Topical Encyclopedia Dignity, in the biblical context, refers to the inherent worth and honor bestowed upon human beings by virtue of being created in the image of God. This concept is foundational to understanding human value and the ethical treatment of individuals within a Christian framework.Creation and the Image of God The concept of dignity is rooted in the creation narrative found in Genesis. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage underscores the unique status of human beings as bearers of God's image, which confers upon them a special dignity and worth that is distinct from the rest of creation. Human Value and Worth The dignity of human life is further emphasized throughout Scripture. Psalm 8:4-5 reflects on the elevated status of humanity: "What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor." This passage highlights the honor and glory bestowed upon humanity, affirming their significant place in God's creation. Respect and Honor The Bible calls for the recognition and respect of human dignity in interpersonal relationships. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to honor one another. Romans 12:10 instructs, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This command reflects the importance of acknowledging the dignity of others through acts of love and respect. Justice and Equality The biblical principle of dignity also extends to issues of justice and equality. Proverbs 31:8-9 urges, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy." This call to action emphasizes the responsibility to uphold the dignity of all individuals, particularly those who are marginalized or oppressed. The Dignity of Work Work is another area where human dignity is affirmed. Colossians 3:23 states, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse highlights the value of work as a reflection of God's creative activity and an expression of human dignity. Redemption and Restoration The theme of dignity is also evident in the redemptive work of Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus restores the dignity that sin has marred. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This unity in Christ affirms the equal dignity of all believers, transcending social and cultural distinctions. Eternal Perspective Finally, the dignity of human beings is affirmed in the eternal perspective of Scripture. Revelation 21:3-4 offers a vision of the ultimate restoration of dignity: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'" This promise of eternal fellowship with God underscores the enduring dignity of humanity in the divine plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The state of being worthy or honorable; elevation of mind or character; true worth; excellence.2. (n.) Elevation; grandeur. 3. (n.) Elevated rank; honorable station; high office, political or ecclesiastical; degree of excellence; preferment; exaltation. 4. (n.) Quality suited to inspire respect or reverence; loftiness and grace; impressiveness; stateliness; -- said of //en, manner, style, etc. 5. (n.) One holding high rank; a dignitary. 6. (n.) Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DIGNITIES; DIGNITYdig'-ni-tiz, dig'-ni-ti (Hebrew marom, se'eth, gedhullah): Rank or position, not nobility or austerity of personal character or bearing, is denoted by this word in its Old Testament occurrences (Genesis 49:3 Esther 6:3 Ecclesiastes 10:6 Habakkuk 1:7). In 2 Peter 2:10 Jude 1:8, "dignities" (doxai) are angels, lofty spiritual beings, possible objects of blasphemy; compare the context in both passages. Greek 1646. elachistos -- least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.) ... least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.). Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: elachistos Phonetic Spelling: (el-akh'-is-tos) Short Definition: least ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1646.htm - 8k 4587. semnotes -- seriousness 1391. doxa -- opinion (always good in NT), hence praise, honor ... 2963. kuriotes -- lordship 5311. hupsos -- height 5010. taxis -- an arranging, order 5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak 5092. time -- a valuing, a price 2903. kratistos -- strongest, noblest 4080. pelikos -- how large? how great? Strong's Hebrew 7613. seeth -- exaltation, dignity, swelling, uprising... 7612, 7613. seeth. 7614 . exaltation, dignity, swelling, uprising. Transliteration: seeth Phonetic Spelling: (seh-ayth') Short Definition: swelling. ... /hebrew/7613.htm - 6k 7830. shachats -- dignity, pride 1420. gedullah -- greatness 4791. marom -- height 1926. hadar -- an ornament, honor, splendor 3366. yeqar -- preciousness, price, honor 1363. gobah -- height 405. ekeph -- pressure 7238. rebu -- greatness Library Dignity and Service The Dignity of Woman. Of the Dignity of this Sacrament, and of the Office of the Priest The Fifth Chapter: the Dignity of the Sacrament and of the ... That Having Conferred the Dignity of C??sars on his Three Sons at ... Dignity of the Scripture Language. On the Immeasurable Dignity of Temporal Suffering. Finally Another Reason was the Dignity of Our Saviour's Person Whether it Belongs to Observance to Pay Worship and Honor to those ... Whether, by Penance, Man is Restored to his Former Dignity? Thesaurus Dignity (14 Occurrences)... 6. (n.) Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DIGNITIES; DIGNITY. ... Multi-Version Concordance Dignity (14 Occurrences). ... /d/dignity.htm - 11k Excellency (53 Occurrences) Throne (181 Occurrences) Royal (154 Occurrences) Crown (94 Occurrences) Majesty (67 Occurrences) Godhead (5 Occurrences) Vashti (10 Occurrences) Gravity (3 Occurrences) Dignities (3 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view the concept of death with dignity? | GotQuestions.orgShould married Christians wear wedding rings? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view socialism? | GotQuestions.org Dignity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dignity (14 Occurrences)1 Thessalonians 2:6 1 Timothy 2:2 1 Timothy 3:4 1 Timothy 3:8 Genesis 49:3 Exodus 28:2 Exodus 28:40 Esther 6:3 Job 30:15 Job 40:10 Psalms 62:4 Proverbs 31:25 Ecclesiastes 10:6 Habakkuk 1:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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