קָלָה
qa.lah
to dishonor
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "qalalah" (Strong's number H7034) means "to dishonor". This verb is used six times in the Bible, indicating that dishonor or shame is a significant concept in Hebrew thought. The word "qalalah" typically connotes a loss of status or dignity, often as a result of actions or circumstances that bring shame to individuals or families. Its meaning is negative, suggesting a lowering of honor or character. The verb can be directed towards individuals, as well as groups, implying that the dishonor affects not just the person, but also their family or community. Given its frequency and importance in the Hebrew Bible, "qalalah" reveals a society where honor and shame play a crucial role in social relationships. In this context, maintaining one's honor is essential for reputation, respect, and even survival. Conversely, experiencing dishonor can have severe social and emotional consequences, including exclusion, ostracism, or even loss of status.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
Isaiah 3:5The people will be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbor. The child will behave himself proudly against the old man, and the wicked against the honorable.
Isaiah 16:14But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble.”
Deuteronomy 25:3He may sentence him to no more than forty stripes. He shall not give more, lest if he should give more and beat him more than that many stripes, then your brother will be degraded in your sight.
Deuteronomy 27:16‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or his mother.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
1 Samuel 18:23Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, “Does it seem to you a light thing to be the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man, and little known?”