### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **exouthenéō**, represented by `{{G1848}}`, conveys the act of treating something or someone as utterly worthless. It appears 15 times across 11 unique verses and is defined as contemptible, despise, least esteemed, or to set at nought. This term signifies a deliberate and severe form of rejection, viewing the subject as having no value or significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1848}}` is used to describe various forms of contempt. It characterizes the self-righteous who "despised others" [[Luke 18:9]] and is used in the instruction for believers not to "despise" one another over matters of conscience [[Romans 14:3]]. The term is also applied to the rejection of Christ, who is described as the stone "which was set at nought" by the builders [[Acts 4:11]]. In a moment of intense humiliation, Herod and his soldiers "set him at nought" [[Luke 23:11]]. Paul uses it to describe how his physical presence was considered weak and his speech "contemptible" [[2 Corinthians 10:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of treating something as worthless:
* `{{G36}}` **agenḗs** (base things): This term describes that which is ignoble or of unknown descent. It is used to characterize the very "things which are despised" that God has chosen [[1 Corinthians 1:28]].
* `{{G1702}}` **empaízō** (to jeer at, i.e. deride:--mock): This word is used in direct parallel with `{{G1848}}` in the account of Christ's passion, where Herod's soldiers first set him at nought and then "mocked him" [[Luke 23:11]].
* `{{G2919}}` **krínō** (to distinguish, i.e. decide... judge): This word for judging is contrasted with despising in Romans, which asks, "why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?" [[Romans 14:10]].
* `{{G2673}}` **katargéō** (to be (render) entirely idle (useless)... bring (come) to nought): This word appears alongside `{{G1848}}` to show God's purpose in choosing the despised things of the world "to bring to nought things that are" [[1 Corinthians 1:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1848}}` is significant, highlighting a core conflict between worldly and divine values.
* **Rejection of the Divine:** The act of setting at nought is directed toward Christ, the cornerstone [[Acts 4:11]], and toward divinely given "prophesyings" [[1 Thessalonians 5:20]], indicating a rejection of God's provision and authority.
* **A Call for Unity:** The term is used as a specific prohibition against contempt within the church. Believers are warned not to "despise" their brethren [[Romans 14:3]] or those sent to minister to them [[1 Corinthians 16:11]].
* **God's Economy:** The most profound theological point is that God intentionally chooses what the world has "despised" and deemed worthless to accomplish His purposes, thereby bringing to nought the things the world esteems [[1 Corinthians 1:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1848}}` is not a term for simple dislike but for a deep-seated contempt that counts its object as nothing. It is a key concept for understanding the world's rejection of Christ and His followers, a crucial warning against arrogance within the body of believers, and a powerful illustration of God's method of subverting human pride by elevating what has been set at nought.
TRV