ἀθυμέω (athumeō)
athumeō
be discouraged
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb athumeō describes a state of being disheartened or losing one’s spirit. Its literal sense comes from a combination meaning "without heart," capturing a deep inner discouragement that goes beyond simple sadness. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Colossians 3:21.
Paul uses this word when instructing fathers not to provoke their children to anger or despair. The context suggests a specific kind of spiritual fatigue or dejection that can arise from harsh treatment or excessive pressure. Translators often render it as "disheartened" or "discouraged," preserving the image of a spirit that has lost its strength and vitality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This single word captures a heavy feeling where our spirit loses its strength. It describes more than temporary sadness; it is a deep discouragement that can make us feel empty or defeated. When we face harsh words or relentless pressure, our inner heart can grow weary and lose its vitality.
In Colossians 3:21, Paul warns fathers not to provoke their children to this state. He understands that constant criticism or unreasonable demands can crush a young person's spirit. This word reminds us that our words carry weight and that gentleness preserves the heart.
May you find encouragement in knowing that God sees your weariness. Let His grace restore your strength when you feel discouraged, and may you extend that same gentle patience to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they may become discouraged.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀθυμῶσιν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul links harsh parenting directly to the spiritual discouragement of children.