Brief Overview of ἀτιμία (G819: atimía)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: atimía

Root Words: The term ἀτιμία (atimía) is derived from the prefix ἀ- (a-, meaning “not”) and τιμή (timē, meaning “honor” or “value”).

Primary Meanings:

• Dishonor or Disgrace: The state of being treated with contempt or having one’s honor diminished.
• Shame: A condition of being shamed or held in low regard.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀτιμία as “dishonor” or “disgrace,” emphasizing its use in contexts where someone or something is treated with contempt or devalued. It reflects a lack of respect or honor.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀτιμία as “dishonor” or “shame,” focusing on the aspect of being disrespected or held in low esteem.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that ἀτιμία means “dishonor” or “contempt,” with a specific emphasis on the resulting shame or disgrace.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀτιμία as “dishonor” or “shame,” providing examples where the term is used to depict a lack of respect or low regard.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀτιμία as “dishonor” or “contempt,” aligning with the general meaning of disgrace or being held in low esteem.

Bible Verses:

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• Hebrews 12:2 (KJV): “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
• ἀτιμία is translated as “shame,” referring to the disgrace endured by Jesus on the cross.
• 1 Peter 3:16 (KJV): “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”
• Here, ἀτιμία is associated with being ashamed, highlighting the dishonor faced by those falsely accused.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In his works, such as Rhetoric, ἀτιμία is used to describe the concept of disgrace or dishonor in social and ethical contexts.
• Euripides: In plays like Hecuba, the term appears in situations where characters experience or inflict dishonor and shame.
• Sophocles: In Antigone, ἀτιμία is used to depict the dishonor and shame associated with defying or violating societal norms.

4. Summary:

ἀτιμία (atimía) is a Greek term meaning “dishonor” or “disgrace,” reflecting the state of being treated with contempt or experiencing shame. In biblical texts, it often describes the condition of being shamed or held in low regard, particularly in the context of moral or spiritual matters. Classic Greek literature also utilizes the term to illustrate themes of dishonor and disgrace in social and ethical scenarios. Understanding ἀτιμία helps in grasping concepts related to respect, honor, and social standing in both ancient Greek and biblical contexts.