ἐξουθενέω

I ignore, despise

Definition

The verb ἐξουθενέω means to treat someone or something as having no value or significance. It carries a strong sense of contemptuous disregard, ranging from ignoring or dismissing someone (Luke 18:9) to actively despising and rejecting them (Luke 23:11). In a theological context, it can describe the world's rejection of what God values, as when God chooses things the world considers weak and foolish, thereby 'setting at naught' human wisdom and strength (1 Corinthians 1:28). It also applies to interpersonal judgment within the Christian community, warning believers not to 'despise' a fellow believer whom God has accepted (Romans 14:3, 10).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 11 times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke-Acts and the Pauline epistles. In Luke's writings, it describes social contempt, such as the Pharisee despising others (Luke 18:9) and Herod with his soldiers treating Jesus with contempt (Luke 23:11). Paul uses it to address community relations, urging Christians not to despise each other over disputable matters (Romans 14:3, 10) or to treat church courts with contempt (1 Corinthians 6:4). He also uses it theologically to describe God's subversion of worldly values (1 Corinthians 1:28) and practically in urging the Corinthians not to despise Timothy's visit (1 Corinthians 16:11).

Etymology

Derived from ἐξ (ek, meaning 'out of') and a root related to οὐθέν (outhen, meaning 'nothing'). It literally means to treat as out of nothing, i.e., to consider as utterly worthless or of no account. This composition intensifies the sense of nullification and contempt beyond simpler words for 'despise.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights a clash of values between God's kingdom and human judgment. It underscores the doctrine of God's sovereign election, where He chooses what the world despises (1 Corinthians 1:28). It also informs ecclesiology and ethics, teaching that despising a fellow believer is an affront to God, who has accepted them (Romans 14:3). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing the serious spiritual and communal implications of contemptuous attitudes.

In the Greco-Roman honor-shame culture, to 'set at naught' someone was a profound social insult, denying them honor and status. This action could publicly humiliate and marginalize an individual or group. Jesus being 'treated with contempt' by Herod (Luke 23:11) was a deliberate act of shaming a prisoner, which would have been clearly understood in that context as a forceful declaration of his perceived worthlessness.

καταφρονέω (kataphroneō, G2706) — to think down upon, scorn, often with a nuance of arrogant disregard. ἐξουδενέω (exoudeneō, G1847) — a variant spelling with identical meaning. μειόω (meioō, G3392) — to make less, esteem less, but often less intense.

Word Details

Scripture References