from ἐκ and a derivative of the neuter of οὐδείς; to make utterly nothing of, i.e. despise:--set at nought. See also ἐξουθενέω.
Transliteration:exoudenóō
Pronunciation:ex-oo-den-o'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1847}}` exoudenóō is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and a derivative of οὐδείς (oudeis), meaning "no one" or "nothing." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to make as nothing," "to treat as utterly worthless," or "to reduce to nothingness." The prefix ἐκ serves to intensify the action, suggesting a thorough or complete reduction.
Its semantic range encompasses various shades of contempt and disdain: to despise, to scorn, to set at naught, to reject, to treat with utter contempt, or to make of no account. It describes an active devaluation, where something or someone is stripped of all perceived worth or significance by the one despising. It is closely related to `{{G1848}}` exoutheneō, which is often considered a variant form with an identical core meaning and is more frequently attested in some biblical manuscripts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1847}}` exoudenóō appears in several significant New Testament contexts, often highlighting human contempt or divine paradox:
* **Herod's Contempt for Jesus:** In [[Luke 23:11]], it is recorded that Herod and his soldiers "made light of Him" or "set Him at nought" (KJV). This describes their treatment of Jesus with utter disdain, mockery, and a complete lack of respect for His person or claims. It underscores the profound human rejection and humiliation suffered by the Son of God.
* **Believers Despising One Another:** Paul uses this term in [[Romans 14:3]] to warn against judgmentalism within the Christian community: "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not." Here, exoudenóō refers to the act of looking down upon, disdaining, or treating as inferior a fellow believer who holds a different conviction on matters of conscience (e.g., dietary laws). It emphasizes the destructive nature of contempt within the body of Christ, undermining unity and love.
* **God's Choice of the Despised:** In a profound theological statement, Paul declares in [[1 Corinthians 1:28]] that God has chosen "the base things of the world, and things which are despised (exoudenóō), and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are." This verse reveals God's counter-cultural wisdom, where He deliberately chooses what the world deems worthless or insignificant to accomplish His purposes and shame human pride.
* **Paul's Perceived Weakness:** In [[2 Corinthians 10:10]], Paul's opponents criticize him, saying, "His bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible" (exoudenóō). This illustrates how Paul's physical presence and rhetorical style were *despised* or made light of by those who judged by worldly standards, contrasting with the power of his letters.
* **Galatians' Acceptance of Paul:** Paul notes in [[Galatians 4:14]] that despite his physical infirmity (which could have been a cause for revulsion or contempt), the Galatians "did not despise (exoudenóō) or reject" him. This highlights their genuine spiritual reception of Paul and his message, demonstrating love and acceptance beyond superficial appearances.
* **Not Despising Prophecy:** Finally, in [[1 Thessalonians 5:20]], believers are exhorted, "Despise (exoudenóō) not prophesyings." This command warns against dismissing or treating as worthless genuine manifestations of divine revelation through prophecy, urging discernment and respect for spiritual gifts.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1847}}` exoudenóō stands in close semantic proximity to several other Greek terms:
* **Synonyms:**
* `{{G1848}}` exoutheneō: As noted, this is often an interchangeable variant, carrying the same core meaning of "to make nothing of, despise."
* `{{G2706}}` kataphroneō: "to think little of, to look down upon, disdain." While similar, exoudenóō often implies a more active and complete reduction to worthlessness.
* `{{G3627}}` oligoreō: "to make light of, to care little for."
* **Antonyms/Opposites:**
* `{{G5092}}` timaō: "to honor, to value."
* `{{G1391}}` doxazō: "to glorify, to esteem highly."
* `{{G1709}}` entimos: "held in honor, precious."
* **Thematic Connections:** The concept of exoudenóō is deeply interwoven with themes of humility vs. pride, divine wisdom vs. human folly, the nature of judgment, the value of spiritual gifts, and the importance of unity and love within the Christian community. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word `{{H936}}` bazah (to despise, scorn) conveys a similar sense of treating with contempt or making light of.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1847}}` exoudenóō is profound, illuminating both human sinfulness and divine wisdom:
1. **The Humiliation of Christ:** The fact that Jesus Himself was "despised" by Herod and his soldiers underscores the depth of His humiliation and suffering. This aligns with prophetic descriptions of the Suffering Servant (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:3]]) who was "despised and rejected by men." It highlights the paradox of God incarnate being treated as nothing by His creation.
2. **God's Counter-Cultural Wisdom:** `{{G1847}}` reveals God's chosen method of working in the world. By choosing "the things which are despised" ([[1 Corinthians 1:28]]), God demonstrates that His power and wisdom operate contrary to human expectations and values. He exalts the humble and uses the seemingly insignificant to shame the proud and powerful, thereby revealing the folly of human wisdom.
3. **The Sin of Contempt:** The use of exoudenóō in relation to believers despising one another ([[Romans 14:3]]) exposes a serious spiritual flaw: the sin of contempt. This act of devaluing a fellow image-bearer, particularly a sibling in Christ, is an affront to God, who values all His children. It stems from pride and a lack of love, hindering the unity and witness of the church.
4. **Valuing Spiritual Gifts and Divine Revelation:** The command not to "despise prophecies" ([[1 Thessalonians 5:20]]) emphasizes the importance of discerning and valuing God's ongoing communication with His people. To despise prophecy is to treat God's voice as nothing, risking spiritual impoverishment and disobedience.
### Summary
`{{G1847}}` exoudenóō is a potent Greek verb meaning "to make utterly nothing of," "to treat as worthless," or "to despise." Its biblical occurrences reveal its significance in several key areas: describing Herod's contemptuous treatment of Jesus, warning believers against despising one another over matters of conscience, illustrating God's paradoxical choice of the world's "despised" to accomplish His purposes, and exhorting believers not to dismiss genuine prophecy. Theologically, it highlights the profound humiliation of Christ, exposes the sin of human pride and judgmentalism, and underscores God's unique wisdom in exalting the humble and using the seemingly insignificant. The word serves as a critical reminder for believers to cultivate humility, love, and discernment, valuing what God values and avoiding the destructive attitude of contempt.
TRV