### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G2707 (καταφροντής, kataphrontḗs) is an agent noun derived from the verb G2706 (καταφρονέω, kataphroneō). The verbal root combines κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," with φρονέω (phroneō), meaning "to think," "to have understanding," or "to be minded." Therefore, G2707 literally translates to "one who thinks down upon" or "one who holds in contempt." Its core meaning signifies a "despiser" or "contemner"—an individual characterized by an attitude of scorn, disdain, or utter disregard for something or someone deemed worthless. The semantic range of G2707 is tightly focused on this specific negative disposition of contempt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2707 (καταφροντής) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 13:41]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is preaching in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, addressing the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. He quotes from the prophet Habakkuk, warning his hearers: "Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which you will in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you."
This quotation from [[Habakkuk 1:5]] (as found in the Septuagint) is powerfully applied by Paul to those who were resisting his message about Jesus Christ. The "despisers" are those whose unbelief is not merely a passive lack of conviction, but an active, scornful rejection of God's mighty work being unfolded before their very eyes through the Gospel. Their contempt for God's divine plan and His chosen messenger (Christ) leads directly to a warning of wonder (astonishment at judgment) and perishing. The context is one of divine judgment against those who scorn the revelation of God's salvific act.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root G2706 (καταφρονέω), which means "to despise" or "to scorn." This verb is used more frequently in the New Testament and illuminates the actions and attitudes associated with a G2707. For instance, it describes despising God's goodness ([[Romans 2:4]]), despising the church of God ([[1 Corinthians 11:22]]), or despising a spiritual leader's youth ([[1 Timothy 4:12]]). Even Christ is said to have "despised the shame" of the cross ([[Hebrews 12:2]]), indicating His disregard for its ignominy in light of the joy set before Him.
Other related concepts include:
* G1843 (ἐξουθενέω, exoutheneō): To set at naught, to despise, to treat with contempt. This word often carries a connotation of rendering something insignificant or treating it as nothing. While similar, G2707 and its root G2706 emphasize the internal attitude of contempt, whereas G1843 can imply a more outward manifestation of disdain.
* G5237 (ὑπερηφανία, hyperephania): Pride or arrogance, which often serves as the root attitude that leads to despising others or God's ways.
* In the Old Testament, the concept of despising God, His commands, or His people is frequently expressed through terms like `{{H936}}` (bûz, "to despise, scorn") or `{{H5006}}` (na'ats, "to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor"). The Habakkuk context from which G2707 is drawn in [[Acts 13:41]] directly links to this Old Testament prophetic tradition of warning against contempt for God's work.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of G2707 in [[Acts 13:41]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark warning against the spiritual danger of despising God's work of salvation in Christ.
1. **Unbelief as Despising:** Paul's use of G2707 characterizes the rejection of the Gospel not merely as intellectual skepticism, but as an active, scornful dismissal of God's divine revelation and intervention. This portrays unbelief as a serious affront to God's sovereignty and a form of rebellion against His gracious provision. To despise God's work is to implicitly despise God Himself.
2. **Divine Judgment:** The consequence of being a kataphrontḗs is severe: "wonder, and perish." This underscores the gravity of spiritual contempt. God will not be mocked, and those who scorn His ultimate act of love and redemption will face His righteous judgment. It highlights the principle that God's grace, if spurned, leads to inevitable destruction.
3. **Contrast to Humility and Faith:** The kataphrontḗs stands in sharp opposition to the humble and believing heart that receives God's word with reverence and trust. True faith involves acknowledging God's authority, wisdom, and love, even when His ways are counter-intuitive or challenge human understanding.
4. **Relevance for Believers:** While G2707 specifically addresses those who reject the Gospel, the broader concept of despising (from G2706) remains pertinent for believers. Despising God's goodness ([[Romans 2:4]]), His church ([[1 Corinthians 11:22]]), or fellow believers ([[1 Timothy 6:2]]) are serious spiritual failings that undermine Christian fellowship, hinder spiritual growth, and reflect a lack of reverence and love for God and His people.
### Summary
The Greek word G2707 (καταφροντής, kataphrontḗs) precisely defines "one who despises" or "a contemner," deriving its meaning from the verb G2706 (καταφρονέω), "to think down upon" or "to scorn." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 13:41]] is a powerful prophetic warning, where Paul applies it to those who actively reject the Gospel message. This term profoundly characterizes unbelief not merely as an absence of faith, but as an active, scornful dismissal of God's redemptive work in Christ. The theological implications are dire, as being a kataphrontḗs leads to divine judgment and perishing, emphasizing the critical importance of receiving God's truth with humility and faith rather than contempt. The word serves as a potent reminder of the gravity of spiritual arrogance and underscores the call to reverence for God's sovereign plan of salvation.
TRV