Brief Overview of ἀτιμόω (G821: atimōō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: atimōō

Root Words: The term ἀτιμόω (atimōō) is derived from ἀτιμία (atimia), meaning “dishonor,” which combines the prefix ἀ- (a-, “not”) with τιμή (timē, “honor”).

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Primary Meanings:

• To Dishonor: To treat someone or something with contempt or disrespect.
• To Devalue: To regard or treat as having no worth or significance.
• To Bring Disgrace: To cause someone or something to be held in low esteem or disrepute.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀτιμόω as “to dishonor” or “to treat as worthless,” focusing on actions that result in a loss of respect or honor. The term implies actively causing someone or something to be regarded with contempt.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀτιμόω as “to treat with contempt,” indicating an active process of devaluing or dishonoring someone.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that ἀτιμόω means “to dishonor” or “to devalue,” highlighting the action of making something or someone appear less valuable or significant.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon notes that ἀτιμόω means “to dishonor” or “to regard with contempt,” emphasizing the reduction in honor or respect.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀτιμόω as “to dishonor,” with an emphasis on the act of treating someone with disrespect or devaluing them.

Bible Verses:

• 1 Corinthians 11:22 (KJV): “What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.”
• ἀτιμόω is translated as “despise,” referring to treating the church with contempt.
• Hebrews 10:29 (KJV): “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
• ἀτιμόω is implied in “done despite,” indicating an act of dishonoring or disrespecting the Spirit of grace.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In works like Rhetoric, Aristotle uses ἀτιμόω to describe the act of dishonoring or devaluing others in rhetorical arguments or social contexts.
• Plato: In dialogues such as The Republic, Plato employs the term to discuss how individuals or actions are regarded with contempt or disgrace.
• Sophocles: In plays like Oedipus Rex, ἀτιμόω appears in the context of characters experiencing dishonor or being treated with contempt.

4. Summary:

ἀτιμόω (atimōō) is a Greek verb meaning “to dishonor” or “to treat with contempt,” reflecting actions that cause someone or something to be regarded with low esteem or disrespect. In biblical texts, it often denotes the act of devaluing or bringing disgrace to individuals or institutions. Classic Greek literature uses ἀτιμόω to illustrate themes of dishonor and contempt, emphasizing its significance in social and rhetorical contexts. Understanding ἀτιμόω helps in comprehending the dynamics of honor, respect, and social value in both ancient Greek and biblical narratives.