ἄτιμος (atimos)
atimos
dishonored
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective atimos describes a state of being dishonored or held in low esteem. It literally means "without honor," combining a negative prefix with the word for price or value. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, often characterizing those who are rejected or treated with contempt by society.
This term captures the social reality of disgrace rather than just internal feelings. Jesus uses it to describe his own experience in his hometown (Matthew 13:57; Mark 6:4), where he was unvalued by his own people. Paul also employs it to depict the hardships faced by apostles, who were treated as outcasts and insults (1 Corinthians 4:10). In 1 Corinthians 12:23, he argues that the weaker or less honorable parts of the body are actually necessary and should be given greater honor.
The word highlights a stark contrast between human judgment and divine worth. Those considered atimos by the world are often central to God’s plan. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for figures like the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:3), linking it to themes of humiliation that precede exaltation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word atimos describes a state of being held in low esteem or treated without respect. It captures the social reality of disgrace rather than just internal feelings. When Jesus spoke of prophets being without honor, He acknowledged that rejection often comes from those closest to us. This truth can be painful when our efforts go unnoticed or when we face criticism from family or community.
Yet this concept offers a different perspective on value. Paul noted that the apostles were treated with dishonor, yet they remained faithful. In the body of Christ, what the world considers weak or less honorable is actually given greater care. Your worth is not defined by public acclaim or social status. God sees and values those whom society might overlook.
This understanding brings comfort to those who feel undervalued. It reminds us that divine worth often stands in stark contrast to human judgment. Those considered insignificant by the world are frequently central to God’s plan. We can find peace knowing that our identity is secure in Christ, regardless of how others treat us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- without honor.1×
- without honor1×
- without Honor1×
- less honorable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄτιμος2×
- ἄτιμοι.1×
- ἀτιμότερα1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 13:57
They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in his own house.”
Jesus uses this concept to explain why familiarity can breed contempt, showing that rejection from one's own community is a known spiritual reality.
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I Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
Paul contrasts the apostles' experience of dishonor with the Corinthians' perceived wisdom, highlighting how Christian service often looks like weakness to the world.
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I Corinthians 12:23
Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant modesty,
Paul argues that parts of the body deemed less honorable require even more abundant honor, reversing societal standards of value within the church.