Lexical Summary oligoreo: To regard lightly, to neglect, to be indifferent Original Word: ὀλιγωρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance despise. From a compound of oligos and ora ("care"); to have little regard for, i.e. To disesteem -- despise. see GREEK oligos HELPS Word-studies 3643 oligōréō (from 3641 /olígos, "little in number" and ōra, "concern, care") – properly, caring too little ("in too few places"); to esteem lightly, neglect (LS). 3643 /oligōréō ("neglect as a habit") is used only in Heb 12:5 (an OT quote, cf. Job 5:17; Prov 3:11): "My son (i.e. true followers of the Lord), do not keep on neglecting (3643 /oligōréō, negated present imperative) the training of the Lord, nor go on becoming undone when you are internally convicted by Him." Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3643: ὀλιγωρέωὀλιγωρέω, ὀλιγώρω; (ὀλίγωρος, and this from ὀλίγος and ὥρα care); to care little for, regard lightly, make small account of: τίνος (see Matthiae, § 348; (Winer's Grammar, § 30, 10 d.)), Hebrews 12:5 from Proverbs 3:11. (Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Demosthenes, Aristotle, Philo, Josephus, others.) STRONGS NT 3643a: ὀλίγωςὀλίγως (ὀλίγος), adverb, a little, scarcely (R. V. just (escaping)): 2 Peter 2:18 G L T Tr WH (for Rec. ὄντος). (Anthol. 12, 205, 1; (Isaiah 10:7 Aq.).) Hebrews 12:5 contains the sole New Testament appearance of the verb behind Strong’s Greek 3643. Quoting Proverbs 3:11-12, the writer exhorts: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose heart when He rebukes you” (Berean Standard Bible). The term translated “take lightly” expresses an attitude that dismisses God’s corrective work as insignificant. Old Testament foundation The wording in Hebrews recalls Proverbs 3:11-12, where paternal discipline is portrayed as a sign of covenant love: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” The Septuagint uses the same verb family, showing that the author of Hebrews is invoking a well-known wisdom motif: wise children receive discipline; fools disregard it (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 13:18). Historical setting in Hebrews The epistle addresses believers who were growing weary under persecution (Hebrews 10:32-36). By viewing hardship as the Father’s training, the writer transforms suffering from a threat to faith into a means of growth. To “take lightly” that discipline would be to misinterpret trials, retreat from commitment, and forfeit maturity (Hebrews 12:7-11). Theological implications 1. Sonship—Divine discipline certifies adoption. “What son is not disciplined by his father?” (Hebrews 12:7). Ignoring discipline questions one’s filial relationship. Wider scriptural resonance Other writers warn against belittling divine dealings: Though different Greek verbs appear, the shared concept underscores that despising correction is a perennial danger. Pastoral and ministry applications • Discipleship—Leaders should frame trials as God’s formative work, helping believers resist cynicism. Exhortation The verb behind Strong’s 3643 stands as a succinct warning: when God trains, do not shrug. Instead, submit, learn, and “strengthen your limp hands and weak knees” (Hebrews 12:12), trusting that the Father’s discipline never lacks love or design. |
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