ὄνειδος (oneidos)
oneidos
disgrace
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun oneidos refers to a public disgrace or reproach that brings shame upon an individual. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 1:25, where Mary describes her condition as a "disgrace" among her people. This usage aligns with its frequent appearance in the Septuagint, where it translates Hebrew terms for insult or humiliation.
Its meaning extends beyond mere criticism to encompass a social stigma that affects one's standing within the community. The word captures the pain of being mocked or censured publicly, reflecting a deep sense of dishonor rather than private disagreement.
The term’s rarity in the New Testament highlights its specific role in describing the social consequences of perceived moral failure. By using this word, Luke emphasizes the cultural weight of shame in first-century Jewish society, where reputation was closely tied to divine favor and communal acceptance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oneidos describes a heavy social shame, the kind that isolates you from your community and makes you feel invisible. In first-century Jewish culture, being treated with reproach was not just an insult; it was a public stripping of dignity. Mary’s experience in Luke 1:25 shows us that even those chosen by God can face this deep humiliation. Her story reminds us that shame is real, painful, and often misunderstood by those around us.
Yet, the gospel offers a different perspective on disgrace. God does not ignore our social standing or our hidden pains. He sees the reproach we carry and chooses to lift it up through His grace. When you feel judged or dismissed by others, remember that your worth is not defined by public opinion but by divine love. This word invites us to trust that God’s plan can bring honor where there was once only shame.
May you find comfort in knowing that no reproach is too great for God to heal. His presence brings peace to the broken heart and restores dignity to those who feel forgotten. You are seen, known, and valued by the One who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- disgrace1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὄνειδός1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:25
“Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”
This verse captures the word's essence by showing Mary’s personal experience of social stigma and her relief that God removed this reproach.