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    Honor

    כָּבוֹד (Kavod)

    Weight, honor, and glory — giving proper respect and recognition to God and others.

    Hebrew
    Strong's H3519
    Pronunciation: kah-VOHD
    Quick Answer

    The Hebrew word kavod means weight, honor, and glory — conveying the idea of giving proper weight and respect to God, parents, and others as Scripture commands.

    "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." — Exodus 20:12 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Exodus 20:12

    “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
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    Proverbs 3:9

    “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.”
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    1 Samuel 2:30

    “Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith... them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's H3519 — Honor (כָּבוֹד (Kavod))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where כָּבוֹד (Kavod) appears.

    Open Strong's H3519

    The Weight of Honor

    Kavod comes from the root meaning 'to be heavy' or 'weighty.' To honor someone is to treat them as having weight and significance — the opposite of treating lightly or dismissively. When we honor God, we acknowledge His supreme weight and worth. When we honor parents or others, we recognize their God-given significance.

    Honoring God

    Scripture calls believers to honor God with their substance, their worship, their obedience, and their lives. Honoring God means treating Him as the most important reality in existence — giving Him first place in priorities, finances, and affections. God promises that those who honor Him, He will honor in return.

    Honoring Others

    The command to honor extends beyond God to parents, leaders, elders, and ultimately all people made in God's image. The fifth commandment — 'Honor thy father and thy mother' — is the first commandment with a promise. A culture of honor reflects the heart of God and creates communities where people flourish.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does honor mean in Hebrew?

    Honor (kavod) literally means weight or heaviness. To honor someone is to treat them as having genuine weight, significance, and worth — the opposite of treating them lightly or with contempt.

    How do we honor God?

    We honor God by giving Him first place in our lives — through worship, obedience, generosity, and living in a way that reflects His character. Proverbs 3:9 specifically calls us to honor God with our financial firstfruits.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Honor"?

    Exodus 20:12 — "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" (KJV). It also appears in Proverbs 3:9, 1 Samuel 2:30.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Honor" matter?

    Kavod comes from the root meaning 'to be heavy' or 'weighty.' To honor someone is to treat them as having weight and significance — the opposite of treating lightly or dismissively. English uses one word, "Honor", where the Hebrew כָּבוֹד (Kavod) carries the fuller sense: weight, honor, and glory — giving proper respect and recognition to god and others.

    Related Words

    Glory (Kabod)
    Worship (Proskuneō)
    Fear (Yirah)
    Obedience

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Honor (כָּבוֹד (Kavod))

    Weight, honor, and glory — giving proper respect and recognition to God and others.

    Commandment

    Honour Thy Father and Thy Mother

    The fifth commandment bridges our duties to God and to others, calling for respe

    Word Meaning

    Sacrifice (זֶבַח (Zevach) / θυσία (Thysia))

    An offering presented to God; ultimately fulfilled in Christ

    Bible Says

    Honoring Parents

    What the Bible teaches about honoring your father and mother at every stage of l

    Commentary

    Hebrews 12:6 Commentary

    In-depth study • Divine Discipline

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)

    Life, atonement, and covenant with God.

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