[Greek] ὑβρίζω (hybrizō), [Latin] insultare, [Latin] contumeliam, [Latin] flagellare: to insult, to mistreat, to outrage, to shame, to abuse; Mt.22:6, Lk.11:45, Lk.18:32, Acts 14:5, 1Thess.2:2
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to be insolent, to be vengeful, to insult, to mock, to be arrogant, to mistreat, and to outrage.
Herodotus’ The Histories 6.87: “The Aeginetans, blaming the Athenians and deeming themselves wronged, prepared to take vengeance on the Athenians.”
Sophocles’ Ajax 367: “Oh the mock! How I have been violated!”
Euripides’ Heracleidae 18: “Eurystheus thought it right to commit this outrage against you.”
Demosthenes’ Against Meidias 21.221: “The brutality and insolence with which Meidias treats everyone alike are well known to us.”
Plato: “Arrogance is ever accompanied by folly.”
Old Testament: Loftiness and pride can be intrinsically wrong if they are linked with arrogance and presumptuousness. The culture is aware that pride can be followed by the fall. Israel and their enemies both experience pride and arrogance. Pride emerges when man engages in defiance, turning his heart away from God. Domination, pride, arrogance, suppression of the poor, and secularization of piety may follow. The prophets are sent to correct, to punish, and to humble offenders. The reservoir of arrogance is sin.
I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant (Isa.13:11). Pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before the fall (Pro.16:18). For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts (Zep.3:11). I have summoned my warriors, eager and bold to carry out My anger (Isa.13:3). The beginning of pride is man’s stubbornness in withdrawing his heart from his Maker (Sir.10:12). For pride is the reservoir of sin (Sir.10:13). The stupid sow discord by their insolence (Pro.13:10).
New Testament: This term means to mistreat, to insult, and to attack. Jesus points out that Pharisees and law scholars were acting like hypocrites. They responded by saying that Jesus was insulting them. In His third prediction of the passion, Jesus stated that He will be handed over to the Gentiles to be mocked, insulted and spat upon. There was an attempt by the Gentiles, Jews and others to attack and stone Paul and Barnabus. Paul and others had suffered and had been insolently treated in Phillip.
Scripture:
“Then one of the scholars of the law said to Him in reply, ‘Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.’” Lk.11:45
After accusing the Pharisees and scholars of being hypocrites, they claimed that Jesus was insulting them.
“He will be handed over to the Gentile and He will be mocked and insulted and spat upon.” Lk.18:32
This was Jesus’ third prediction of the passion.
Conclusion:
Insult, insulting, flagellation, hubris
Again, this term can be applicable to any period in history. It is very interesting to note that these quotes can really apply to current times with Russia and Ukraine.
In the Old Testament, this term plays an important role in one’s relationship (or even broken relationship) with God. Arrogance may often inflate one’s stature, often resulting in being eventually humbled by God.
In the New Testament, the Pharisees and law scholars feel insulted, yet they are unaware of their own hypocrisy. Jesus willingly takes on suffering, mocking, and abuse for our redemption. Christians may be called or expected to endure persecution, ridicule, or even martyrdom in order to be a disciple.
Update: It seems that history repeats again! Believing Ukraine to be such a serious security threat to Russia’s existence, Putin said his invasion of Ukraine is justified because Ukraine’s leaders are nationalists and neo-Nazis. Putin actually believes this. In his arrogance, Putin thought he could quickly take over Ukraine. However, Putin is now frustrated that the Ukrainians are putting up a fight. In addition, Putin did not realize the extent of the universal condemnation as a result of his actions. In his arrogance, Putin had not fully realized the folly (miscalculation) of his actions!
–Useless Words Alert—
Contumacy: willful and persistent resistance to authority
Contumacious: headstrong, insolent, resisting authority
Next post: folly