Pronunciation Guide: ah-theh-TEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G114: ἀθετέω (atheteō) fundamentally means to set aside, nullify, or reject something previously established, particularly in relation to authority, laws, or covenants. In biblical usage, it often carries the serious connotation of willfully rejecting or nullifying divine authority and promises. The word implies not just passive disagreement but active repudiation of what was previously accepted or established.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word from “α” (negative prefix) + “τίθημι” (tithēmi, “to place, establish”)
• Common in legal and contractual contexts
• Frequently appears in narrative and teaching passages
• Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀθετέω Morphology:

• ἀθετέω (present active indicative) – I reject/nullify
• ἀθετεῖ (present active, 3rd person singular) – he/she rejects
• ἀθετῶν (present active participle) – rejecting/the one who rejects
• ἠθέτησεν (aorist active, 3rd person singular) – he/she rejected
• ἀθετήσας (aorist active participle) – having rejected

Origin & History

The word ἀθετέω emerged from classical Greek legal terminology, where it was commonly used in contexts involving the violation or nullification of contracts and agreements. Polybius (2nd century BC) employed it in his “Histories” to describe the breaking of treaties and rejection of established customs.

In Hellenistic Greek, the word gained broader application beyond legal contexts, appearing in works like Diodorus Siculus’s “Bibliotheca Historica” to describe both political disloyalty and personal betrayal. This semantic range made it particularly suitable for expressing concepts of covenant faithlessness in biblical literature.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To reject or nullify something established
• To break faith or violate a covenant
• To set aside or disregard authority
• To invalidate or make void
• To treat as nothing or worthless

ἀθετέω Translation Options:

• “To reject” – Best when emphasizing personal choice against authority
• “To nullify” – Appropriate when discussing legal or covenant contexts
• “To set aside” – Useful for contexts involving deliberate disregard
• “To break faith” – Effective when translating covenant relationship contexts
• “To invalidate” – Suitable for legal or doctrinal contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀθετέω appears particularly in contexts involving rejection of divine authority or breaking covenant relationships. Its first appearance in Mark 6:26 reflects Herod’s unwillingness to reject his oath, ironically contrasting with his willing rejection of moral law.

The word carries significant theological weight in passages dealing with covenant relationships and divine authority. It appears in crucial contexts discussing the rejection of God’s purposes, Christ’s authority, and apostolic teaching.

• “Mark 6:26 – The king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to reject [ἀθετῆσαι] her request.”
• “Luke 7:30 – But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected [ἠθέτησαν] the purpose of God for themselves.”
• “John 12:48 – The one who rejects [ἀθετῶν] Me and does not receive My words has a judge.”
• “Galatians 2:21 – I do not nullify [ἀθετῶ] the grace of God.”
• “1 Thessalonians 4:8 – Therefore, whoever rejects [ἀθετῶν] this, rejects not man but God.”

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of covenant-breaking carried severe social and legal implications. The use of ἀθετέω in legal documents from papyri discoveries shows it was considered one of the most serious charges in both civic and religious contexts. Breaking faith or rejecting established authority could result in loss of citizenship, social standing, and even execution in certain cases.

The word’s use in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) particularly reinforces this gravity, as it often translates Hebrew terms dealing with covenant betrayal. This connection to covenant-breaking would have resonated deeply with first-century Jewish readers who understood the serious nature of violating sacred obligations.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of ἀθετέω reveals profound truths about God’s character and human responsibility. When used in reference to God, it emphasizes His unchangeable nature and absolute faithfulness – He cannot ἀθετέω His own promises or covenant commitments (2 Timothy 2:13).

Conversely, when describing human actions, ἀθετέω highlights the serious nature of rejecting divine authority and truth. This rejection isn’t merely passive unbelief but active repudiation of known truth, making it particularly grievous in God’s sight. The word’s usage in contexts involving the rejection of Christ underscores the ultimate expression of human rebellion against divine authority.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀθετέω challenges believers to examine their own response to divine authority and truth. It prompts us to consider areas where we might be subtly setting aside God’s authority in favor of our own preferences or cultural pressures.

The word’s connection to covenant faithfulness also encourages believers to reflect on their commitment to God’s truth and purposes. Just as breaking faith had serious consequences in the ancient world, so too should we consider the gravity of compromising our commitment to God’s word and ways in our daily lives.

Related Words

• ἀκυρόω (akuroō) – to invalidate, make void – Similar in nullifying authority but specifically focused on legal invalidation. See G208
• καταργέω (katargeō) – to abolish, render inactive – Related to nullification but emphasizes making something ineffective rather than rejecting it. See G2673
• ἀπειθέω (apeitheō) – to disobey, be unbelieving – Shares the concept of rejection but focuses more on disobedience than nullification. See G544
• ἀπωθέω (apōtheō) – to push away, reject – Similar in rejection but more physical/literal in meaning. See G683

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek marriage contracts, ἀθετέω was used to describe the nullification of marriage agreements, carrying severe financial and social penalties for the covenant-breaker.
• The word appears in ancient Greek philosophical writings to describe the rejection of established philosophical principles, showing its broader cultural application beyond legal contexts.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀθετέω in legal terminology, particularly in phrases relating to contract violation and covenant breaking.

Remember This

ἀθετέω represents more than mere rejection – it embodies the serious act of nullifying divine authority and breaking sacred covenants, reminding us that our response to God’s truth carries eternal significance.