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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential for deepening our comprehension of the Bible and its original context. The Greek word ἐξουδενέω (exoudenéō) is particularly significant as it speaks to themes of worth, value, and rejection. In the New Testament, this word is often used to convey the act of treating something or someone with contempt or regarding them as of no value. Exploring its usage provides insight into how early Christians and ancient Greek culture viewed issues of honor, worth, and social status.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐξουδενέω, transliterated as exoudenéō [ex-ou-de-NEH-o]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐξ- (ex-, meaning “out of”) + οὐδέν (ouden, meaning “nothing”). It literally means “to consider as nothing” or “to treat with contempt.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; present active indicative, first person singular.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To despise or treat with contempt
- To regard as nothing or worthless
- To reject or disregard completely
Similar Words: ἐξουδενέω (exoudenéō) is closely related to καταφρονέω (kataphronéō) [ka-ta-fro-NEH-o], meaning “to despise” or “to look down upon.” While both words convey disdain, καταφρονέω emphasizes looking down on someone with arrogance or condescension, whereas ἐξουδενέω highlights the action of treating something or someone as if they are of no value or consequence. Another related word is ἀτιμάζω (atimázō) [a-tee-MAH-zo], meaning “to dishonor” or “to insult,” which focuses more on the act of bringing shame or dishonor.
Further Insights: ἐξουδενέω is a verb formed with the prefix ἐξ- and the noun οὐδέν, which emphasizes complete disregard or contempt. It follows regular conjugation patterns for Greek verbs. Here is the present active indicative conjugation:
| Person / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ἐξουδενέω | ἐξουδενέομεν |
| 2nd | ἐξουδενέεις | ἐξουδενέετε |
| 3rd | ἐξουδενέει | ἐξουδενέουσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐξουδενέω is defined as “to despise, to treat with contempt.” BDAG notes that this word is used to describe the act of considering something or someone as worthless, insignificant, or not worthy of attention.
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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐξουδενέω as “to make of no account” or “to despise utterly.” It emphasizes its use in contexts where an object or person is considered to have no value or importance.
Vines: In Vine’s lexicon, ἐξουδενέω is explained as a verb that denotes the act of despising or rejecting something with contempt. Vine’s highlights its usage in New Testament passages where Jesus or His teachings are disregarded or treated as insignificant.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader definition of ἐξουδενέω, noting its classical use in describing actions of contempt, disregard, or complete dismissal, often in philosophical and rhetorical texts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance defines ἐξουδενέω as “to despise” or “to set at naught.” It points out its primary use in biblical passages where individuals or teachings are treated with scorn or considered insignificant.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 18:9: “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised (ἐξουδενήσαντας) others.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:28: “And base things of the world, and things which are despised (ἐξουδενημένα), hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.”
- Galatians 4:14: “And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised (ἐξουδενήσατε) not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Gorgias | “He who despises (ἐξουδενέων) philosophy will not find the truth in his pursuits.” |
| Demosthenes | Against Conon | “To despise (ἐξουδενεῖν) those who serve the state is to undermine the very foundation of our polis.” |
| Aristophanes | The Clouds | “The new generation despises (ἐξουδενεῖ) the traditions of old, preferring their own innovations.” |
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Psalm 22:6 | “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised (ἐξουδενημένος) of the people.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 53:3 | “He is despised (ἐξουδενημένος) and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” |
| Septuagint | Wisdom of Solomon 2:20 | “Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for by his own words he shall be despised (ἐξουδενώθη).” |
Summary of ἐξουδενέω (G1847: exoudenéō)
The Greek word ἐξουδενέω (Strong’s G1847), meaning “to despise” or “to treat as nothing,” is used in contexts that emphasize disdain, contempt, or rejection. It is significant in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, where it conveys strong negative sentiment towards someone or something considered unworthy or of no value. This word provides a deeper understanding of attitudes towards individuals or ideas that were marginalized or rejected in both early Christian and Greek philosophical contexts.
Did You Know?
The word ἐξουδενέω has roots in ancient Greek rhetoric and was often used in legal and political contexts to criticize opponents. It conveys a powerful rhetorical tool for diminishing the perceived worth or credibility of an adversary.
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