קָלוֹן (qa.lon)
qa.lon
dishonor
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qalon signifies a state of deep shame or disgrace, often carrying the weight of public humiliation. It appears fifteen times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Proverbs, Jeremiah, and Hosea. The word describes both personal dishonor and the collective ignominy suffered by a nation, reflecting a loss of social standing and dignity.
In Proverbs, qalon frequently contrasts with honor, illustrating the consequences of foolish or wicked behavior. For instance, Proverbs 3:35 notes that wise men inherit honor, while fools receive qalon. This juxtaposition highlights how moral choices directly impact one’s reputation and social standing within the community.
The prophets use qalon to describe the humiliation Israel faces due to covenant unfaithfulness. Jeremiah 20:11 records the prophet’s fear of being a "laughingstock" (qalon) among his peers, showing how personal shame can accompany prophetic calling. Similarly, Hosea 10:5 speaks of the idolatrous high places bringing shame upon the people, linking religious apostasy to national disgrace.
Translators often render qalon as "shame," "disgrace," or "dishonor," depending on context. The term underscores the relational and communal dimensions of sin, where actions bring not only personal guilt but also public reproach. This concept remains relevant for understanding how ancient Israelites viewed honor and shame in their social and spiritual lives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qalon describes a profound loss of dignity, often felt as public shame or disgrace. In ancient Israel, reputation was tied closely to community standing, so this term carried heavy social weight. It reminds us that our actions have real consequences for how we are viewed and how we view ourselves.
Yet Scripture does not leave us in this state of humiliation. The Bible shows that while pride leads to qalon, humility opens the door to wisdom and restoration. When we acknowledge our faults and seek correction, we move away from shame toward the honor that comes from God.
This word invites us to examine where we might be seeking approval from people rather than trusting in God’s grace. It encourages a life of integrity, knowing that true worth is found not in avoiding embarrassment, but in walking faithfully with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shame8×
- and/ shame3×
- shame/ your2×
- for/ shame1×
- [will be] [the] disgrace of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָל֑וֹן2×
- קָלוֹן֙1×
- קָלֽוֹן\׃\ \פ1×
- קָל֥וֹן1×
- קָל֣וֹן1×
- קָל֖וֹן1×
- קָ֝ל֗וֹן1×
- קְלוֹנֵֽ/ךְ\׃1×
- קְלוֹנֵ֔/ךְ1×
- קְל֖וֹן1×
- וְ֭/קָלוֹן1×
- וְ/קָלֽוֹן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 3:35
The wise will inherit glory, but shame will be the promotion of fools.
This verse contrasts the wise who inherit glory with fools who receive qalon, showing that moral choices directly determine one's social standing.
-
Hosea 4:7
As they were multiplied, so they sinned against me. I will change their glory into shame.
Here God declares He will change Israel's glory into qalon, linking national idolatry directly to collective disgrace.