ὀλιγωρέω (oligōreō)
oligōreō
to despise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb oligōreō means to care little for something or to regard it with contempt. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Hebrews 12:5, where it translates the Greek version of Proverbs 3:11. The term describes an attitude of dismissal, treating divine discipline as something insignificant rather than valuable.
Its structure reveals its meaning clearly: it combines oligos ("little") with hora ("care" or "attention"). This etymology suggests that the issue is not just ignorance, but a willful neglect of what deserves attention. In the context of Hebrews, believers are warned against despising the Lord’s correction, linking this attitude to a failure to recognize God’s fatherly love.
Translators often render it as "despise" or "think little of," capturing the sense of undervaluing spiritual realities. The word serves as a stark warning against taking God’s guidance for granted, emphasizing that how we respond to correction reflects our true view of His authority and care.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life brings correction or difficulty, it is easy to feel discouraged. The word oligōreō describes a heart that cares too little for God’s guidance, treating His discipline as something trivial rather than valuable. This attitude misses the point of what those moments are meant to achieve.
In Hebrews 12:5, we are reminded not to take the Lord’s chastening lightly. Instead of dismissing it, we can see it as evidence of His fatherly love and care. Responding with humility allows us to grow in wisdom and trust, rather than hardening our hearts against His voice.
This perspective invites us to view every challenge as an opportunity to draw closer to God. By valuing His correction, we acknowledge His authority and the depth of His commitment to our well-being. It is a call to attentive faithfulness in all circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do regard lightly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀλιγώρει1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:5
You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him;
This verse uses the word to warn believers against treating divine correction as insignificant, framing it instead as a sign of God's fatherly relationship.