### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ὀλιγωρέω (oligōréō), Strong's number `{{G3643}}`, is a compound word derived from ὀλίγος (oligos), meaning "little" or "few," and a root related to "care" or "heed." Its core meaning encompasses the idea of having little regard for something, paying scant attention, or neglecting. The semantic range extends from simple indifference or slight neglect to a more active form of disdain or contempt, ultimately translated as "to despise" in its single New Testament occurrence. It denotes a profound lack of valuing or esteeming, suggesting that something is considered unimportant or unworthy of serious consideration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ὀλιγωρέω (oligōréō) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[Hebrews 12:5]]**: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of (ὀλιγωρέω) the Lord's discipline, nor lose heart when reproved by him.'"
This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Proverbs 3:11]]. In both contexts, the word is used in the imperative, warning against an improper response to divine discipline.
In [[Hebrews 12:5]], the author appeals to the readers, who are undergoing trials, to correctly understand God's discipline. To "make light of" or "despise" the Lord's discipline implies treating it with contempt, indifference, or a lack of serious consideration. It is contrasted with "losing heart" (ἐκλύομαι, `{{G1590}}`), which signifies giving up or becoming discouraged. Both responses are presented as detrimental. The context emphasizes God's fatherly love and purpose in disciplining His children, aiming for their sanctification and shared holiness ([[Hebrews 12:10]]). Therefore, to oligōréō God's discipline is to fundamentally misunderstand His character and His loving intentions.
In its Old Testament source, [[Proverbs 3:11]] (LXX), the Hebrew word translated by oligōréō is מָאַס (ma'as, `{{H3988}}`), which means "to reject, despise, scorn, loathe." This Hebrew root confirms that the Greek oligōréō can carry the strong sense of active contempt or rejection, not merely passive neglect. The choice of oligōréō by the LXX translators and subsequently by the author of Hebrews underscores the seriousness of such an attitude towards God's corrective hand.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share a semantic overlap or stand in contrast to ὀλιγωρέω (oligōréō):
* **Synonyms/Near Synonyms**:
* ἀμελέω (ameleō, `{{G2722}}`): To be careless, neglect, disregard. This word often implies a lack of concern or diligence.
* καταφρονέω (kataphroneō, `{{G2706}}`): To look down upon, despise, scorn, treat with contempt. This word carries a stronger sense of active disdain or contempt, very close to the "despise" aspect of oligōréō.
* ἀτιμάζω (atimazō, `{{G818}}`): To dishonor, treat with contempt, insult.
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts**:
* τιμάω (timaō, `{{G5092}}`): To honor, value, respect.
* προσέχω (prosechō, `{{G4337}}`): To give attention to, heed, pay close regard.
* ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō, `{{G5293}}`): To submit, be subject to.
* **Thematic Connections**: The concept of oligōréō is deeply intertwined with biblical themes such as divine discipline, the fatherhood of God, filial piety and obedience, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. It speaks to the proper disposition of a believer's heart towards God's sovereign work in their lives.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ὀλιγωρέω (oligōréō) in the New Testament, specifically in relation to God's discipline, carries profound theological weight.
1. **Understanding Divine Discipline**: The command "Do not despise the Lord's discipline" reveals a critical aspect of God's character and His relationship with His children. God's discipline is not punitive in the sense of vengeful punishment, but corrective and redemptive, flowing from His love and commitment to His children's holiness ([[Hebrews 12:6-11]]). To oligōréō this discipline is to fundamentally misunderstand God's fatherly heart and to reject His means of sanctification.
2. **Filial Reverence and Submission**: The exhortation in [[Hebrews 12:5]] echoes the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, where a child is admonished to respect and heed a father's correction. Spiritually, it underscores the necessity of a reverent and submissive attitude from believers towards God. Despising His discipline is akin to a child disrespecting a loving parent's guidance, hindering growth and maturity.
3. **Danger of Spiritual Indifference/Contempt**: The warning against oligōréō highlights the spiritual danger of treating God's work in one's life with indifference, disdain, or a lack of seriousness. Such an attitude can lead to a hardened heart, a failure to learn from trials, and a resistance to the very processes God uses to conform believers to the image of Christ.
4. **Contrast with Despair**: By contrasting oligōréō (despising) with "losing heart" (despair), the text presents two equally inappropriate responses to God's discipline. One is an attitude of defiant indifference or contempt, the other is one of overwhelming discouragement. Both prevent the beneficial outcome of God's refining work in the believer's life.
### Summary
The Greek word ὀλιγωρέω (oligōréō, `{{G3643}}`) signifies a profound lack of regard, ranging from neglect to outright contempt or disdain. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 12:5]], a quotation from [[Proverbs 3:11]] (LXX), powerfully warns believers against "despising" or "making light of" the Lord's discipline. This admonition is crucial for understanding God's fatherly love and His sanctifying purpose in allowing trials and corrections. To oligōréō God's discipline is to misunderstand His character, reject His loving guidance, and hinder one's spiritual growth, demonstrating an attitude of indifference or active contempt towards His redemptive work.
TRV