Brief Overview of καταφρονέω (Strong’s G2706: kataphroneō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies, as it allows readers to delve deeper into the nuances of the New Testament texts. The Greek word καταφρονέω (kataphroneō), meaning “to despise” or “to look down on,” is particularly significant as it conveys attitudes and judgments that are often condemned or warned against in the scriptures. This word is relevant for interpreting passages that deal with pride, arrogance, and contempt, offering insights into ancient Greek culture and moral teachings of the New Testament.

Key Information

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The Greek word is καταφρονέω (kataphroneō), pronounced [ka-ta-fro-NEH-o].

The etymology of καταφρονέω comes from two root words: κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and φρονέω (phroneō), which means “to think” or “to regard.” Together, they form a word that means “to think down on” or “to regard with contempt.”

καταφρονέω is a verb. It follows regular Greek conjugation patterns and appears in various tenses, voices, and moods, such as the indicative (stating facts), subjunctive (expressing potential or desire), and imperative (giving commands).

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Primary Meanings

To Despise: The primary meaning of καταφρονέω is “to despise,” indicating a deep sense of disdain or contempt for someone or something. This can involve a moral or social judgment, viewing another as unworthy or inferior.

To Look Down On: Another meaning is “to look down on” or “to scorn.” This suggests an attitude of superiority or arrogance, where one regards another as beneath consideration or respect.

To Disdain: The word can also mean “to disdain,” which involves a rejection or disregard based on a perceived lack of value or worthiness. This meaning carries connotations of pride and self-righteousness.

Similar Words

φρονέω (phroneō) [fro-NEH-o]: This word means “to think” or “to regard” without the negative connotation implied by καταφρονέω. It generally refers to a neutral or positive way of thinking or setting one’s mind on something.

ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō) [ek-soo-the-NEH-o]: Meaning “to treat with contempt” or “to regard as nothing,” this word is similar but often carries a more explicit action of disregard or disrespect, rather than just an internal attitude.

καταγελάω (katagelaō) [ka-ta-ge-LA-o]: This word means “to mock” or “to ridicule.” While it shares the sense of looking down on someone, it focuses more on public scorn or derision rather than the internal attitude emphasized by καταφρονέω.

Morphological Features

Tense, Voice, Mood: καταφρονέω appears in various tenses, including present (indicating continuous or repeated action), aorist (indicating a single, completed action), and perfect (indicating an action that has been completed with lasting effects). It is used in both the active and passive voices and can appear in different moods, such as indicative, subjunctive, and imperative.

Person and Number: The word is conjugated across three persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and two numbers (singular, plural).

Conjugation Table: Below is a conjugation table for καταφρονέω in the Present Indicative Active:

Aspect: The imperfective aspect in the present tense suggests ongoing or habitual action, while the perfective aspect in the aorist tense indicates a single, completed action.

For a more detailed explanation of Greek grammar and conjugations, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

καταφρονέω is a powerful verb that communicates a strong sense of contempt or disdain. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe attitudes that are contrary to the teachings of humility and love. For example, Jesus warns against despising the “little ones” in Matthew 18:10, where the term reflects a deep moral instruction against pride and arrogance. In classical Greek literature, καταφρονέω can be found in contexts where someone shows disdain for laws, gods, or societal norms. The theological implications are significant, as the word underscores the dangers of pride, self-righteousness, and a lack of empathy, themes that are consistently condemned in biblical teachings.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise (καταφρονήσει) the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

1 Corinthians 11:22: “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise (καταφρονεῖτε) the church of God and shame those who have nothing?”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταφρονέω (G2706)

καταφρονέω (kataphroneō) is a Greek verb meaning “to despise,” “to look down on,” or “to disdain.” It appears in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to convey a strong attitude of contempt or disregard. This word serves as a critical tool for understanding biblical warnings against pride and arrogance, highlighting the moral and spiritual dangers associated with such attitudes. Recognizing the depth and implications of καταφρονέω provides readers with a clearer understanding of the values and teachings of the New Testament.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek thought, καταφρονέω was often used to describe disdain for social norms, which could be both a critique of society and a philosophical statement.

The word is frequently used in the New Testament to caution against attitudes of superiority or judgment, aligning with the overall theme of humility and love.

In classical texts, the word sometimes appears in legal contexts, where it describes contempt for laws or rulers, showing its versatility in expressing different forms of disrespect.