Topical Encyclopedia The term "infamous" is not directly used in the Bible; however, the concept of infamy—being known for a bad reputation or evil deeds—is evident throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and groups whose actions led to a legacy of infamy, serving as warnings and lessons for believers.Old Testament Examples 1. Cain: Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, is infamous for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel out of jealousy. This act of violence marked him with a legacy of infamy. Genesis 4:8-10 recounts, "Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' 'I do not know,' he answered. 'Am I my brother’s keeper?'" 2. Jezebel: Queen Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, is notorious for her idolatry and persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. Her actions led to the spiritual decline of Israel and her name became synonymous with wickedness. 1 Kings 21:25 states, "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel." 3. Korah: Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. His defiance resulted in a dramatic judgment from God, making him infamous for his rebellion. Numbers 16:32-33 describes, "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned; the earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly." New Testament Examples 1. Judas Iscariot: Perhaps the most infamous figure in the New Testament, Judas Iscariot is known for betraying Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. His betrayal led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Matthew 26:14-16 records, "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus." 2. Herod the Great: Herod is infamous for his role in the massacre of the innocents, ordering the killing of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two in an attempt to eliminate the newborn King of the Jews. Matthew 2:16 states, "When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he sent and killed all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi." Conceptual Understanding The Bible consistently warns against actions that lead to infamy, emphasizing the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. Proverbs 10:7 contrasts the memory of the righteous with that of the wicked: "The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." Infamy in the biblical context is often associated with a rejection of God's commandments and a pursuit of selfish or evil desires. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the concept of infamy underscores the importance of living a life that honors God and adheres to His commandments. The infamous figures in the Bible serve as cautionary tales, reminding believers of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of repentance and obedience. Romans 6:23 warns, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This highlights the ultimate consequence of a life marked by infamy and the hope offered through redemption in Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of very bad report; having a public reputation Of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty Of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an infamous perjurer.2. (a.) Causing or producing infamy; deserving detestation; scandalous to the last degree; as, an infamous act; infamous vices; infamous corruption. 3. (a.) Branded with infamy by conviction of a crime; as, at common law, an infamous person can not be a witness. 4. (a.) Having a bad name as being the place where an odious crime was committed, or as being associated with something detestable; hence, unlucky; perilous; dangerous. Greek 818. atimazo -- to dishonor ... From atimos; to render infamous, ie (by implication) contemn or maltreat -- despise, dishonour, suffer shame, entreat shamefully. see GREEK atimos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/818.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2931. tame -- unclean... defiled, infamous, polluted, unclean. From tame'; foul in a relig. Sense -- defiled, + infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. see HEBREW tame'. 2930, 2931. ... /hebrew/2931.htm - 6k 8034. shem -- a name Library Having Shown Briefly How Impious and Infamous are the Opinions ... And Since Celsus Has Termed the Apostles of Jesus Men of Infamous ... That Slaves and Freedmen and all Infamous Persons Ought not to ... A Disgraceful Feature of the Roman Mythology it Honours Such ... When He was Living at Rome He Wrote a Treatise on the Preservation ... Providential Preparations for the Discovery of America --Spiritual ... Hazael Objections from the Revelation and the First Epistle of St. John ... A Reign of Terror (Of Marriages among Blood-Relations, and of those who are Born of ... Thesaurus Infamous (2 Occurrences)... reputation Of the worst kind; held in abhorrence; guilty Of something that exposes to infamy; base; notoriously vile; detestable; as, an infamous traitor; an ... /i/infamous.htm - 7k Prostitute (83 Occurrences) Infamy (8 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) Infallible (1 Occurrence) Ignominy (7 Occurrences) Felix (11 Occurrences) Fire (602 Occurrences) Tammuz (1 Occurrence) Turmoil (15 Occurrences) Resources Who was Naboth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Timothy die? | GotQuestions.org Who was Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Infamous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Infamous (2 Occurrences)2 Samuel 13:13 Ezekiel 22:5 Subtopics Related Terms |