Understanding ἀξιόω (axioo) Strong’s G515: The Transformative Power of Being Deemed Worthy in God’s Kingdom

Pronunciation Guide: ak-see-OH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G515: ἀξιόω (axioo) expresses the concept of deeming worthy, considering deserving, or counting something as fitting. It carries the profound sense of making a value judgment about worthiness, either of oneself or others. This verb implies an active assessment of merit or value, often in relation to divine standards or cultural expectations.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb – Present Active Infinitive
• Derived from ἄξιος (axios) meaning “worthy” or “suitable”
• Primary usage in narrative and epistolary literature
• Common in both classical and Koine Greek
• Frequently appears in contexts of moral and spiritual evaluation

ἀξιόω Morphology:

• ἀξιόω (present active infinitive) – to deem worthy
• ἀξιῶ (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I deem worthy
• ἠξίωσα (aorist active indicative, 1st person singular) – I deemed worthy
• ἀξιωθείς (aorist passive participle, nominative singular) – having been deemed worthy
• ἀξιοῦσθαι (present passive infinitive) – to be deemed worthy

Origin & History

The word ἀξιόω emerged from classical Greek literature where it carried significant weight in discussions of merit and value judgment. Xenophon employed it in his “Memorabilia” when discussing matters of moral worth and social standing. In the Septuagint, it appears notably in 2 Maccabees, where it frequently describes those deemed worthy of divine favor or special privilege.

The term gained particular theological significance in early Christian literature. Clement of Rome used it in his epistle to the Corinthians when discussing those worthy of divine calling, while Ignatius of Antioch employed it in his letters to describe those deemed worthy of martyrdom for their faith in the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To consider or declare worthy based on inherent value or merit
• To think fitting or appropriate in a given context
• To request or demand based on perceived worthiness
• To evaluate against a standard of worth or excellence

ἀξιόω Translation Options:

• “To count worthy” – Emphasizes the evaluative aspect of the term
• “To deem fitting” – Highlights the judgment of appropriateness
• “To consider deserving” – Stresses the merit-based assessment
• “To judge worthy” – Underscores the decisive nature of the evaluation
• “To esteem as worthy” – Emphasizes the relational aspect of worth

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀξιόω appears strategically in contexts involving divine evaluation and human worth. Its first appearance in Luke 7:7 reveals a centurion’s profound humility, declaring himself unworthy of Jesus’s presence. This usage sets a precedent for understanding worthiness in relation to divine presence and authority.

The term carries particular weight in Pauline literature, where it often connects to the believer’s calling and conduct. It appears in contexts discussing both divine enablement and human responsibility, highlighting the delicate balance between grace and faithful response.

Significant appearances include:

• “Therefore I did not even consider myself worthy [ἀξιόω] to come to You” Luke 7:7
• “That you would walk worthy [ἀξιόω] of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12
• “That you may be counted worthy [ἀξιόω] of the kingdom of God” 2 Thessalonians 1:5
• “Of whom the world was not worthy [ἀξιόω]” Hebrews 11:38

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, the concept of worth was deeply tied to honor and shame dynamics. The term ἀξιόω played a crucial role in social transactions where worth needed to be assessed or declared. This connects to the Hebrew concept of כָּבוֹד (kavod), which similarly deals with weight, honor, and worth.

The Roman patronage system, which heavily influenced New Testament times, often required judgments of who was worthy of particular benefits or positions. This cultural background illuminates why the centurion’s statement about unworthiness in Luke 7:7 would have been particularly striking to ancient readers.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀξιόω in Scripture reveals a profound tension between human unworthiness and divine grace. It highlights how true worth comes not from human achievement but from God’s gracious evaluation and transformation of His people. This word helps us understand the paradox that those who humble themselves before God are often those whom He deems most worthy of His kingdom.

The term also connects to the broader biblical theme of divine calling and human response. When believers are called to walk worthy of their calling, it’s not about earning salvation but about living in alignment with the worth and dignity God has already bestowed through the Messiah’s redemptive work.

This word reveals God’s character as both the ultimate Judge of worth and the gracious Bestower of worth to those who trust in Him. It shows how He transforms those who acknowledge their unworthiness into vessels worthy of His purposes.

Personal Application

Reflecting on ἀξιόω challenges us to examine our understanding of worth in light of God’s standards rather than worldly measures. It invites us to embrace the humility of the centurion while also accepting the worth God bestows on us through the Messiah.

In practical terms, this word calls us to live worthy of our calling without falling into either pride or false humility. It encourages us to receive God’s grace while striving to walk in a manner worthy of His kingdom, always remembering that our worth comes from His declaration rather than our achievements.

Related Words

• ἄξιος (axios) – worthy, suitable, deserving – Emphasizes the state of being worthy rather than the act of evaluation See G514
• δοκιμάζω (dokimazo) – to test, examine, prove – Focuses on the testing process that determines worth See G1381
• κρίνω (krino) – to judge, decide – Relates to the judicial aspect of determining worth See G2919
• λογίζομαι (logizomai) – to count, consider – Connected to the cognitive process of evaluation See G3049

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀξιόω in ancient Greek athletics referred to the evaluation of whether an athlete was worthy to compete in the Olympic games, requiring both physical prowess and moral character.
• In Byzantine Greek, ἀξιόω developed into a formal term used in imperial documents to designate those deemed worthy of specific honors or positions, showing how the word evolved in administrative contexts.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of ἀξιόω in words related to dignity and value, such as αξιοπρέπεια (axioprépeia) meaning “dignity,” demonstrating the enduring impact of this ancient concept.

Remember This

ἀξιόω reminds us that true worth in God’s kingdom comes not from our own merit but from His gracious declaration and transforming work in our lives.