ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō)
exoutheneō
to reject
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exoutheneō means to treat someone or something as having no value, effectively dismissing them with contempt. Its root sense involves regarding a person as "nothing" or insignificant. In the New Testament, this word carries a sharp edge of rejection, often describing an attitude that refuses to respect another’s standing or authority.
It appears in contexts where social or spiritual boundaries are challenged. For instance, Jesus warns against despising little ones (Matthew 18:10), and Paul instructs the Corinthians not to look down on those who lead them (1 Corinthians 16:11). The term is also used passively, as when the stone rejected by builders becomes the cornerstone (Acts 4:11), highlighting how human dismissal can contrast with divine selection.
Unlike general disagreement, exoutheneō implies a deliberate lowering of status. It suggests that the object of this attitude is considered unworthy of attention or respect. This word captures the specific sin of arrogance that elevates oneself by diminishing others, a theme Paul addresses when urging believers to value one another above themselves.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exoutheneō describes a specific kind of dismissal, where someone is treated as if they have no value or standing. It is more than simple disagreement; it is an active lowering of another person’s status. In our daily lives, this can happen when we overlook the quiet contributions of others or judge those who live differently than we do. The Bible warns against this attitude because it contradicts the humility Christ calls us to practice.
When we look at how God chooses, we see a pattern that flips human expectations. He often selects what the world considers weak or insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us that our own judgments of worth are incomplete. Instead of elevating ourselves by diminishing others, we are invited to recognize the dignity in everyone, knowing that every person stands before the same judgment seat of Christ.
This perspective frees us from the need to prove our superiority. It encourages a posture of respect and care, even toward those who might seem unimportant or difficult. By refusing to despise, we align ourselves with God’s heart, which values every individual deeply. This shift in view helps build communities where people feel seen, accepted, and valued for who they are in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- despised2×
- you did despise [me]1×
- may despise;1×
- ignored.1×
- he should despise,1×
- having been rejected1×
- do despise;1×
- do despise1×
- despising1×
- Having set at naught1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξουθενήσῃ·1×
- ἐξουθενήσατε1×
- ἐξουθενήσας1×
- ἐξουθενοῦντας1×
- ἐξουθενημένους1×
- ἐξουθενημένος.1×
- ἐξουθενημένα1×
- ἐξουθενηθεὶς1×
- ἐξουθενεῖτε·1×
- ἐξουθενεῖς1×
- ἐξουθενείτω,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 18:9
He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others:
This verse highlights the danger of self-righteousness, showing how despising others is a direct result of trusting in one's own moral standing rather than God's grace.
-
Romans 14:3
Don’t let him who eats despise him who doesn’t eat. Don’t let him who doesn’t eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him.
Paul uses this term to address practical disputes over food, warning that believers must not look down on those with different convictions because God has already accepted them.
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Acts 4:11
He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
Here the word is used passively to describe how religious leaders rejected Jesus, yet God reversed this human dismissal by making Him the cornerstone of the faith.
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I Corinthians 16:11
Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
Paul instructs the church not to despise Timothy, recognizing his authority and worth despite potential cultural biases against his youth or background.