Lexical Summary axioó: To deem worthy, to consider deserving Original Word: ἀξιόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance desire, think good, count worthy. From axios; to deem entitled or fit -- desire, think good, count (think) worthy. see GREEK axios HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 515 aksióō – to reckon as worthy, matching value to actual substance – i.e. worth as it corresponds to reality. See 514 (aksios). [In the papyri, aksioō can refer to making a "claim" (see P Oxy 237. vi.14, NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom axios Definition to deem worthy NASB Translation consider...worthy (1), considered worthy (1), count...worthy (1), counted worthy (1), deserve (1), desire (1), insisting (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 515: ἀξιόωἀξιόω, ἀξιῶ; imperfect ἠξίουν; 1 aorist ἠξίωσα; passive, perfect ἠξιωμαι; 1 future ἀξιωθήσομαι; (ἄξιος); as in Greek writings; a. to think meet, fit, right: followed by an infinitive, Acts 15:38; Acts 28:22. b. to judge worthy, deem deserving: τινα with an infinitive of the object, Luke 7:7; τινα τίνος, 2 Thessalonians 1:11; passive with the genitive of the thing, 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 3:3; Hebrews 10:29. (Compare: καταξιόω.) Strong’s Greek 515 speaks of weighing value and pronouncing something or someone “worthy.” The term moves beyond private estimation; it expresses an authoritative verdict that confers honor, privilege, responsibility, or censure. In Scripture it is applied both positively—granting favor or esteem—and negatively—declaring that certain actions warrant judgment. Distribution in the New Testament The verb appears seven times, spanning Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Hebrews. In each setting the writer appeals to an objective standard: divine holiness, apostolic wisdom, or communal order. The idea is never capricious; true worth is assessed in light of God’s character and revealed will. Examples of Key Usage Worthy of God’s Call (2 Thessalonians 1:11) “...that our God will count you worthy of His calling and by His power fulfill every good desire and work of faith.” Here the worthiness is imparted by God through ongoing sanctification. Believers do not earn the call; instead, God fashions lives that match the dignity of the call already received. Worthy of Greater Glory (Hebrews 3:3) “For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses...” The comparison underscores Christ’s supremacy. Moses was honored as a faithful servant; Jesus is exalted as the Son over God’s house. The verdict anchors the epistle’s appeal to remain steadfast in the New Covenant. Worthy of Double Honor (1 Timothy 5:17) “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” Church leaders who labor faithfully are to be publicly esteemed and materially supported. The verse grounds compensation and respect in measurable service, not mere office. Worthy of Severe Judgment (Hebrews 10:29) “How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot...” Apostasy is evaluated as treason against grace, meriting heightened judgment. The same verb that grants honor here confirms condemnation, revealing divine justice to be both generous and exact. Historical and Cultural Setting In Greco-Roman society, public recognition of worth could involve civic titles, financial reward, or legal privileges. The New Testament writers appropriate that social language but recalibrate its scale. True honor issues from God; true disgrace is measured against Christ. Therefore, the church’s affirmations or censures carry eternal weight, not merely social prestige. Theological Themes 1. Grace-Enabled Worthiness Salvation is by grace, yet God’s grace is transformative, producing lives that match the gospel (Philippians 1:27). Counting believers worthy is thus both declarative and operative. 2. Accountability and Reward The verb frames reward in terms of faithfulness (1 Timothy 5:17) and punishment in terms of rejection (Hebrews 10:29). Divine assessment is impartial and consummate. 3. Corporate Discernment Acts 15:38 and Acts 28:22 show early Christian leaders evaluating ministry partnerships and teaching opportunities. Worthiness judgments protect mission integrity and foster doctrinal clarity. Ministry Implications • Intercession should include petitions that God shape lives to fit His calling, not merely grant external success (2 Thessalonians 1:11). Connection with Old Testament Concepts The Septuagint often renders Hebrew terms for “deserving” or “fitting” with related Greek vocabulary. The New Testament continues this trajectory, showing that ultimate worth is adjudicated by the covenant-keeping God who both saves and judges. Eschatological Outlook At Christ’s return, every person will receive a final verdict of worth or unworthiness (compare Revelation 3:4-5). The present ministry of assessing worth—whether encouraging saints or warning the wayward—anticipates that climactic day. Summary Strong’s Greek 515 charts the movement from divine evaluation to human response. In prayer, preaching, discipline, and daily conduct, the church echoes God’s own verdicts, celebrating grace that makes sinners worthy and upholding righteousness that deems rebellion deserving of judgment. Englishman's Concordance Luke 7:7 V-AIA-1SGRK: οὐδὲ ἐμαυτὸν ἠξίωσα πρὸς σὲ NAS: I did not even consider myself KJV: thought I myself worthy to come unto INT: neither myself counted I worthy to you Acts 15:38 V-IIA-3S Acts 28:22 V-PIA-1P 2 Thessalonians 1:11 V-ASA-3S 1 Timothy 5:17 V-PMM/P-3P Hebrews 3:3 V-RIM/P-3S Hebrews 10:29 V-FIP-3S Strong's Greek 515 |
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