Honorable
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Honorable in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, 'honorable' is primarily the translation of the Hebrew root kabhedh, which literally means 'to be heavy' or 'weighty', and conveys concepts of weight, majesty, beauty, and preciousness.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the literal meaning of 'heavy' or 'weighty' clarifies how biblical authors associated moral and social value with tangible substance and gravity, revealing the cultural emphasis on dignity and respect.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Honorable. 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 Honorable in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Honorable clarify?
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
"Honorable." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/honorable/