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 word **athéteó**, represented by `{{G114}}`, means to set aside, disesteem, or reject. It is defined as coming from a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of τίθημι. This term appears **17 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying the strong implication of neutralizing or violating something of value, such as a command, a person, or a promise. It can be translated as to despise, disannul, frustrate, or bring to nought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G114}}` describes the active rejection of divine authority. It is used to show a direct chain of rejection, where one who **despises** God's messengers also **despises** both Christ and God the Father who sent him [[Luke 10:16]]. The word highlights the conflict between divine commands and human traditions, as when Jesus tells the Pharisees they "reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition" [[Mark 7:9]]. The term is also used when the Pharisees and lawyers **rejected** the counsel of God for themselves [[Luke 7:30]] and when Paul declares he does not **frustrate** the grace of God [[Galatians 2:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the concept of rejecting or accepting divine truth:
* `{{G191}}` **akoúō** (to hear): As a direct counterpart to rejection, this word means to hear or understand. The choice to **hear** or to despise is central, as one who **heareth** Christ's followers **heareth** Christ [[Luke 10:16]].
* `{{G2983}}` **lambánō** (to take): This word means to take or receive, often in contrast to rejecting. One who **rejecteth** Christ is one who does not **receiveth** His words [[John 12:48]].
* `{{G5083}}` **tēréō** (to guard): Meaning to keep or guard, this word is set in opposition to `{{G114}}`. One can either **reject** the commandment of God or choose to **keep** it [[Mark 7:9]].
* `{{G622}}` **apóllymi** (to destroy fully): This verb is used in parallel with `{{G114}}`, as God promises to **destroy** the wisdom of the wise and **bring to nothing** the understanding of the prudent [[1 Corinthians 1:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G114}}` is significant, highlighting the gravity of spurning God's revelation.
* **Rejection of Divine Authority:** To **despise** God's messengers is to **despise** God Himself [[1 Thessalonians 4:8]]. This principle extends from His prophets to Christ, where to **rejecteth** Christ is to face judgment [[John 12:48]].
* **Nullifying God's Word:** The term describes the act of setting aside God's commands in favor of human rules [[Mark 7:9]] or disannulling a confirmed covenant [[Galatians 3:15]]. It represents a deliberate choice to ignore divine counsel [[Luke 7:30]].
* **Abandonment of Faith:** The act of rejecting can have severe spiritual consequences. It is used to describe those who have **cast off** their first faith [[1 Timothy 5:12]] and those who **despised** Moses' law, which resulted in death [[Hebrews 10:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G114}}` is more than simple disagreement; it is an active and willful act of setting aside, neutralizing, and violating divine authority. It underscores the critical choice presented throughout Scripture: to receive and keep God's word, messengers, and grace, or to **reject** them and face the consequences of that decision. The word powerfully illustrates the seriousness with which God views the treatment of His revealed will and His representatives.
TRV