### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oligōréō**, represented by `{{G3643}}`, means to **despise** or have little regard for something. It is formed from a compound of ὀλίγος and a word for "care," highlighting the idea of disesteem. This specific term appears 2 times in 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating its very focused application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical use of `{{G3643}}` is found in a significant exhortation in the book of Hebrews. The passage encourages believers not to **despise** the chastening of the Lord, framing it as a vital part of the relationship between God and His children [[Hebrews 12:5]]. The word is used to warn against treating God's disciplinary correction with little regard or disesteem.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the meaning of `{{G3643}}`:
* `{{G3809}}` **paideía** (chastening): This term refers to "tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction" [[Hebrews 12:5]]. It is the object that should not be despised.
* `{{G1651}}` **elénchō** (rebuke): Defined as "to confute, admonish," this word describes the action from God that accompanies chastening and should not cause one to faint [[Hebrews 12:5]].
* `{{G1590}}` **eklýō** (faint): Meaning "to relax (literally or figuratively)," this word presents the alternative negative response to God's correction, which is to lose heart or give up [[Hebrews 12:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G3643}}` is concentrated on the believer's response to divine discipline.
* **Valuing Divine Correction:** The command not to **despise** `{{G3643}}` the Lord's chastening establishes that God's discipline is not a casual matter but a valuable process. It is described as **paideía** `{{G3809}}`, which is "tutorage, i.e. education or training" [[Hebrews 12:5]].
* **A Sign of Sonship:** The context of Hebrews 12 presents this chastening as evidence of a legitimate relationship with God as a **son** `{{G5207}}`. To have little regard for it is to misunderstand a key aspect of this father-child dynamic ([[Hebrews 12:5]], [[Hebrews 12:7]]).
* **Avoiding Weariness:** The alternative to despising correction is to **faint** `{{G1590}}` when rebuked. Both reactions are discouraged, urging believers instead to endure correction as a means of producing righteousness ([[Hebrews 12:5]], [[Hebrews 12:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3643}}` **oligōréō** is a specific term that carries significant weight in its single scriptural context. It conveys the idea of treating something important with little regard or disesteem. Its use in [[Hebrews 12:5]] serves as a crucial warning to believers: do not **despise** the disciplinary correction of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`, because it is an expression of His fatherly care and a necessary part of spiritual training and instruction.
TRV