ἀθετέω
atheteō
to reject
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀθετέω (atheteō) is defined as "to reject." This verb conveys a sense of dismissal or non-acceptance, implying a denial or refusal of something. It is used 16 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in various contexts. In its range of usage, ἀθετέω is applied to reject not only people but also ideas, actions, and even divine commands. This versatility suggests that the word is essential in conveying the idea of opposition or refusal, which can be directed towards different entities. The frequency of its occurrence in the Bible underscores its significance in the narrative, often marking a turning point or a decisive moment in the story. The significance of ἀθετέω lies in its ability to highlight the consequences of rejection. When divine commands are rejected, it can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the biblical narrative. On the other hand, when individuals or groups reject each other, it can lead to conflict and division. The word ἀθετέω serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, obedience, and unity, making it a crucial concept in understanding the biblical narrative.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
16 total occurrences across the text
The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her.
Mark 7:9He said to them, “Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
Luke 7:30But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves.
Luke 10:16Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Luke 10:16Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Luke 10:16Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Luke 10:16Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
John 12:48He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke will judge him in the last day.
1 Corinthians 1:19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing.”
Galatians 2:21I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”
Galatians 3:15Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void or adds to it.
1 Thessalonians 4:8Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.
1 Thessalonians 4:8Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.
1 Timothy 5:12having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.
Hebrews 10:28A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.
Jude 1:8Yet in the same way, these also in their dreaming defile the flesh, despise authority, and slander celestial beings.