Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "despise" refers to a strong feeling of contempt or disdain towards someone or something. It is often used to describe an attitude of scorn or disregard, particularly in relation to God's commandments, wisdom, or the people He has chosen. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the consequences and spiritual implications of despising what is holy and righteous.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "despise" is "בָּזָה" (bazah). This term is used to convey a sense of contempt or undervaluing. One notable instance is found in the account of Esau, who despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34 states, "Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and then got up and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright." This act of despising something so significant as a birthright is portrayed as a grave error, reflecting a lack of appreciation for God's blessings and promises. The prophets also speak against those who despise God's word and commandments. In Isaiah 5:24 , the prophet warns, "Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the stubble and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." Here, despising God's word is equated with rejecting His authority and leads to severe consequences. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἐξουθενέω" (exoutheneō) is often used to mean "despise" or "treat with contempt." Jesus Himself was despised by those who rejected His message and mission. In Luke 18:9 , Jesus tells a parable to some who "trusted in their own righteousness and despised others." This parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates the danger of self-righteousness and the contempt it breeds towards others. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of despising others within the Christian community. In Romans 14:3 , he writes, "The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him." Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and acceptance among believers, warning against despising those with different convictions. Spiritual Implications Despising what is holy or ordained by God is a serious matter in Scripture. It reflects a heart that is hardened and resistant to divine truth. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights the contrast between those who revere God and those who scorn His wisdom, with the latter being labeled as fools. Furthermore, despising others, especially within the body of Christ, undermines the unity and love that believers are called to exhibit. James 2:6 warns against showing favoritism, stating, "But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?" This admonition serves as a reminder that despising others based on worldly standards is contrary to the teachings of Christ. In summary, the biblical concept of despising is closely tied to attitudes of pride, rejection of divine authority, and lack of love for others. It serves as a cautionary theme throughout Scripture, urging believers to cultivate humility, reverence for God, and love for one another. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (v. t.) To look down upon with disfavor or contempt; to contemn; to scorn; to disdain; to have a low opinion or contemptuous dislike of.Greek 1848. exoutheneo -- to despise, treat with contempt ... to despise, treat with contempt. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: exoutheneo Phonetic Spelling: (ex-oo-then-eh'-o) Short Definition: I ignore, despise ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1848.htm - 8k 1847. exoudeneo -- to despise, treat with contempt 4065. periphroneo -- to examine on all sides, to despise 2706. kataphroneo -- to think little of 3643. oligoreo -- to esteem lightly 818. atimazo -- to dishonor 114. atheteo -- to do away with what has been laid down, set aside 3049. logizomai -- to reckon, to consider Strong's Hebrew 936. buz -- to despise... 935, 936. buz. 937 . to despise. Transliteration: buz Phonetic Spelling: (booz) Short Definition: despise. Word Origin a prim. root ... /hebrew/936.htm - 5k 959. bazah -- to despise 960. bazoh -- to despise 5006. naats -- to spurn, treat with contempt 7043. qalal -- to be slight, swift or trifling 3988. ma'ac -- to reject 7034. qalah -- to be lightly esteemed or dishonored 7751c. shut -- to treat with despite 2107. zul -- to lavish 7590. shat -- that which is despised Library That it is Sweet to Despise the World and to Serve God The Tenth Chapter: to Despise the World and Serve God is Sweet We are Required to Despise all Sensible Things, and to Love God ... If, Therefore, Ye Despise Marriages of Sons of Men... Man, O Death, Despise Thou it Not, that Image of Adam: which Like ... How we Ought not to Despise those who are Delivered up to Unclean ... Moreover, we are to Despise Ingratiating Ourselves with Kings or ... If Anyone Shall Despise those who Out of Faith Make Love-Feasts ... "That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ... The Death of Christ Voluntary. How the Mediator of Life Subdued ... Thesaurus Despise (64 Occurrences)... dislike of. Multi-Version Concordance Despise (64 Occurrences). Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate ... /d/despise.htm - 25k Spurn (13 Occurrences) Masters (59 Occurrences) Contempt (55 Occurrences) Reject (56 Occurrences) Discipline (63 Occurrences) Scorn (65 Occurrences) Lordship (12 Occurrences) Welcomed (30 Occurrences) Reprove (35 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God will not despise a broken spirit and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17)? | GotQuestions.orgDo Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict? How can both verses be true? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about having a poor or healthy body image? | GotQuestions.org Despise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Despise (64 Occurrences)Matthew 6:24 Matthew 18:10 Luke 16:13 Romans 2:4 Romans 14:3 Romans 14:10 1 Corinthians 11:22 1 Corinthians 16:11 Galatians 4:14 1 Thessalonians 4:8 1 Thessalonians 5:20 1 Timothy 4:12 1 Timothy 6:2 Titus 2:15 Hebrews 12:5 2 Peter 2:10 Jude 1:8 Genesis 16:4 Leviticus 26:15 Leviticus 26:44 Numbers 14:11 Deuteronomy 31:20 1 Samuel 2:30 1 Samuel 10:27 2 Samuel 12:14 2 Samuel 19:43 Nehemiah 2:19 Esther 1:17 Job 5:17 Job 9:21 Job 10:3 Job 19:18 Job 31:13 Job 36:5 Job 42:6 Psalms 36:4 Psalms 51:17 Psalms 69:33 Psalms 73:20 Psalms 74:10 Psalms 102:17 Psalms 119:163 Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 3:11 Proverbs 6:30 Proverbs 23:9 Proverbs 23:22 Song of Songs 8:1 Isaiah 23:9 Isaiah 30:12 Isaiah 31:7 Isaiah 60:14 Jeremiah 4:30 Jeremiah 14:19 Jeremiah 14:21 Jeremiah 23:17 Jeremiah 33:24 Lamentations 1:8 Ezekiel 16:57 Ezekiel 21:13 Ezekiel 28:26 Amos 5:10 Amos 5:21 Micah 3:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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