμάζω (atimazō, `{{G818}}`)**: A verb very closely related to ἀτιμόω, meaning "to dishonor," "to treat with contempt," "to insult," or "to despise." While similar, ἀτιμόω often emphasizes the active, perhaps physical, imposition of shame through maltreatment.
* **ἀτιμία (atimia, `{{G820}}`)**: The noun form, signifying "dishonor," "disgrace," or "shame." It represents the state or condition of being dishonored. For example, in [[Romans 1:24]], God gives over those who suppress the truth to "dishonorable passions" (εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας).
* Other related concepts include words for abuse, contempt, and mistreatment, such as ὑβρίζω (hybrizō, `{{G5195}}`), "to insult, outrage," and κακοῦργος (kakourgos, `{{G2558}}`), often implying one who suffers ill-treatment or is treated as a criminal. The distinct nuance of ἀτιμόω lies in the active infliction of shame and dishonor through the "handling" or treatment of a person.
### Theological Significance
The concept encapsulated by ἀτιμόω (atimóō, `{{G821}}`) touches upon profound theological themes centered on human dignity, social honor, and the nature of suffering. In ancient societies, honor was a paramount value, and to be "handled shamefully" was a severe form of degradation, often worse than physical injury alone.
1. **Dignity of Humanity**: The biblical narrative consistently affirms the inherent dignity of humanity as created in the image of God ([[Genesis 1:27]]). To "handle shamefully" or to dishonor another person is, in essence, to violate this divine image and to degrade a creature made for honor and relationship with God.
2. **Christ's Suffering**: While ἀτιμόω is not directly used to describe Christ's passion, the *concept* of being dishonored and treated shamefully is central to His experience. He was "despised and rejected by men" ([[Isaiah 53:3]]), subjected to insults, mockery, and physical abuse, culminating in the public disgrace of crucifixion. His willingness to endure such ignominious treatment for the sake of humanity underscores the depth of His love and the radical nature of His self-emptying (κένωσις).
3. **Treatment of Believers**: The single occurrence in [[Acts 5:26]] reveals the potential for believers to be subjected to such shameful treatment. However, it also highlights divine providence or human restraint that can prevent such extreme dishonor. The New Testament consistently calls believers to honor all people ([[1 Peter 2:17]]) and to avoid bringing shame upon others, reflecting the character of God. Conversely, suffering "dishonor" for Christ's sake can be reframed as a form of honor ([[Acts 5:41]]).
4. **Divine Judgment**: In a theological sense, God's judgment can be understood as a righteous imposition of dishonor upon those who persist in sin and rebellion, giving them over to their own "dishonorable passions" (e.g., [[Romans 1:24-26]]). This reflects a cosmic order where actions contrary to God's will ultimately lead to spiritual and moral degradation.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀτιμόω (atimóō, `{{G821}}`) precisely conveys the action of "to handle shamefully" or "to maltreat," stemming from the root concept of being "without honor" (ἄτιμος, `{{G819}}`). It implies an active, deliberate imposition of disgrace, often through physical or publicly humiliating actions. Its singular appearance in [[Acts 5:26]] vividly illustrates the potential for severe, undignified treatment, which the arresting officers in that instance consciously avoided due to fear of public backlash. This word underscores the profound biblical emphasis on human dignity and the gravity of actions that dishonor or degrade others. Theologically, it resonates with the suffering of Christ, who endured ultimate shame, and serves as a call for believers to uphold the honor of all people, reflecting God's own regard for humanity created in His image.
TRV