In the context of the Bible, "indignities" refer to acts or situations that cause one to suffer shame, humiliation, or dishonor. These can be physical, emotional, or spiritual in nature and are often depicted as trials or tests of faith. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who endured indignities, often as a means of refining their character or demonstrating their faithfulness to God.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph: One of the most notable examples of enduring indignities is Joseph, the son of Jacob. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph faced numerous humiliations, including false accusations and imprisonment. Despite these trials, Joseph remained faithful to God, and his endurance ultimately led to his rise to power in Egypt. Genesis 39:20-21 states, "So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden."

2. Job: The account of Job is another profound example of enduring indignities. Job, a righteous man, suffered immense loss and physical affliction. His friends accused him of wrongdoing, adding to his humiliation. Yet, Job maintained his integrity and faith in God. Job 19:25-26 reflects his hope: "But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God."

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of enduring indignities is found in the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He was mocked, beaten, and crucified, enduring the ultimate humiliation for the sake of humanity's redemption. Philippians 2:7-8 describes His humility: "But He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

2. Apostle Paul: Paul frequently faced indignities in his ministry, including imprisonment, beatings, and public ridicule. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his mission to spread the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 , Paul recounts his sufferings: "Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death."

Theological Significance

Indignities in the Bible often serve as a means of testing and refining one's faith. They are seen as opportunities for believers to demonstrate their trust in God and to grow in spiritual maturity. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials positively: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Practical Application

Believers are called to respond to indignities with grace and patience, following the example of Christ and the apostles. Romans 12:17-21 advises, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'"

In enduring indignities, Christians are reminded of the temporary nature of earthly suffering and the eternal glory that awaits those who remain faithful.(n.) Plural of Indignity.INDIGNITIES

in-dig'-ni-tiz.

See PUNISHMENTS.

Refutation of the Jews
... sake, but for the sake of bringing immortality and salvation to all, and they record
also the plotting of the Jews against Him and all the indignities which He ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm

The Vanity of Idols.
... sacrifices. Let any one of you suffer such indignities! [272] Let any one
of you endure to have such things done to himself! But ...
/.../the epistle of mathetes to diognetus/chapter ii the vanity of idols.htm

Christ was Possessed of a Body after his Resurrection.
... Thomas also says to Him, "My Lord, and my God." [996] And on this account also did
they despise death, for it were too little to say, indignities and stripes. ...
/.../chapter iii christ was possessed of.htm

Introduction
... to profess them, and soon became a public advocate in what he believed to be the
cause of truth; cheerfully submitting to the indignities and imprisonments ...
/.../introduction.htm

An Idol Thrown Out of a Temple.
... The priest, therefore, in order to preserve the idol from further indignities, and
also to commence the process of purification, put it into a well near the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter seventeen an idol thrown.htm

Fifth Day. Meekness.
... heals His enemy! Arraigned before Pilate's judgment-seat, how meekly He
bears nameless wrongs and indignities! Suspended on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/fifth day meekness.htm

Jesus Sentenced
... I. The cruelties and indignities in verses 1-3 were inflicted within the 'palace,'
to which Pilate, with his prisoner, had returned after the popular vote for ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/jesus sentenced.htm

Jesus Before the Jewish Rulers. Ch. 22:63-71
... Those responsible for these indignities were the Jewish rulers, the most cultured
and refined and professedly religious men of their day; but the beast within ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/f jesus before the jewish.htm

Continuation. Several Other Martyrs.
... their lives in the practice of holiness, there is to be added a great multitude
of the elect, who, having through envy endured many indignities and tortures ...
/.../chapter vi continuation several other martyrs.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 10
... that he might hereby cause them also to consider, that they should zealously seek
the condition of the Apostles; their dangers and their indignities, not their ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiii 1 cor iv.htm

Indignities
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Indignity. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. INDIGNITIES. in-dig'-ni-tiz. See PUNISHMENTS. ...
/i/indignities.htm - 6k

Indispensable (1 Occurrence)

/i/indispensable.htm - 7k

Indignation (56 Occurrences)

/i/indignation.htm - 24k

Great (10383 Occurrences)
... his rear, Alexander collected his army at Pella to cross the Hellespont, that he
might exact the vengeance of Greece on Persia for indignities suffered at the ...
/g/great.htm - 35k

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:14), sent Adoram, his taskmaster, who no doubt had quelled other
disturbances, to subdue the populace, which, insulted by indignities and enraged ...
/r/rehoboam.htm - 34k

James (40 Occurrences)
... that their Lord, whom they had lately beheld "in his glory" with "countenance altered"
and "glistering raiment," should be subjected to such indignities by the ...
/j/james.htm - 78k

Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... 3, 10; Acts 23:10; and the Epistles of Paul). SeePRISON. (11) Indignities.
In this term may be included all those outbursts of vengeance ...
/p/punishments.htm - 36k

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)
... The latter was a prisoner most of the time; and the indignities which he suffered,
and which the king heedlessly allowed, show how the prophet's word and ...
/z/zedekiah.htm - 49k

Alexander (5 Occurrences)
... his rear, Alexander collected his army at Pella to cross the Hellespont, that he
might exact the vengeance of Greece on Persia for indignities suffered at the ...
/a/alexander.htm - 32k

What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.org

What did Paul mean when he said he had fought the good fight? | GotQuestions.org

Indignities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus