### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀτιμία (atimía, `{{G819}}`) is derived from the adjective ἄτιμος (átimos, `{{G820}}`), meaning "without honor," "dishonored," or "of no value." Consequently, ἀτιμία signifies the state or condition of being dishonored, disgraced, or held in low esteem. Its semantic range encompasses both subjective and objective dimensions:
* **Subjectively:** It can refer to a feeling of indignity, shame, or a sense of worthlessness.
* **Objectively:** It denotes public disgrace, ignominy, reproach, or a loss of social standing and respect.
It stands in direct antithesis to τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`), which means honor, value, or respect. Thus, ἀτιμία represents a departure from, or absence of, that which is deemed honorable, valuable, or worthy of esteem, often implying a degradation of status or character in the eyes of others or before God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀτιμία appears nine times in the New Testament, revealing diverse applications:
* **Moral Degradation:** In [[Romans 1:26]], Paul states, "For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions" (εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας). Here, ἀτιμία describes the inherent dishonor and degrading nature of sinful desires, specifically in the context of idolatry leading to unnatural sexual relations. It highlights the profound disgrace that results from turning away from God's created order and His glory.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose:** [[Romans 9:21]] asks, "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" (ὃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν ὃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν). Similarly, [[2 Timothy 2:20]] speaks of "vessels unto honour, and some unto dishonour" (ἃ μὲν εἰς τιμήν, ἃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν) in a great house. In these contexts, ἀτιμία refers to a functional distinction, where certain individuals or objects are designated for less noble or ignoble purposes, not necessarily implying moral culpability in every instance, but rather a sovereign choice or consequence of character. In 2 Timothy, the "vessels unto dishonour" are those who do not cleanse themselves, thus incurring moral dishonor.
* **Cultural Norms and Appearance:** [[1 Corinthians 11:14]] states, "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?" (ἀτιμία αὐτῷ ἐστιν). Here, ἀτιμία refers to what is considered culturally inappropriate or disgraceful within the Corinthian context regarding gender roles and appearance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum that aligns with societal and spiritual norms.
* **The Transformation of the Body:** In [[1 Corinthians 15:43]], Paul contrasts the present and future states of the body: "It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory" (σπείρεται ἐν ἀτιμίᾳ, ἐγείρεται ἐν δόξῃ). This use of ἀτιμία refers to the perishable, mortal, and weak nature of the earthly body, which is subject to decay and death, contrasting it with the glorious, imperishable, and powerful nature of the resurrected body.
* **Apostolic Suffering and Paradox:** Paul uses ἀτιμία to describe the experiences of apostolic ministry in [[2 Corinthians 6:8]]: "by honour and dishonour" (διὰ δόξης καὶ ἀτιμίας). He lists the paradoxes of his ministry, enduring both praise and contempt for the sake of the Gospel. This illustrates ἀτιμία as external reproach, scorn, or ill-treatment faced by believers. In [[2 Corinthians 11:21]], Paul ironically refers to his own perceived "reproach" (κατὰ ἀτιμίαν λέγω) among the Corinthians, contrasting his perceived weakness with the boasting of others.
* **Ineffective Asceticism:** While not directly using ἀτιμία for the practices themselves, [[Colossians 2:23]] notes that certain ascetic regulations "are of no value against fleshly indulgence" (οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός). The phrase "not in any honour" (οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι) implies that such human-made rules, despite appearing wise, do not bring true honor to God or effectively curb the flesh, thus leading to a form of dishonor by missing the mark of true spiritual discipline which comes through Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonym:** The most direct antonym is τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`), meaning "honor," "value," or "preciousness." The contrast between ἀτιμία and τιμή is central to understanding the full scope of the term.
* **Root:** The adjective ἄτιμος (átimos, `{{G820}}`), meaning "dishonored," "without honor," or "unesteemed," serves as the direct linguistic root.
* **Verbal Form:** The verb ἀτιμάζω (atimazō, `{{G818}}`), "to dishonor," "treat with contempt," or "disgrace," describes the action that leads to ἀτιμία.
* **Semantic Overlap:**
* αἰσχύνη (aischynē, `{{G152}}`): "shame," "disgrace," often implying a subjective feeling of disgrace or a state that causes shame. While related, ἀτιμία tends to focus more on the objective state of being dishonored.
* ὄνειδος (oneidos, `{{G3681}}`): "reproach," "disgrace," "reviling." This term often emphasizes the verbal abuse or public accusation that brings dishonor.
* μολυσμός (molysmos, `{{G3436}}`): "defilement," "pollution." Sin, which leads to ἀτιμία, is also a form of defilement.
* δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`): "glory," "splendor," "honor." This word is frequently contrasted with ἀτιμία, particularly in the context of the resurrection and the suffering of Christ and believers.
### Theological Significance
The concept of ἀτιμία carries profound theological weight within the New Testament:
* **The Consequence of Sin:** At its core, ἀτιμία is intrinsically linked to sin and rebellion against God. When humanity turns away from the Creator to created things (idolatry), it results in a profound degradation of human dignity and morality, leading to "vile passions" ([[Romans 1:26]]). Sin is inherently dishonoring to God, whose glory is diminished, and to humanity, whose purpose as image-bearers is corrupted.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:** The usage of ἀτιμία in the context of "vessels unto dishonour" ([[Romans 9:21]], [[2 Timothy 2:20]]) highlights God's sovereign right to use individuals for different purposes. While this can refer to a functional distinction, in 2 Timothy, it also carries a clear moral dimension, indicating that those who persist in unrighteousness bring dishonor to the household of God. This underscores the interplay between divine purpose and human accountability.
* **The Paradox of the Cross and Christian Suffering:** The ultimate manifestation of ἀτιμία was borne by Jesus Christ on the cross. He, who was utterly honorable, endured the deepest shame, reproach, and public disgrace for the sake of humanity's sin. This act of profound self-abasement and dishonor paradoxically became the means to ultimate glory and honor (cf. [[Philippians 2:8-9]]). Believers are called to follow this pattern, often experiencing ἀτιμία—persecution, ridicule, misunderstanding—for their faith ([[2 Corinthians 6:8]]). This suffering, however, is not without purpose; it is a pathway to true honor in God's eyes and ultimate glory.
* **Eschatological Hope and Transformation:** The contrast in [[1 Corinthians 15:43]] between "sown in dishonour" and "raised in glory" offers a powerful message of eschatological hope. The present reality of human mortality, weakness, and decay (ἀτιμία) will be utterly transformed in the resurrection. The perishable, ignoble body will be raised imperishable and glorious, signifying God's ultimate victory over sin, death, and all forms of dishonor.
### Summary
ἀτιμία (atimía, `{{G819}}`) denotes a state of dishonor, disgrace, or indignity, stemming from a lack of honor (ἄτιμος, `{{G820}}`). It is a multifaceted term in the New Testament, describing:
1. The moral degradation and inherent shame of sin, particularly idolatry and its consequences.
2. A functional distinction in God's sovereign purposes, where some are designated for less honorable uses, sometimes due to their own unrighteousness.
3. Cultural shame or impropriety.
4. The perishable and weak nature of the physical body prior to resurrection.
5. The external reproach and suffering endured by apostles and believers for the sake of the Gospel.
Crucially, ἀτιμία consistently stands in stark contrast to τιμή (honor) and δόξα (glory). Theologically, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the profound dishonor it brings. Yet, in the context of Christ's cross and the believer's journey, enduring ἀτιμία for God's sake is paradoxically a pathway to ultimate honor and eternal glory in the resurrection, reflecting the divine reversal of values.
TRV