atimadzo – Ministry of Grace Church

You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?

Truth to Learn

Christianity is faith in action, not just good sounding words.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “boast” is kauchaomai. Some Greek Lexicons indicate that this is derived from auchen, meaning “a neck,” which boastful people hold in a proud manner. The verb kauchaomai means “to boast” used both in a good or bad sense.

“Dishonor” is from atimadzō, which is a compound word made up of the privative a, implying negation or “without” and a form of timē, which means “honor.” Hence, the verb atimadzō means “to dishonor” or “to cause a loss of dignity.”

The word “breaking” is translated from parabasis. This is another compound word which is made up of para, meaning “beside” or “beyond” and a form of bainō, meaning “to go.” Hence, parabasis literally means “to go beyond” or “to transgress.” It expresses the sense of going beyond a limit that has been established by the law. This is different from the word hamartia, typically translated “sin,” which means “to miss the mark.” The difference is that a person can sin without being under an express command or law, but he or she can only transgress (or break) a specific law or set of commands.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is very clear and very simple. The Jewish Christians in Rome believed strongly in the Law and even boasted about having received it from God and of knowing it through God’s revelation. This was God honoring … in word! At the same time, by their disobedience of the Law they caused dishonor to God … in deed.

Even today it’s fairly easy to learn the language of the Christian faith and to talk the talk. I’m sure we have all met people who know all the right things to say at all the appropriate times. They can quote Scripture with ease and recite Biblical stories in excruciating detail. They are quick to demonstrate their knowledge with relevant facts and figures. In some cases they may even be teaching a Sunday school class, helping others learn the facts. The problem comes when these people do not demonstrate their knowledge by their actions. They don’t walk the walk. As a result, instead of being a shining example of Christianity in action, they are an embarrassment to those of us who know and love the Savior, and they dishonor the God they claim to serve.

The Apostle John, in teaching what true love is all about, warned us to love in deed, not just in word:

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1John 3:18)

It’s important to know what the Bible teaches, and it’s particularly refreshing when we meet someone who can make Biblical truths easily understandable. It’s even more important to be a living example of Christianity.

Application

We who have been washed clean by the blood of Christ and who have the entire Bible at our disposal, give worship, praise, and honor to God … in word!

But, do we at the same time by our sinfulness, selfishness, and lack of faith dishonor the God we love … in deed?

In God's service, for His glory,

But you dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?

Truth to Learn

It’s ironic that we tend to give the most consideration for the people who care the least about us.

Behind the Words

The Greek word that is translated here as “dishonored” is atimadzō. This is made up of the privative a, meaning “without,” and a form of timē, which means “honor.” Hence, atimadzō means “to treat without honor,” “to abuse,” or “to treat shamefully.”

“Poor man,” as we saw in verse two, refers to someone who “crouches or cowers like a beggar.” In its common usage it refers to someone who is extremely poor.

The Greek word translated “oppress” is katadunasteuō. This is made up of two Greek words, kata, which means “down” and dunastes, meaning “a ruler” or “an officer,” from which we get our English word dynasty. As we put these together we get the notion of putting someone down to rule over them or, “lord it over them.”

“Drag” is the translation of a form of helkuō, which means “to draw someone in (not necessarily by force).” It is the word that Jesus used when He said:

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peopls to Myself. (John 12:32)

Meaning Explained

James is pointing out to the early Christians that they were treating the poor people shamefully and giving the rich people special honor, even though the rich people treated them badly and persecuted them.

The dramatic contrast between this verse and the previous one is obvious. How we treat others is often based on selfishness and pride. How God treats us is based on our heart.

Albert Barnes, in his Notes on the Bible, put it this way:

Perhaps it might be understood somewhat ironically: “You despise the poor, do you, and are disposed to honor the rich! Look then, and see how the rich treat you, and see whether you have so much occasion to regard them with any peculiar respect.”

Rich, powerful, and famous people are seldom satisfied with their money, position, or honor. They want more, and they want it for themselves. They nearly always have an elevated opinion of themselves and they tend to lord it over those who have less than they do. This is the sin nature at work and it is exacerbated by the world system we live in:

Because all that which is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

Application

Some of the kindest, most humble, and most considerate people are poor in the eyes of the world. Likewise, some of the meanest, most arrogant, and selfish people are rich in worldly goods. If you could choose, which of these would you want to have as friends?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: atimadzo

Romans 2:23 – Walk the Walk!

James 2:6 – Worldly Irony