### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4065 περιφρονέω (periphronéō) is a compound verb derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "beyond," and the verb φρονέω (phroneō), meaning "to think," "to be minded," or "to have understanding." Etymologically, περιφρονέω suggests "to think beyond" or "to think around" something, which in a derogatory sense implies thinking oneself superior to another or disregarding another's worth. This leads to its primary semantic range: to depreciate, to contemn, to scorn, or to despise. It denotes an attitude of disdain or contempt, where one looks down upon another, often to the point of treating them as insignificant or unworthy of respect. The nuance of περί in this compound often implies a dismissive or condescending thought process that encircles and ultimately devalues the object of contempt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4065 περιφρονέω appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's epistle to Titus:
* **[[Titus 2:15]]**: "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (μηδεὶς σου περιφρονείτω).
* In this sole occurrence, the command is given by Paul to Titus, a younger leader in the church on Crete. The imperative "Let no man despise thee" (μηδεὶς σου περιφρονείτω) is a crucial instruction regarding Titus's conduct and the exercise of his pastoral authority. Paul is not merely advising Titus to demand respect, but rather to live and teach with such integrity, maturity, and sound doctrine that no one would have legitimate cause to look down on him, treat him with contempt, or disregard his message.
* The context of [[Titus 2]] is Paul's detailed instructions on sound teaching and godly living for various groups within the church (older men, older women, younger women, younger men, slaves). Titus is exhorted to be a model of good works and sound speech himself (v. 7-8). The prohibition against being despised is thus directly linked to the effectiveness of his ministry. If Titus were to be despised, it would undermine his ability to "speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority," thereby hindering the spread of sound doctrine and godly living among the believers. This verse underscores the critical importance of a leader's blameless character for the sake of their message and the credibility of the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
G4065 περιφρονέω is part of a family of words that express contempt or disregard, often built upon the root φρονέω (G5426).
* **φρονέω (G5426)**: The base verb, meaning "to think," "to be minded," "to set one's mind on." This root highlights that despising is fundamentally an attitude or way of thinking about another.
* **καταφρονέω (G2706)**: Another compound with φρονέω, using κατά (kata, "down"). This word also means "to despise," "to look down on," or "to scorn." While very similar in meaning to περιφρονέω, καταφρονέω emphasizes looking *down* on someone, whereas περιφρονέω suggests thinking *beyond* or *above* someone, leading to a dismissive attitude. Both words convey contempt, but with slightly different directional nuances in their prefixes. καταφρονέω is more common in the New Testament (e.g., [[Romans 2:4]], [[1 Timothy 4:12]], [[Hebrews 12:2]]).
* **ἀτιμάζω (G818)**: To dishonor, treat shamefully, treat with contempt. While not sharing the same root, this verb describes the practical outcome of despising someone.
* **ἐξουθενέω (G1848)**: To set at naught, treat with contempt, despise as worthless. This word also shares a strong semantic overlap with περιφρονέω, conveying a sense of utter disregard or belittling.
The concept of "despising" is often contrasted with "honoring" or "respecting." In a theological context, it touches upon themes of authority, humility, integrity, and the proper estimation of others, particularly those in spiritual leadership.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G4065 περιφρονέω in [[Titus 2:15]] carries significant theological weight, particularly for ecclesiology and pastoral theology.
1. **Integrity of Leadership**: The command to Titus underscores the critical importance of a leader's personal integrity and blameless conduct. The effectiveness of a spiritual leader's ministry is not solely dependent on their theological knowledge or oratorical skills, but profoundly on their character. If a leader's life gives cause for others to despise them, their message, even if sound, can be undermined. This highlights the practical outworking of faith and doctrine in the life of a minister.
2. **Authority and Respect**: While the New Testament emphasizes servant-leadership and humility (e.g., [[Mark 10:42-45]]), it also recognizes the necessity of God-given authority within the church (e.g., [[Hebrews 13:17]]). The warning against being despised is not a call for Titus to assert his personal ego, but to ensure that the divine authority invested in his office is not diminished by his own failings. Respect for the messenger facilitates reception of the message.
3. **Protection of the Gospel**: Ultimately, the concern is not merely for Titus's personal reputation, but for the unimpeded advance of the Gospel. If the messenger is despised, the message itself risks being despised. Thus, the admonition to Titus serves as a safeguard for the integrity and reception of the "sound doctrine" ([[Titus 2:1]]) he is called to proclaim.
4. **Maturity and Wisdom**: For a young leader like Titus, the instruction implies a call to mature wisdom in his actions and speech, avoiding anything that would give others a reason to dismiss him as immature, inconsistent, or hypocritical. It speaks to the need for leaders to "be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" ([[1 Timothy 4:12]]).
### Summary
G4065 περιφρονέω (periphronéō) signifies to despise, contemn, or look down upon, stemming from a mindset of thinking oneself superior or disregarding another's worth. Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Titus 2:15]] serves as a crucial instruction to the young pastor Titus: "Let no man despise thee." This command underscores the vital importance of a spiritual leader's blameless character and integrity, ensuring that their life and conduct do not provide any legitimate grounds for others to scorn their authority or disregard the sound doctrine they proclaim. The word highlights how contempt for the messenger can impede the reception of the message. It is closely related to other terms denoting contempt, such as `{{G2706}}` καταφρονέω, and emphasizes the practical outworking of Christian character as essential for effective ministry and the preservation of the Gospel's credibility.
TRV