Definition and Etymology:
The term "honorest" is an archaic form of the word "honor," used in older English translations of the Bible. It is derived from the Latin "honor," meaning esteem, respect, or dignity. In the context of the Bible, to "honor" someone is to show them respect and reverence, often due to their position, character, or actions.

Biblical Usage:
The concept of honor is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting the values and social structures of ancient Israel and the early Christian communities. The Bible frequently commands believers to honor God, parents, and others in authority, as well as to live honorably themselves.

1. Honoring God:
The Bible emphasizes the importance of honoring God above all. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly instructed to honor God through obedience, worship, and sacrifice. For example, in Malachi 1:6 , God questions the Israelites, saying, "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?" This highlights the expectation of reverence and respect towards God.

2. Honoring Parents:
One of the Ten Commandments explicitly instructs individuals to honor their parents. Exodus 20:12 states, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment underscores the importance of family structure and respect within the household, promising a blessing of longevity for those who adhere to it.

3. Honoring Authorities:
The New Testament extends the concept of honor to include secular authorities. Romans 13:1-7 discusses the believer's relationship with governing authorities, emphasizing that they are instituted by God. Verse 7 specifically states, "Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due." This passage encourages Christians to respect and honor those in positions of authority as part of their witness and obedience to God.

4. Honoring Others:
The Bible also calls for mutual honor among believers. Romans 12:10 instructs, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This reflects the Christian ethic of love and humility, urging believers to esteem others above themselves.

5. Living Honorably:
Christians are called to live lives that are honorable and reflect the character of Christ. 1 Peter 2:12 advises, "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." This passage highlights the evangelistic power of an honorable life, suggesting that such conduct can lead others to glorify God.

Theological Significance:
Honor in the biblical sense is not merely about external actions but is deeply connected to the heart's attitude. It involves recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of others, as well as acknowledging God's ultimate authority and sovereignty. The practice of honoring God and others is a reflection of one's relationship with God and is integral to living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Cultural Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern culture, honor and shame were pivotal social values. Honor was associated with social status, reputation, and the fulfillment of one's duties within the community. The biblical injunctions to honor God, parents, and authorities would have resonated strongly within this cultural framework, reinforcing social cohesion and religious devotion.

Practical Application:
For contemporary believers, the call to honor remains relevant. It challenges individuals to respect and value others, to live with integrity, and to prioritize their relationship with God. In a world where honor is often misunderstood or neglected, the biblical perspective offers a countercultural approach that emphasizes humility, respect, and love.

John Chapter v. 19-30
... But lest, it may be, thou honorest the Father indeed as greater, but the Son as
less,"as thou mayest say to me, "I do honor the Father, for I know that He ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xix john chapter v.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice, and at mine offering, which I have commanded
in my habitation, and honorest thy sons above me; so make yourselves fat with ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

1 John v. 3-Jan
... Above [2530] thou honorest me, beneath [2531] thou treadest upon me. That on which
thou treadest pains more than that which thou honorest rejoiceth. ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily x 1 john v.htm

2 Cor. Ix. 10
... But thou honorest indeed this altar, because it receiveth Christ's body; but him
that is himself the body of Christ thou treatest with contumely, and when ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xx 2 cor ix.htm

Matt. xiv. 23, 24
... Neglect Him not when naked; do not while here thou honorest Him with silken
garments, neglect Him perishing without of cold and nakedness. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily l matt xiv 23.htm

John xiii. 36
... anger Him? "I commanded thee," He will say, "not to steal, and honorest thou
Me from that thou hast stolen? What thinkest thou? That ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxiii john xiii 36.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 24
... How then dost thou beseech God to spare thee, when thou thyself art so
unsparing of thyself, and honorest money above thy soul? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiii 1 cor ix.htm

Honorest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Honorest (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 2:29 Wherefore
kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I ...
/h/honorest.htm - 6k

Chiefest (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 2:29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have
commanded in my habitation; and honorest thy sons above me, to make ...
/c/chiefest.htm - 9k

Honored (51 Occurrences)

/h/honored.htm - 21k

Honoreth (7 Occurrences)

/h/honoreth.htm - 8k

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