Pronunciation Guide: ah-thoo-MEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G120: ἀθυμέω (athymeō) means to be disheartened, discouraged, or to lose heart. This compound word literally means “without spirit/heart/courage.” It describes a state of deep discouragement where one’s spirit is broken or dampened, leading to a loss of motivation and hope.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Components: ἀ- (negative prefix) + θυμός (spirit, heart, courage)
• Primary Usage: Epistolary (letters), particularly in contexts of pastoral guidance
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Tense: Present Active

ἀθυμέω Morphology:

• ἀθυμέω (present active indicative) – I am discouraged
• ἀθυμῇς (present active subjunctive) – you might be discouraged
• ἀθυμεῖτε (present active imperative) – do not be discouraged
• ἀθυμῶν (present active participle) – being discouraged

Origin & History

The word ἀθυμέω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe military demoralization or civic despair. Xenophon employed it in his “Anabasis” to describe soldiers losing heart during difficult campaigns. The historian Thucydides used it to portray the Athenian state of mind during periods of defeat in the Peloponnesian War.

In philosophical writings, Plato used ἀθυμέω in “Republic” to describe the condition of those who lose courage in pursuing justice and virtue. The word carried strong emotional and psychological connotations, often indicating not just momentary disappointment but a deeper state of spiritual or emotional exhaustion.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A state of deep discouragement affecting one’s spirit or inner being
• Loss of motivation or enthusiasm due to external pressures
• Emotional exhaustion leading to decreased courage or resolve

ἀθυμέω Translation Options:

• “become discouraged” – emphasizes the process of losing heart
• “lose heart” – captures the emotional and spiritual impact
• “be disheartened” – reflects the dampening of one’s spirit
• “become dispirited” – highlights the connection to θυμός (spirit)

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀθυμέω appears only once, in Colossians 3:21, where Paul addresses fathers regarding their treatment of children: “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” This singular usage carries significant weight in understanding God’s heart for family relationships and spiritual nurture.

The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) employs ἀθυμέω several times, notably in contexts where God’s people face challenges or where leaders address the spiritual state of those under their care. This usage pattern reveals divine concern for human emotional and spiritual well-being.

• “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged [ἀθυμέω]” Colossians 3:21

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of θυμός (the root word without the negative prefix) was closely associated with the seat of emotions, particularly courage and motivation. The addition of the negative prefix ἀ- created a term that described not just sadness but a culturally recognized condition of spirit-depleting discouragement.

The use of this term in Colossians is particularly significant given the patriarchal nature of Roman society. Paul’s warning against causing children to become ἀθυμέω represented a countercultural perspective on parenting, suggesting that children’s emotional and spiritual well-being should be a primary concern for Christian fathers.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἀθυμέω in Colossians reveals God’s deep concern for emotional and spiritual health within family relationships. By warning against actions that lead to discouragement, Scripture affirms the value of human emotions and the importance of nurturing rather than diminishing the spirit of others.

This word choice also reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s father-heart, showing how earthly parenting should mirror His encouraging, nurturing nature. The warning against causing discouragement aligns with Jesus’s teachings about not causing little ones to stumble and demonstrates God’s protective care for the vulnerable.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀθυμέω challenges us to examine how our words and actions might affect others’ spiritual and emotional well-being. For parents, it calls for a careful balance of discipline and encouragement, ensuring that correction doesn’t crush the spirit. For all believers, it prompts us to be agents of encouragement rather than discouragement in our relationships.

This word also reminds us that God recognizes and cares about our emotional states, including discouragement. When we feel disheartened, we can turn to Him as our perfect Father who never acts in ways that would crush our spirit.

Related Words

• παρακαλέω (parakaleō) – to encourage, comfort, exhort – creates an interesting contrast as the positive action that prevents ἀθυμέω See G3870
• ἐκκακέω (ekkakeō) – to lose heart, grow weary – similar but focuses more on physical/mental fatigue See G1573
• ἀθυμία (athymia) – noun form meaning discouragement or despondency See G819
• ὀλιγόψυχος (oligopsychos) – fainthearted, of little soul – another term for discouragement See G3642

Did you Know?

• The modern psychological term “athymia” derives from this Greek word and is used to describe a state of severe depression characterized by emotional flattening and loss of motivation.
• In ancient Greek military contexts, generals would specifically address ἀθυμέω among their troops, recognizing it as a serious threat to military effectiveness that required immediate intervention.
• The concept was so important in ancient Greek philosophy that Aristotle discussed it in his works on ethics, considering it a state to be avoided through the cultivation of proper virtues and habits.

Remember This

ἀθυμέω serves as a divine warning sign, reminding us that God cares deeply about not just our actions but the emotional and spiritual impact we have on others, especially those under our care and influence.