### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The verb ἀξιόω (axióō, `{{G515}}`) is derived from the adjective ἄξιος (áxios, `{{G514}}`), which signifies "worthy," "deserving," "fitting," or "of equal weight." As a verb, ἀξιόω carries the fundamental sense of "to deem worthy," "to consider fitting," "to regard as entitled," or "to judge as appropriate." It inherently implies an act of evaluation, assessment, or estimation of someone or something's suitability or deservingness for a particular status, treatment, or action. The semantic range includes:
* **To deem or count worthy:** This is the primary meaning, involving a subjective or objective assessment that a person or thing merits a certain honor, privilege, or outcome.
* **To think good/fit:** In some contexts, it extends to a judgment that something is suitable, proper, or desirable enough to be pursued or requested.
* **To desire (in the sense of deeming worthy of desire):** This nuance can arise when the subject believes something is worthy of their request or pursuit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀξιόω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating different facets of its meaning:
* **[[Luke 7:4]]**: Here, the elders of the Jews "earnestly entreated" (ἠξίωσαν) Jesus on behalf of the centurion, stating that he was "worthy" (ἄξιος, `{{G514}}`) for Jesus to grant his request. This illustrates a human evaluation of worthiness based on the centurion's good deeds and character (e.g., loving their nation, building their synagogue).
* **[[Acts 15:38]]**: Paul "did not think it good" (οὐκ ἠξίου) to take John Mark with them because he had deserted them earlier. This usage reflects a judgment of fitness or suitability for service, a pragmatic assessment by Paul concerning Mark's reliability for the mission.
* **[[Acts 28:22]]**: The Jewish leaders in Rome say to Paul, "we think it right" (ἀξιοῦμεν) to hear from you. This conveys the sense of "we deem it fitting" or "we consider it proper/appropriate" to hear his perspective, indicating a judgment that hearing him is the suitable course of action.
* **[[2 Thessalonians 1:11]]**: Paul prays that God would "count you worthy" (ἀξιώσῃ) of His calling. This is a profound theological statement. It is not based on human merit, but on God's gracious act of deeming believers worthy of the high purpose to which He has called them. The worthiness is a conferred status, an enablement by divine grace.
* **[[1 Timothy 5:17]]**: Elders who rule well are to be "considered worthy" (ἀξιούσθωσαν) of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. This is an instruction to the church to recognize and reward those who diligently serve, deeming them deserving of honor and support. It represents a communal judgment of worthiness for ecclesiastical recognition and provision.
These contexts collectively demonstrate the range of ἀξιόω from human judgment of merit and suitability to the divine act of conferring worthiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀξιόω is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ἄξιος (áxios, `{{G514}}`):** The foundational adjective, meaning "worthy," "deserving," or "fitting." The verb ἀξιόω is the action of declaring or considering something to be ἄξιος.
* **ἀξίως (axíōs, `{{G516}}`):** The adverb, meaning "worthily" or "in a manner worthy of." It describes *how* an action is performed, in accordance with what is deemed appropriate or deserving.
* **δικαιόω (dikaioō, `{{G1344}}`):** "To justify," "to declare righteous." While ἀξιόω focuses on deeming *worthy* or *fit* for a purpose or privilege, δικαιόω focuses on deeming *righteous* or *innocent* in a legal or moral sense. Both involve a declaration or judgment, but their basis and outcome differ.
* **κρίνω (krinō, `{{G2919}}`):** "To judge," "to decide." This is a broader term for making a judgment. ἀξιόω is a specific application of judgment concerning worthiness or suitability.
* **λογίζομαι (logizomai, `{{G3049}}`):** "To reckon," "to count," "to consider." This word often describes an accounting or mental calculation. While ἀξιόω involves a form of consideration, it specifically pertains to assigning value, merit, or suitability.
These related terms underscore the pervasive biblical theme of evaluation, assessment, and the resulting declaration or treatment based on that assessment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀξιόω is particularly profound in its application to God's relationship with humanity and the internal life of the church.
* **Divine Grace and Calling:** The prayer in [[2 Thessalonians 1:11]], that God would "count you worthy of His calling," is central. It highlights that humanity's worthiness for God's purposes is not inherent or earned through human merit. Rather, it is a gracious act of divine estimation and enablement. God, in His sovereign will, *deems* believers worthy to participate in His eternal plan, despite their unworthiness in themselves. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on salvation by grace through faith, not by works ([[Ephesians 2:8-9]]). The "worthiness" here is a conferred status, a divine imputation that empowers believers to live up to the high calling. It speaks to God's initiative and His power to enable us to fulfill His purposes.
* **Stewardship and Service:** When God "counts" individuals worthy of His calling, it implies an expectation of faithful stewardship and service. The worthiness is not merely a title but an empowering for active participation in His kingdom.
* **Ecclesiastical Recognition and Honor:** In [[1 Timothy 5:17]], the command to "count worthy of double honor" those elders who rule well underscores the church's responsibility to recognize, support, and adequately compensate its faithful leaders. This is a practical application of the principle of worthiness within the believing community, ensuring that those who diligently labor for the spiritual good of others are appropriately esteemed and cared for. It reflects a divine principle of honoring those who honor God through their dedicated service.
* **Contrasting Human and Divine Judgment:** The various uses of ἀξιόω illustrate the distinction between human and divine judgment. While humans may judge others worthy based on external actions or perceived merit ([[Luke 7:4]]), God's "counting worthy" for His calling transcends human merit, being rooted in His sovereign grace and purpose.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀξιόω (axióō, `{{G515}}`) fundamentally means "to deem worthy," "to consider fitting," or "to judge as appropriate." Derived from ἄξιος (áxios, `{{G514}}`), it encapsulates the act of evaluating and declaring someone or something to be deserving of a particular status, treatment, or privilege. Its biblical occurrences demonstrate a range of applications, from human assessments of suitability and deservingness, as seen in the elders' plea for the centurion ([[Luke 7:4]]) or Paul's judgment regarding John Mark ([[Acts 15:38]]), to the church's responsibility to honor diligent leaders ([[1 Timothy 5:17]]). Most profoundly, ἀξιόω speaks to God's gracious act of "counting believers worthy of His calling" ([[2 Thessalonians 1:11]]). This divine declaration of worthiness is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign grace, empowering believers to live out the high purposes to which they have been called. The word thus highlights both human and divine processes of evaluation, culminating in the profound theological truth that our ultimate worthiness for God's kingdom is a gift of His unmerited favor and enabling power.
TRV