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Unveiling the Word

In the realm of biblical studies, understanding key Greek terms helps us grasp the depth and nuance of New Testament teachings. The word ὀλιγωρέω (oligoreō), which occurs in Hebrews 12:5, is particularly significant. In this passage, believers are admonished not to “regard lightly” or “despise” the Lord’s discipline, emphasizing the importance of divine correction in the Christian life. In broader cultural terms, this word highlights how the Greeks approached concepts like disrespect and the trivialization of authority or instruction. By examining oligoreō, we can deepen our understanding of God’s expectations regarding our attitude toward correction and discipline.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀλιγωρέω (oligoreō), pronounced o-li-go-REH-o.

Etymology: The word is derived from ὀλίγος (oligos), meaning “little” or “small,” and the verb ὀράω (oraō), meaning “to see” or “to regard.” Combined, oligoreō conveys the idea of paying little attention to something or considering it insignificant.

Part of Speech: Oligoreō is a verb, which means it describes an action. It is used to express how one regards or responds to a particular situation, in this case, the Lord’s discipline. It is found in the present tense in the New Testament, indicating an ongoing or habitual action.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Regard Lightly: The primary meaning of oligoreō is “to treat with little importance” or “to regard lightly.” In Hebrews 12:5, this word instructs believers not to take the Lord’s discipline casually or to dismiss it as insignificant.

2. To Despise: A secondary meaning of the word involves the idea of disdain or contempt, as in despising something by treating it with little regard or respect. In ancient Greek usage, it could imply disrespecting someone by not giving their position or actions due recognition.

Exploring Similar Words

1. καταφρονέω (kataphroneō) [pronunciation: ka-ta-fro-NEH-o]: This word also means “to despise” or “look down upon” and is more emphatic than oligoreō, expressing a stronger sense of disdain or contempt.

2. ἀμελέω (ameleō) [pronunciation: a-meh-LEH-o]: This term means “to neglect” or “to be careless,” which is similar to oligoreō but focuses more on failing to pay attention due to carelessness, rather than the active disregard implied by oligoreō.

3. ἀτιμάζω (atimazō) [pronunciation: a-tee-MAH-zo]: Meaning “to dishonor,” this word emphasizes disrespect, often directed toward people or sacred duties, rather than a concept or practice like discipline.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: Oligoreō is used in the present active indicative form in Hebrews 12:5, indicating an ongoing or current action. The verb appears in the second person singular form, directed to the reader in a direct address. It conveys the idea of continually treating the Lord’s discipline with little regard.

Person and Number: The verb is conjugated in the second person singular, addressing individual believers, but the principle is applicable to all.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various Greek lexicons, oligoreō is consistently defined as treating something with less importance than it deserves. In the context of Hebrews 12:5, the lexicons emphasize that the word is used to warn believers against dismissing or trivializing God’s discipline. This conveys a spiritual principle: God’s correction is essential for growth, and failure to recognize its value leads to spiritual immaturity. In classical Greek literature, oligoreō often described a lack of respect for authority or guidance, and this sense carries over into its theological implications in the New Testament.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Hebrews 12:5: “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, do not despise [ὀλιγωρεῖ] the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked by Him.”

2. Isaiah 53:3 (Septuagint): “He was despised [ὠλιγωρεῖτο] and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with the Greek word in parentheses

Plato Laws “To disregard (ὀλιγωρεῖν) the laws is to invite chaos.”

Aristotle Politics “One should never treat leadership with little regard (ὀλιγωρεῖν), for it undermines society.”

Septuagint Isaiah 53:3 “He was despised (ὠλιγωρεῖτο) and rejected by men.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ὀλιγωρέω (oligoreō) in Hebrews 12:5 carries the profound warning not to regard the Lord’s discipline lightly. It suggests that to grow spiritually, one must embrace correction rather than dismiss or disdain it. This word, used sparingly in the New Testament, highlights the importance of giving proper respect to divine instruction. In classical Greek thought, oligoreō carried a similar weight, emphasizing the consequences of disregarding authority or rules.

Did You Know?

1. Oligoreō is used only once in the New Testament, making its occurrence in Hebrews 12:5 particularly impactful.

2. The root ὀλίγος (oligos) means “little” or “small,” which adds the dimension of minimizing something’s importance or value in oligoreō.

3. This word appears in the Septuagint version of Isaiah 53:3, where it describes how the Messiah was “despised” and rejected by men.