from a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of τίθημι; to set aside, i.e. (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate:--cast off, despise, disannul, frustrate, bring to nought, reject.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G114}}` athetéō is a compound word derived from the negative particle *a-* (α) and a form of the verb *títhēmi* (τίθημι), which means "to place" or "to set." Literally, therefore, `{{G114}}` conveys the sense of "not placing," "to set aside," or "to remove from its proper position." This foundational meaning expands semantically to encompass a range of actions that nullify, invalidate, or disregard something previously established or held in esteem. Its core meaning thus revolves around the act of making something void, treating it as if it never existed, or rejecting its authority or value. The various nuances include: to disesteem, to neutralize, to violate, to cast off, to despise, to disannul, to frustrate, to bring to nought, and to reject. It signifies a deliberate act of rendering something ineffective or unworthy of consideration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G114}}` athetéō appears several times in the New Testament, consistently carrying the weight of rejection or nullification, often with serious theological implications.
In [[Luke 7:30]], Jesus states that the Pharisees and lawyers *rejected* (ἐθετήσαν, `{{G114}}`) the purpose/counsel of God for themselves, not having been baptized by John. Here, `{{G114}}` highlights a profound refusal to accept God's revealed will, leading to a missed opportunity for spiritual alignment.
In [[John 12:48]], Jesus declares that "He who *rejects* (ἀθετῶν, `{{G114}}`) Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day." This underscores the direct link between rejecting Christ's words and rejecting Christ Himself, with eternal consequences.
Paul uses `{{G114}}` to describe God's sovereign action in [[1 Corinthians 1:19]], where he quotes [[Isaiah 29:14]]: "I will *destroy* (ἀθετήσω, `{{G114}}`) the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside." Here, `{{G114}}` denotes God's power to nullify human wisdom and schemes, rendering them ineffective in the face of divine truth.
In [[Galatians 2:21]], Paul asserts, "I do not *nullify* (ἀθετῶ, `{{G114}}`) the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." This usage emphasizes the profound theological error of undermining the sufficiency of God's grace by seeking justification through human effort or legalism. To *athetéō* grace is to treat it as insufficient or invalid.
The ethical dimension of `{{G114}}` is evident in [[1 Thessalonians 4:8]]: "So, he who *rejects* (ἀθετῶν, `{{G114}}`) this is not rejecting man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you." This verse sternly warns against disregarding the apostle's teaching on sexual purity, equating such rejection with a direct affront to God, who is the source of the command and the giver of the Spirit.
Finally, in [[Hebrews 10:28]], the gravity of *athetéō* is highlighted in the context of the Old Covenant: "Anyone who has *set aside* (ἀθετήσας, `{{G114}}`) the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses." This historical precedent serves as a stark warning about the even greater judgment awaiting those who willfully reject the New Covenant and the sacrifice of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G114}}` athetéō is closely related to other Greek words that convey rejection, nullification, or denial, though with distinct nuances.
* `{{G593}}` apodokimázō (to reject after testing): While `{{G114}}` implies a setting aside or making void, `{{G593}}` suggests a rejection based on a judgment of unsuitability or failure to meet a standard (e.g., the stone the builders rejected in [[Matthew 21:42]]).
* `{{G720}}` arnéomai (to deny): This word focuses more on verbal denial or disowning, whereas `{{G114}}` speaks to an action of invalidating or setting aside.
* `{{G2673}}` katargéō (to render idle, abolish, bring to nothing): `{{G2673}}` often describes the process of making something ineffective or obsolete, similar to `{{G114}}`'s "bring to nought" or "frustrate" sense, but `{{G114}}` often carries a stronger connotation of active disregard or violation.
Conversely, antonyms or contrasting concepts include:
* `{{G1209}}` déchomai (to receive, accept): The opposite of rejecting, implying openness and welcome.
* `{{G5083}}` tēréō (to keep, observe): To uphold or maintain, in contrast to setting aside or violating.
* `{{G4160}}` poiéō (to do, perform, obey): To act in accordance with, rather than nullifying or disregarding.
The concept of `{{G114}}` is deeply intertwined with themes of authority (divine and human), obedience, covenant, grace, and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G114}}` athetéō is profound, as it frequently describes actions that directly oppose God's will, word, or work.
1. **Rejection of Divine Counsel and Authority:** When humans *athetéō* God's counsel ([[Luke 7:30]]) or Christ's words ([[John 12:48]]), they are not merely disagreeing but actively nullifying or despising divine truth and wisdom. This is portrayed as a grave offense, carrying the weight of judgment.
2. **Undermining Grace:** To *athetéō* the grace of God ([[Galatians 2:21]]) is to invalidate the very means of salvation provided by God, implying that Christ's atoning work was unnecessary or insufficient. This highlights the exclusivity and sufficiency of grace in the economy of salvation.
3. **Disregard for God's Holiness:** In [[1 Thessalonians 4:8]], rejecting apostolic teaching on sanctification is equated with rejecting God Himself. This emphasizes that commands for holy living are not mere human suggestions but divine imperatives, and to set them aside is to dishonor the Holy Spirit.
4. **Divine Sovereignty in Nullification:** `{{G114}}` also describes God's power to *athetéō* human wisdom or schemes ([[1 Corinthians 1:19]]). This demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty, His ability to render human efforts and philosophies powerless when they stand in opposition to His divine plan.
5. **Covenantal Violation:** The use in [[Hebrews 10:28]] concerning the Law of Moses underscores that `{{G114}}` can signify a violation of covenantal obligations, leading to severe consequences. This serves as a warning against a more serious rejection of the New Covenant, which is established on superior promises.
In essence, `{{G114}}` speaks to the human capacity for active rebellion against divine truth and the divine response, whether in judgment or in the nullification of human folly.
### Summary
`{{G114}}` athetéō fundamentally means "to set aside" or "to make void," encompassing actions of rejecting, despising, frustrating, or nullifying. In biblical contexts, this word carries significant theological weight, primarily describing human acts of disregard or opposition toward God's counsel, Christ's words, or the grace of God. It highlights the seriousness of rejecting divine authority and the dire consequences of such actions. Conversely, it also describes God's sovereign power to nullify human wisdom and schemes that stand against His will. The study of `{{G114}}` thus illuminates the critical choice presented to humanity: to accept and uphold divine truth, or to presumptuously set it aside, with profound implications for salvation, holiness, and judgment.
TRV