Lexical Summary kataphroneó: To despise, to scorn, to look down upon Original Word: καταφρονέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance despise. From kata and phroneo; to think against, i.e. Disesteem -- despise. see GREEK kata see GREEK phroneo HELPS Word-studies 2706 kataphronéō (from 2596 /katá, "down, according to," intensifying 5426 /phronéō, "regulating behavior from inner mind-set") – properly, view down, i.e. with a negative (hostile) outlook; to despise, thinking down on (thinking little of); esteem lightly, seeing as insignificant or detestable; to treat with contempt or disregard (BAGD); devalue; to depreciate (scorn); pay no regard to (because something seems of no account); " 'despise, scorn,' and show it by active insult" (Souter). [2706 /kataphronéō (literally, "think down") refers to holding someone in contempt, deeming them unworthy and hence despised (scorned).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and phroneó Definition to think little of NASB Translation despise (5), despising (1), disrespectful (1), look down (1), think lightly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2706: καταφρονέωκαταφρονέω, καταφρόνω; future καταφρονήσω; 1 aorist κατεφρόνησα; (from Herodotus down); to contemn, despise, disdain, think little or nothing of: with the genitive of the object (Buttmann, § 132, 15), Matthew 6:24; Matthew 18:10; Luke 16:13; Romans 2:4; 1 Corinthians 11:22; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:2; 2 Peter 2:10; Hebrews 12:2. Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 2706 occurs nine times in the New Testament, describing an action of belittling, scorning, or treating someone or something as of little value. The contexts cluster around three main arenas: contempt for God and His gracious provisions, contempt for people (especially the vulnerable or fellow believers), and contempt for divinely-established authority. Each occurrence exposes the spiritual peril of such disdain and calls the reader to reverence, humility, and love. Contempt for God’s Grace (Romans 2:4) Romans 2:4 confronts those who “disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience.” Here the attitude is not overt blasphemy but a smug presumption that mistakes divine longsuffering for divine indifference. Such contempt places the sinner on a collision course with the righteous judgment of God, illustrating that despising grace is tantamount to rejecting the only path to repentance. Scorning the Shame for Joy Set Before Christ (Hebrews 12:2) Hebrews 12:2 presents the unique, righteous form of contempt: “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The Savior’s disdain was not toward the Father but toward the humiliation and disgrace associated with crucifixion. By trivializing that shame in comparison to eternal joy, He models proper priorities for believers under persecution—devaluing temporal dishonor while valuing eternal glory. Divided Allegiance in Service and Stewardship (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13) Both verses warn that a heart cannot simultaneously serve God and wealth: “He will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Contempt here becomes a diagnostic sign revealing the object of true devotion. When mammon is treasured, godly commands are subtly sidelined; when God is treasured, money becomes a tool rather than a master. Neglect of the Vulnerable (Matthew 18:10) “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.” The statement stands as a protective fence around children and humble believers. Contempt toward the least visible members of the kingdom provokes angelic interest and divine notice, reminding the church that greatness is measured by how the least are valued. Dishonor within the Assembly (1 Corinthians 11:22) Paul rebukes the Corinthians for shaming the poor at the Lord’s Table: “Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?” Here contempt fractures fellowship and empties the sacrament of its testimony to a unified body. The verse warns that social stratification, if imported into worship, profanes the very institution Christ ordained to proclaim equality in His blood. Guarding Christian Example and Workplace Harmony (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:2) Timothy is exhorted, “Let no one despise your youth,” a call both for the young leader to live above reproach and for the congregation to honor God-given leadership regardless of age. In 1 Timothy 6:2, slaves with believing masters must not “show them disrespect because they are brothers.” Familiarity must not breed contempt; instead, shared faith should elevate diligence and respect. Lawless Arrogance (2 Peter 2:10) False teachers are characterized as those “who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.” Their contempt is systemic—toward the Lord’s sovereignty, toward moral restraints, and toward civil order. Such arrogance places them under certain judgment and serves as a cautionary tale against doctrinal and moral libertinism. Historical Background In classical literature the verb commonly described treating civic obligations, elders, or treaties as insignificant. Within the New Testament the stakes rise: contempt is measured not merely against social customs but against revealed truth and divine order, amplifying its seriousness. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Preaching and counseling must expose the danger of taking God’s patience lightly (Romans 2:4) and urge immediate repentance. Theological Synthesis Scripture consistently portrays contempt as a barometer of the heart’s allegiance. When directed toward God, His grace, or His appointed structures, it invites severe judgment; when directed toward worldly shame for righteousness’ sake, it displays true faith. The believer is therefore called to cherish what God esteems and to trivialize only what He declares worthless—sin, shame for Christ’s sake, and the fleeting allure of mammon. Forms and Transliterations καταφρονεί καταφρόνει καταφρονεις καταφρονείς καταφρονεῖς καταφρονειτε καταφρονείτε καταφρονεῖτε καταφρονειτω καταφρονείτω καταφρονειτωσαν καταφρονείτωσαν καταφρονηθήσεται καταφρονησας καταφρονήσας καταφρονησει καταφρονήσει καταφρονησητε καταφρονήσητε καταφρονουντας καταφρονούντας καταφρονοῦντας καταφρονούντων καταφρονών κατεφρόνησάν κατεφρόνησας κατεφρόνουν kataphroneis kataphroneîs kataphroneite kataphroneîte kataphroneito kataphroneitō kataphroneíto kataphroneítō kataphroneitosan kataphroneitōsan kataphroneítosan kataphroneítōsan kataphronesas kataphronēsas kataphronḗsas kataphronesei kataphronēsei kataphronḗsei kataphronesete kataphronēsēte kataphronḗsete kataphronḗsēte kataphronountas kataphronoûntasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 6:24 V-FIA-3SGRK: τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει οὐ δύνασθε NAS: to one and despise the other. KJV: and despise the other. INT: the other he will despise not You are able Matthew 18:10 V-ASA-2P Luke 16:13 V-FIA-3S Romans 2:4 V-PIA-2S 1 Corinthians 11:22 V-PIA-2P 1 Timothy 4:12 V-PMA-3S 1 Timothy 6:2 V-PMA-3P Hebrews 12:2 V-APA-NMS 2 Peter 2:10 V-PPA-AMP Strong's Greek 2706 |
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