This word occurs in four passages of the Authorized Version . In each ease it is employed as a rendering of a different Greek adjective or verb, and in each case the Revised Version uses some other expression which translates the Greek somewhat more literally and exactly.
1. Acts 5:34 speaks of Gamaliel as a νομοδιδάσκαλος τίμιος παντὶ τῶ̣ λαῶ̣. Authorized Version renders this: ‘had in reputation among all the people,’ Revised Version more literally, ‘had is honour of all the people.’
2. Galatians 2:2 tells of St. Paul’s visit to Jerusalem, when he communicated the gospel which he preached to the Gentiles κατʼ ἰδίαν τοῖς δοκοῦσι. Authorized Version renders this: ‘privately to them which were of reputation’; Revised Version -in almost identical terms, but again with a degree of greater exactness-‘who were of repute.’ οἱ δοκοῦντες is in itself a term of honour, and is used as such here. The meaning, however, may vary with the context, and in Galatians 2:6 it is depreciatory, not of the worth of the apostles, but of the extravagant claims advanced by some on their behalf.
3. Philippians 2:7 says of Christ that He ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε. Authorized Version renders this: ‘made himself of no reputation’; the Revised Version ‘emptied himself’ is obviously more exact. The import of this mysterious predicate is discussed in article Philippians, Epistle to the, above, p. 226 f.
4. Philippians 2:29 is the passage in which St. Paul, commending Epaphroditus to his Philippian friends, bids them τοὺς τοιούτους ἐντίμους ἔχετε. Authorized Version renders this: ‘hold such in reputation.’ The Revised Version ‘hold such in honour’ is equally clear and maintains closer correspondence with the Greek adjective.
Dawson Walker.