Quick Answer
In the Bible, contempt means showing deep disrespect, scorn, or lack of honor toward God, people, or sacred things. It often refers to an attitude of the heart that looks down on others or treats God’s commands as unimportant, sinful, or worthy of rejection.
You may come across the word contempt while reading the Bible and wonder how serious it is. Biblically, contempt is not just a feeling it is a moral and spiritual issue.
Understanding contempt in Scripture helps clarify why humility, respect, and obedience are emphasized so strongly throughout the Bible.
In biblical terms, contempt describes an attitude of dishonor or rejection, especially toward God’s authority, truth, or fellow human beings.
Simple Definition
Biblical contempt means treating someone or something as worthless, beneath respect, or unworthy of honor.
Original Language Meaning
In Hebrew and Greek, words translated as contempt often mean despise, scorn, reject, or treat lightly.
Contempt Toward God
The Bible frequently warns against contempt for God, His laws, and His guidance. This includes ignoring His commands or mocking His authority.
Contempt Toward People
Scripture teaches that showing contempt toward others is sinful, especially toward the people with low income, weak, or righteous.
Contempt vs Disrespect
While disrespect can be momentary, contempt in the Bible reflects a deeper, settled attitude of pride and moral rejection.
Contempt as a Sin
Biblically, contempt is linked with pride, arrogance, and rebellion. It is often listed among behaviors that lead people away from God.
Examples in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, contempt is shown when people reject God’s prophets, despise His laws, or dishonor sacred duties.
Examples in the New Testament
Jesus condemns contemptuous attitudes, especially toward others, teaching humility, mercy, and love instead.
Contempt and Pride
Pride is often the root of contempt in the Bible. Those who see themselves as superior tend to look down on others.
Contempt in Proverbs
Proverbs repeatedly warns that contempt leads to destruction, while humility brings wisdom and favor.
God’s View of Contempt
The Bible presents contempt as something God opposes, especially when directed at truth, justice, or righteousness.
Consequences of Contempt
Biblical consequences of contempt include spiritual blindness, broken relationships, and separation from God.
Contempt vs Judgment
The Bible allows righteous judgment but condemns contempt, which involves hatred or superiority rather than truth.
Attitude of the Heart
Scripture emphasizes that contempt begins internally, making it a heart issue rather than just outward behavior.
Opposite of Contempt
The opposite of contempt in the Bible is honor, humility, love, and reverence toward God and others.
Meaning Table
| Aspect | Meaning | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Contempt | Deep disrespect | Moral attitude |
| Pride | Root cause | Self elevation |
| Honor | Opposite trait | Respect |
| Humility | Biblical solution | Submission |
| Reverence | Toward God | Worship |
Modern Application
Biblical contempt applies today in how people treat faith, authority, truth, and one another in daily life.
Common Misunderstanding
Many confuse contempt with disagreement, but the Bible separates honest disagreement from sinful scorn.
FAQs
What does contempt mean in the Bible?
It means deep disrespect or rejection toward God or others.
Is contempt considered a sin?
Yes, especially when rooted in pride or hatred.
Does Jesus talk about contempt?
Yes, He condemns contemptuous attitudes and teaches humility.
Is contempt worse than anger?
Biblically, contempt reflects a deeper heart condition than anger.
Can contempt be forgiven?
Yes, repentance and humility bring forgiveness.
Is contempt the same as hate?
They are related, but contempt focuses on worthlessness.
Does the Bible warn against contempt?
Yes, especially in Proverbs and Jesus’ teachings.
How can contempt be avoided?
By practicing humility, love, and reverence.
Conclusion
In the Bible, contempt is a serious spiritual issue that reflects pride, rebellion, and lack of honor. It goes beyond simple disagreement and reveals an attitude that dismisses God’s authority or devalues others.
Scripture consistently teaches that humility, reverence, and love are the cure for contempt, guiding believers toward a heart aligned with God’s will.
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