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to render infamous, i.e. (by implication) contemn or maltreat
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Strong 1890 to render infamous, i.e. (by implication) contemn or maltreat
from G820 (ἄτιμος);
Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
Pronunciation Guide: ah-tee-MAH-zoh
Basic Definition
Strong's G818: ἀτιμάζω represents the act of treating someone or something with dishonor, contempt, or disdain. It carries the weight of deliberately diminishing someone's worth or status through words or actions. This term embodies not just casual disrespect but a conscious choice to strip away dignity and value from the object of scorn.
Etymology and Morphology
ἀτιμάζω Morphology:
Origin & History
The concept of honor and shame was foundational in ancient Mediterranean culture, making ἀτιμάζω a particularly potent term. In classical Greek literature, Thucydides employed it in his "History of the Peloponnesian War" to describe the dishonoring of civic leaders. Aristotle used it in "Nicomachean Ethics" when discussing the relationship between honor and virtue.
In the Septuagint, ἀτιμάζω appears frequently to translate Hebrew terms related to shame and dishonor, particularly כָּלַם (kalam) and בָּזָה (bazah). This usage established its significance in Jewish religious contexts, especially regarding the treatment of God's prophets and divine commands.
The early church fathers, particularly Chrysostom in his homilies, employed ἀτιμάζω when discussing the persecution of Christians and the dishonoring of God's messengers, drawing parallels with the treatment of Old Testament prophets.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
ἀτιμάζω Translation Options:
Biblical Usage
The first appearance of ἀτιμάζω in Luke 20:11 occurs in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, where vineyard owners treated disgracefully the servant sent to collect the harvest. This usage perfectly illustrates the word's connection to both social status and moral failing.
Throughout the New Testament, ἀτιμάζω often appears in contexts of rejection of divine authority or mistreatment of God's representatives. It carries particular weight in passages discussing the rejection of the Messiah and the persecution of His followers.
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Cultural Insights
In the ancient Mediterranean world, honor and shame were primary cultural values that governed social interactions. The concept of ἀτιμάζω was particularly severe because it implied not just personal insult but social death. In Athens, ἀτιμία (the noun form) was a legal status that stripped citizens of their civil rights, effectively making them non-persons in society.
The Jewish context adds another layer of significance. In rabbinic tradition, to dishonor a teacher or sage was considered equivalent to dishonoring the Torah itself. This understanding illuminates why the religious leaders' ἀτιμάζω of Jesus was particularly egregious - they were not just rejecting a person but God's living Torah.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀτιμάζω in Scripture reveals a profound pattern of human rebellion against divine authority. When people ἀτιμάζω God or His representatives, they demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of both divine honor and their own created status. This word appears at crucial moments in salvation history, particularly in describing the treatment of the Messiah Jesus.
The paradox of ἀτιμάζω in Christian theology is striking - those who were themselves dishonored (the apostles) considered it an honor to be deemed worthy of sharing in the Messiah's dishonor. This inverse relationship between worldly honor and divine approval becomes a key theme in New Testament teaching.
God's response to being dishonored reveals His character - rather than retaliating with immediate judgment, He often shows patience and mercy, demonstrating that His honor is not diminished by human contempt. This reveals the immutable nature of His glory and worth.
Personal Application
Understanding ἀτιμάζω challenges us to examine our own treatment of God's honor in our lives. Do we, like the religious leaders, dishonor Him through lip service while our hearts are far from Him? The word calls us to recognize that honoring God isn't just about external religious observance but about heart alignment with His values and purposes.
In a world where social media makes it easy to dishonor others with a quick post or comment, the weight of ἀτιμάζω reminds us of the serious nature of treating anyone - created in God's image - with contempt. It calls us to be people who bestow honor rather than shame, recognizing the divine dignity in every human being.
Related Words
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Remember This
ἀτιμάζω represents not just an action but a profound moral and spiritual choice - to strip away the God-given dignity of another, revealing more about the heart of the dishonorer than the dishonored.