HONORABLE, HONOR (כָּבֵד֒, H3877; τιμάω, G5506).

1. Meaning. The Heb. progressed in meaning from “to be heavy” to “to be wealthy,” and finally “to be in honor.” Similarly, the Gr. meant at first “to estimate, to fix the value,” which naturally came to mean also “to honor, venerate.” Honor is an enviable esteem, a valuable reward for excellence in station, character, or service. It is paid in thought, word, deed, or substance (Isa 29:13). “Honor the Lord with your substance” (Prov 3:9). Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and scribes for not honoring their parents with material necessities (Matt 15:4-6). Ancient laws pronounced the death penalty on those who dishonored parents in act or word (Exod 21:15, 17; Lev 20:9).

2. Meriting honor. Primarily, God is to be honored, for He is “clothed with honor and majesty” (Ps 104:1), and “honor and majesty are before him” (Ps 96:6). Similarly, the Son is to be honored (John 5:23). All that is sacred is to be honored: the Sabbath (Isa 58:13f.; Rom 14:6); the “honorable name” of Jesus (James 2:7); and marriage (Heb 13:4). Next is God’s elect, particularly those commissioned for religious service. The people of Israel was “high above all nations...in honor” (Deut 26:19). Samuel was “held in honor” (1 Sam 9:6). So were David (Ps 4:2) and Job (Job 30:15), and a host of others. Jesus’ apostles were held “in high honor” (Acts 5:13). Rulers, like King Jehoshaphat, “had great riches and honor” (2 Chron 17:5; 18:1); likewise Solomon (2 Chron 1:12) and Hezekiah (2 Chron 32:33; cf., Ps 45:9). Also, “The wise will inherit honor” (Prov 3:35). Wives and husbands should receive mutual honor (Gen 30:20; Esth 1:20).

3. Injunctions to honor. Paul told the Christians in Rome to pay “honor to whom honor is due” (Rom 13:7). The Bible is clear on who merits honor, including the list above. The fifth commandment is explicit: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exod 20:12). Jesus (Matt 15:1-9) and Paul both emphasized its importance (Eph 6:2, 3). Peter exhorted to “Honor all men...Honor the emperor” (1 Pet 2:17), and Paul asked slaves to honor their masters (1 Tim 6:1). Jesus said “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country...kin...house” (Mark 6:4).