Honoring the Most High with thanksgiving
Biblical language frequently uses words that make more sense to us when we consider them in the context of their original meaning. These kinds of words include the substantive “tribute” and the verb “to honor.” These terms have to do with the idea of “being heavy/weighty” in Hebrew.
Basic meaning of “kabed”
The verb “kabed” (Hebrew: כבד) appears 114 times in the Hebrew Bible. The term “kabed” basically means “heavy, burdened, having importance.” This gives the word “kabed” additional meanings, including being significant, prestigious, respected, and exalted (Job 14:21; Isaiah 66:5). According to the primary definition given above, elderly Eli was overweight and “kabed,” or obese (1 Samuel 4:18). Absalom’s hair was likewise “kabed,” or heavy (2 Samuel 14:26).
A yoke could mean “burden” in addition to being “kabed” or heavy. Rehoboam was therefore pleaded with to lift his father’s burdensome yoke (1 Kings 12:4; 12:10–14).
It is also possible to use “kabed” in reference to limbs. According to Exodus 17:12, Moses’ outstretched arms become extremely fatigued or “kabed” or heavy during the conflict with Amelek. Additionally, it states that Jacob’s eyes had grown “kabed” or heavy due to his advanced age.
It is remarkable that the human heart in particular has the ability to become “kabed” or heavy, meaning that it is unresponsive to God’s warning and call for repentance. This is shown in Pharaoh’s repeated responses to God’s command to “let my people go.” [See Exodus 7:14–8:15–8:32–9–7, 9–34–10:1]. The verb “kabed” appears in Pharaoh’s decree to increase the Israelites’ bondage (Exodus 5:9).
Derived meanings of “kabed”
This verb, which comes from the core meaning of “kabed” (to be heavy), also has the following derived meanings: important, honorable, elevated, and respected. When someone is deemed “weighty,” it indicates that one believes they are significant, and the word “kabed” or “esteem” is used to convey acceptance, respect, and/or acknowledgement.
For instance, “kabed” or to honor is a term used in social or familial contexts. “Kabed”/to honor denotes acknowledgment of parental authority in a household setting: “‘kabed’/Honor your father and your mother…” (See Malachi 1:6; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16).
“Kabed” can also mean negatively, as in the case of Eli, who (1 Samuel 2:29) “kabed” or honored his sons over God. As David has been praised for his loyalty, honorable appreciation of persons for particular attributes is expressed by “kabed” or to judge honorable (1 Samuel 22:14, close). When a man of God’s words were demonstrated to be trustworthy and accurate, they were “kabed” or respected (1 Samuel 9:6).
Honoring God
Respecting God, or “kabed,” is acknowledging Him with reverence for Who He is, what He has done for us, and what He is. To properly respond to God’s enormous works of redemption and to regard Him as the greatest being due to His deliverance is what it means to “kabed” or worship God. This indicates that in appreciation and recognition of His actions of salvation as a Helper in need, the Lord God is confessed and held in the highest regard. To worship and gratefully look up to the Most High is to “kabed” or honor Him.
This is demonstrated by the words of Asaph: “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me” and “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall “kabed”/glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15; 50:23). The Lord, who undoubtedly promises redemption, implores us to call here in particular at every emergency.
However, He also says that man will subsequently “kabed” or regard Him highly as a result of this. Then, such homage is an offering to God! According to Psalm 50:1, Asaph acknowledges the Lord as the one who speaks supremely above all other gods, everywhere and at all times!
God alone is honored
Because of His omnipotence, God deserves respect and veneration. The recognition and confession of God as the Almighty and Supreme, along with homage, are unavoidable for a small and insignificant man who comprehends the unfathomable, incomprehensible magnificence and power of God.
It takes this realization of one’s own smallness and appreciation of God’s immeasurable grandeur.
Unfortunately, man’s ego frequently keeps him from honoring the Lord rather than himself! God desires recognition of a heart devoted to Him, not merely lip service (Isaiah 29:13). We pray with David, saying, “I will glorify Your name forever, and I give thanks to You, O Lord, my God” (Psalm 86:12).
God honors who honors Him
To give thanks to God, proclaim Him as Savior, and exalt Him as Almighty God is to glorify Him.
There is a real-world, practical meaning to honoring God. We can honor God by what we have, who we are, and how we live. “‘Kabed’/Give your wealth to the Lord…”(Proverbs 3:9). Additionally, according to Proverbs 14:31, “he who is generous to the needy ‘kabed’/honors Him.” How different from Eli and his sons’ self-directed behavior!
However, God also declares, “I will honor those who “kabed'” or honor Me.” (1 Samuel 2:30). That the Most High gives credit to those who serve Him is wonderful! Psalm 91 affirms this. Knowing His honorable name, which implies having a relationship of faith with the One bearing the Name, allows one to invoke that name in loving awe (Psalm 91:14–15), of Him who promises: “… I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and “kabed”/honor him,” while hiding with the Most High (Psalm 91:1).
© Copyright dr. Annechiena Sneller-Vrolijk
