The Greek verb atimoō means to dishonor, to treat with contempt, or to shame. In Mark 12:4, the tenants in the parable 'treated him shamefully' (atimoō). In Romans 2:23, Paul says those who boast in the law while breaking it thereby dishonor God.
The parable of the tenants (Mark 12) escalates through rejection, wounding, and murder — with atimoō marking an early stage in the pattern. This mirrors Israel's history with the prophets and ultimately with the Son. But God turns the logic upside down: the rejected Son becomes the cornerstone (Mark 12:10-11). Paul's use in Romans 2 is equally penetrating: religious performance without covenant faithfulness does not honor God — it dishonors Him. True honor flows from a transformed heart, not a polished reputation.