καταφρονέω
kataphroneō
to despise
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word kataphroneō (κataphroneō) is used 9 times in the Bible, primarily with the meaning of "to despise." This indicates a level of disregard or disdain, often tied to a sense of worthlessness or inferiority in the person or thing being dismissed. The occurrences of kataphroneō in the Bible show a range of usage, from expressing disdain towards people (usually with a connotation of rejection or disrespect) to indicating a general disregard for one's own circumstances or heritage. In some instances, kataphroneō appears to emphasize a sense of worthlessness or lowliness, which is often contrasted with a desire for self-respect or elevated status. Given its frequency and diverse uses, kataphroneō seems to play a significant role in conveying emotions and evaluations related to self-perception and interpersonal dynamics in the New Testament. It highlights the complex nature of human relationships and self-concept, suggesting that how we perceive ourselves and others can have significant emotional, social, and psychological implications.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
Matthew 18:10See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Luke 16:13No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.”
Romans 2:4Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
1 Corinthians 11:22What, don’t you have houses to eat and to drink in? Or do you despise God’s assembly and put them to shame who don’t have enough? What shall I tell you? Shall I praise you? In this I don’t praise you.
1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 6:2Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
Hebrews 12:2looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 Peter 2:10but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries;