ἀμελέω (ameleō)
ameleō
to neglect
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ameleō describes a state of carelessness or neglect, derived from a root suggesting indifference. In Scripture, it appears in four verses, notably when Jesus notes that some guests ignored his invitation (Matthew 22:5) and when the writer to the Hebrews warns against drifting away from such important truths (Hebrews 2:3). It conveys more than simple oversight; it implies a willful lack of attention or concern for what ought to be valued.
This word often takes a genitive object, indicating the specific thing being disregarded. In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul urges Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gift, highlighting that ameleō involves failing to act on something one knows is important. The term captures the quiet danger of letting significant responsibilities or truths slip from focus due to apathy rather than active opposition.
Translators typically render ameleō as "neglect" or "careless," which preserves its sense of passive failure. Unlike words that imply active rejection, ameleō points to a failure to care enough to engage. This distinction helps readers see how spiritual drift often begins not with rebellion, but with a gradual loosening of attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ameleō describes a quiet drifting away from what matters. It is not always loud rebellion; often it is simply letting good things slide because daily life feels busier or more urgent. In Matthew 22, guests ignored the king’s invitation by heading to their farms and shops. Their neglect was passive, yet it cost them the feast.
This word reminds us that spiritual growth requires active attention. Paul tells Timothy not to neglect his gift. He does not say the gift disappeared; he warns that without care, its power fades. We are invited to check our hearts: what truth or responsibility have we let slip because we stopped paying attention?
God’s invitation remains open. His covenant love does not vanish because we drift. Yet He calls us to wake up and return. This is a gentle call to re-engage with the grace already given, not out of fear, but out of gratitude for what we have been offered.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having paid no attention1×
- having neglected1×
- do be negligent1×
- disregarded1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀμελήσαντες2×
- ἠμέλησα1×
- ἀμέλει1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 22:5
But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;
This verse illustrates how ordinary daily concerns can become a quiet excuse to ignore a divine invitation.
-
Hebrews 2:3
how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard,
Here the word warns that ignoring such a great salvation leads to serious spiritual consequences, emphasizing its urgency.
-
I Timothy 4:14
Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
Paul uses this term to encourage Timothy to actively nurture the spiritual gift entrusted to him, showing neglect is reversible through attention.