Esteem
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Esteem in the Bible?
Esteem denotes the valuation of a person or object as honorable, valuable, or significant, reflecting a judgment of worth that can manifest as either positive regard or deliberate disregard.
SIGNIFICANCE
Grasping the concept of esteem illuminates the social dynamics and moral frameworks within biblical texts, showing how the assignment of honor and value functioned to sustain community cohesion and reflect divine order.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Esteem. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Esteem in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Esteem clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Esteem." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/esteem/