### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1796}}` (enybrizō) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "into," and the verb ὑβρίζω (hybrizō), meaning "to treat with insolence, to insult, to outrage, to abuse." The root of hybrizō is ὕβρις (hybris), which denotes wanton violence, arrogant contempt, or insolence often born of pride. The prefix en- in `{{G1796}}` intensifies the action, suggesting an act of insolence or outrage directed *into* or *upon* someone or something, often with a sense of deliberate and profound contempt. Thus, `{{G1796}}` signifies more than a casual insult; it points to a severe, contemptuous affront, an act of deliberate despite or scorn that violates the dignity or sanctity of the object. It conveys the idea of treating something with utter disdain and scornful defiance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G1796}}` appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Hebrews 10:29]]. This singular occurrence, however, carries immense theological weight due to its context within a passage warning against apostasy.
[[Hebrews 10:29]] reads: "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"
In this verse, `{{G1796}}` describes the third and final act of egregious rebellion committed by one who has "received the knowledge of the truth" ([[Hebrews 10:26]]) yet deliberately turns away. The three actions are:
1. **"Trodden under foot the Son of God":** A contemptuous rejection and degradation of Christ Himself.
2. **"Counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing":** A profanation of Christ's atoning sacrifice, treating it as common or defiled, thereby nullifying its sanctifying power.
3. **"Done despite unto the Spirit of grace":** This is where `{{G1796}}` is employed. It signifies an act of contemptuous insolence directed at the Holy Spirit, who is here characterized as the "Spirit of grace." This means treating the Spirit's gracious work—His convicting, sanctifying, empowering, and comforting presence—with active scorn, defiance, and disdain. It is a deliberate spurning of the very source of divine favor and spiritual life.
The context emphasizes the gravity of such an act, portraying it as a deliberate, willful, and contemptuous rejection of the entire Trinitarian work of salvation, leading to a "sorer punishment" than that prescribed by the Law of Moses for lesser offenses.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms share semantic overlap or conceptual kinship with `{{G1796}}`:
* `{{G5195}}` (hybrizō): The base verb, meaning "to treat with insolence, to insult, to outrage." `{{G1796}}` intensifies this meaning.
* `{{G5196}}` (hybris): The noun form, denoting "insolence, arrogance, wanton violence." It captures the underlying disposition behind the act of `{{G1796}}`.
* `{{G818}}` (atimazō): To dishonor, treat shamefully, insult. While similar in outcome, `{{G1796}}` suggests a more active and contemptuous defiance.
* `{{G2551}}` (kakologeo): To speak evil of, revile. This focuses on verbal abuse, whereas `{{G1796}}` can encompass actions as well as attitude.
* `{{G987}}` (blasphemeo): To blaspheme, revile, slander, especially against God. This is a very strong term for speaking impiously or contemptuously of God, and `{{G1796}}` in [[Hebrews 10:29]] certainly borders on or includes blasphemous intent.
The concept of "despising" or "scorning" divine things is central to the meaning of `{{G1796}}`, aligning with passages that warn against rejecting God's counsel or His messengers (e.g., [[Luke 10:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G1796}}` in [[Hebrews 10:29]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It describes a sin of the gravest magnitude, reserved for those who have experienced God's grace and truth yet deliberately and contemptuously reject it.
1. **The Spirit of Grace:** The Holy Spirit is explicitly identified as the "Spirit of grace." This highlights His role as the dispenser and facilitator of divine favor, forgiveness, and power. To "do despite unto" Him is to scorn the very means by which God extends His unmerited favor to humanity.
2. **Apostasy's Culmination:** `{{G1796}}` represents the apex of apostasy. It is not merely a lapse in faith, but a willful, defiant, and scornful turning away from God, characterized by an active contempt for His Son, His covenant, and His Spirit. This is a deliberate act of rejection, not ignorance or weakness.
3. **Severity of Judgment:** The passage warns of "sorer punishment" for those who commit this sin. This underscores the theological principle that greater knowledge brings greater responsibility, and thus, greater culpability for willful rebellion. The sin described by `{{G1796}}` is presented as an affront to the very being and work of the Triune God, warranting the most severe divine judgment.
4. **Warning to Believers:** While speaking of apostates, the passage serves as a solemn warning to all believers about the dangers of spiritual hardening, neglect of grace, and the potential for a heart to become so calloused that it actively scorns the Spirit's gracious overtures. It emphasizes the need for perseverance and reverence for God's redemptive work.
### Summary
`{{G1796}}` (enybrizō) is a potent Greek term that signifies treating with contemptuous insolence, outrage, or doing despite unto. Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 10:29]] describes a profound act of spiritual rebellion: the deliberate and scornful rejection of the Holy Spirit, who is characterized as the "Spirit of grace." This act is presented as the culmination of apostasy, linked with trampling the Son of God and profaning the blood of the covenant. The word underscores the extreme seriousness of spurning God's grace after having known the truth, indicating a willful defiance that warrants severe divine judgment. It serves as a stark warning concerning the dire consequences of actively scorning the divine work of salvation.
TRV