ἀποδοκιμάζω

I reject after testing, I disqualify

Definition

The verb ἀποδοκιμάζω means to reject after careful examination or testing, often with a sense of final disapproval or disqualification. It carries the idea of something being examined and then deemed unworthy or unacceptable, as when builders reject a stone (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, 1 Peter 2:4). In the context of Jesus' predictions of his suffering, it describes the religious leaders' official rejection of him after evaluating his claims (Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22, Luke 17:25). In Hebrews 12:17, it describes Esau being rejected in his plea for blessing, indicating a decisive, irreversible judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used 9 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and two epistles. In the Synoptic Gospels, it appears in Jesus' predictions of his own rejection by the elders and chief priests (Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22) and in quotations of Psalm 118:22 about the rejected cornerstone (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17). It is used metaphorically in 1 Peter 2:4, describing Christ as the living stone rejected by humans. The single non-Christological use is in Hebrews 12:17, describing Esau's rejected plea.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'away from') and the verb δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, G1381, meaning 'to test, examine, approve'). The compound thus literally means 'to reject after testing' or 'to disapprove following examination.' The root δοκιμάζω implies a process of scrutiny, so ἀποδοκιμάζω is the negative outcome of that process.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the central paradox of the gospel: the Messiah, examined and rejected by the religious authorities of his day, becomes the cornerstone of God's salvation (Acts 4:11). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the deliberateness and finality of the rejection Jesus faced, which was not a casual dismissal but an official verdict after scrutiny. It also underscores the reversal of human judgment by God, who makes the rejected one the foundation.

In the ancient building practices alluded to in the 'cornerstone' passages, builders would carefully inspect stones for flaws. A stone rejected after such inspection was considered useless for the building project. This cultural image powerfully communicates the verdict passed on Jesus by the religious establishment, which God dramatically overturned.

ἀθετέω (athetéō, G114) — to nullify, set aside; often used for rejecting commandments or covenants, with less emphasis on prior testing. ἐξουθενέω (exouthenéō, G1848) — to treat with contempt, despise; focuses on the attitude of scorn rather than the process of examination.

Word Details

Scripture References