CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Honor and Shame</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/h/honor_and_shame.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/exodus/20-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/h/honor.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Honor and Shame</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/h/honor_and_reverence_for_god.htm" title="Honor and Reverence for God">◄</a> Honor and Shame <a href="/topical/h/honor_and_support_for_church_leaders.htm" title="Honor and Support for Church Leaders">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the concepts of honor and shame are deeply embedded in the social fabric and are pivotal in understanding the actions and teachings of biblical figures. These concepts are not only social constructs but also carry significant theological implications.<br><br><b>Honor</b><br><br>Honor in the biblical sense is often associated with the esteem and respect accorded to individuals, families, or communities. It is a value that is both ascribed and achieved, reflecting one's social standing and moral integrity. In the Old Testament, honor is frequently linked to obedience to God's commandments and the fulfillment of one's duties. For instance, the commandment to "Honor your father and your mother" (<a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a>) underscores the importance of familial respect and the social order established by God.<br><br>The pursuit of honor is evident in the lives of many biblical characters. King David, for example, is portrayed as a man after God's own heart, whose honor is derived from his faithfulness and devotion to God (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). Similarly, the Proverbs often speak of honor as a reward for wisdom and righteousness: "The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame" (<a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Proverbs 3:35</a>).<br><br>In the New Testament, honor takes on a Christocentric dimension. Jesus Christ, though He humbled Himself, is ultimately exalted and honored by God the Father. <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a> states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Believers are called to honor Christ and to live lives that reflect His teachings, thereby bringing honor to God.<br><br><b>Shame</b><br><br>Shame, in contrast, is associated with disgrace, dishonor, and the loss of social standing. It is often the result of sin, disobedience, or failure to adhere to societal norms. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve's disobedience leads to a profound sense of shame, as they become aware of their nakedness and hide from God (<a href="/genesis/3-7.htm">Genesis 3:7-10</a>). This narrative illustrates the theological concept of shame as a consequence of sin and separation from God.<br><br>Throughout the Scriptures, shame is depicted as both a personal and communal experience. The prophets frequently warn Israel of the shame that will come upon them if they turn away from God. For example, <a href="/jeremiah/3-25.htm">Jeremiah 3:25</a> laments, "Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God."<br><br>In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of shame by redefining it in the context of His kingdom. He teaches that those who are shamed for His sake will ultimately be honored: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven" (<a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a>). The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, expressing that he is not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation (<a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a>).<br><br>The interplay of honor and shame in the Bible serves as a lens through which the values of God's kingdom are contrasted with those of the world. Believers are called to seek honor through humility, service, and faithfulness to God, while understanding that true honor comes from God alone.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/honor.htm">Honor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/honor_your_husband.htm">Honor Your Husband</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/included.htm">Included (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/renowned.htm">Renowned (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/attained.htm">Attained (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/honest.htm">Honest (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/attain.htm">Attain (30 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/good.htm">Good (8348 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/estate.htm">Estate (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/esteem.htm">Esteem (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rank.htm">Rank (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/honourable.htm">Honourable (72 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jabez.htm">Jabez (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/generous.htm">Generous (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/excellent.htm">Excellent (52 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/distinguished.htm">Distinguished (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dignity.htm">Dignity (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/doorkeeper.htm">Doorkeeper (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bodyguard.htm">Bodyguard (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/counselor.htm">Counselor (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arimathea.htm">Arimathea (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/honesty.htm">Honesty (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/honorably.htm">Honorably (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/planned.htm">Planned (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/devised.htm">Devised (35 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/honor.htm">Honor (240 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/glory.htm">Glory (590 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/antioch.htm">Antioch (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/glorious.htm">Glorious (91 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sight.htm">Sight (522 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/base.htm">Base (127 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/valor.htm">Valor (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeboiim.htm">Zeboiim (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/naaman.htm">Naaman (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nazarene.htm">Nazarene (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/noble-minded.htm">Noble-minded (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/name.htm">Name (10157 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/na'aman.htm">Na'aman (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/ungraceful.htm">Ungraceful (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unapproved.htm">Unapproved (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unpresentable.htm">Unpresentable (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/urged.htm">Urged (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/overthrew.htm">Overthrew (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/owning.htm">Owning (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lewd.htm">Lewd (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/ladies.htm">Ladies (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/less.htm">Less (93 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lovely.htm">Lovely (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lordly.htm">Lordly (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loyal.htm">Loyal (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gloried.htm">Gloried (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/giver.htm">Giver (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/graceful.htm">Graceful (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wonted.htm">Wonted (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/worship.htm">Worship (332 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/warrior.htm">Warrior (36 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/ignoble.htm">Ignoble (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/invited.htm">Invited (49 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/invest.htm">Invest (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/insolently.htm">Insolently (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/invoked.htm">Invoked (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/famish.htm">Famish (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/family.htm">Family (438 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/finally.htm">Finally (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/failed.htm">Failed (58 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/free.htm">Free (454 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/famished.htm">Famished (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/favourites.htm">Favourites (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/favored.htm">Favored (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/teaches.htm">Teaches (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/top.htm">Top (880 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trusted.htm">Trusted (82 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/title.htm">Title (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/traffickers.htm">Traffickers (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/treated.htm">Treated (69 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/treat.htm">Treat (53 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tongue.htm">Tongue (160 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/repay.htm">Repay (79 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/respected.htm">Respected (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reprobate.htm">Reprobate (8 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/h/honor_and_reverence_for_god.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Honor and Reverence for God"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Honor and Reverence for God" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/h/honor_and_support_for_church_leaders.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Honor and Support for Church Leaders"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Honor and Support for Church Leaders" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>