καταφροντής (G2707) — Greek Lexicon

καταφροντής

kataphrontḗs

G2707 noun

SILEX Entry

Root φρον- to think, to regard, to consider

Definition

One who regards someone or something with contempt or scorn, a despiser; a person who dismissively undervalues, belittles, or views another with disdain. The term generally conveys active disregard or disrespect, directed toward persons or institutions considered unworthy of respect or attention.

Semantic Range

one who despises, scorner, person who holds in contempt, person who shows open disregard or disrespect

Root / Etymology

From καταφρονέω (kataphroneō, 'to look down upon, to despise'), itself from κατά ('down, against') and φρονέω ('to think, to consider'). The term is thus 'one who thinks down on' another; a despiser or scorner.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The noun καταφροντής is rare and has limited attestation in both classical and Koine Greek. While καταφρονέω is found in a variety of contexts (personal relationships, dismissive attitudes toward law or custom), the noun καταφροντής explicitly describes an individual who personifies this attitude—a despiser or one who habitually scorns others. In New Testament and Second Temple contexts, the word most often occurs in lists of vices, describing those who are insolently disdainful toward social norms, religious customs, or fellow individuals. Its nuance is stronger than mere disregard: it implies a disdain that leads to rejection or disrespect. English translations such as 'despiser' or 'scorner' only partially capture the active sense of belittling or treating as beneath notice that the Greek conveys. The term should be distinguished from μειωτής (diminisher, belittler), which emphasizes reducing status, while καταφροντής underscores the act of contemptuous disregard. Its rarity in surviving sources means each occurrence should be read with attention to the specific context to determine the precise object of contempt. The English 'contemner' is a close but somewhat archaic parallel.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καταφρονέω; a contemner:--despiser.

Root Family

καταφροντής (kataphrontēs) — to think down on, to regard with contempt, to despise

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G2707-01`	καταφρονηταί	kataphronetai	`N VOC M PL`	despisers	O despisers	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G2707-01`	Acts 13:41	καταφρονηταί	kataphronetai	`N VOC M PL`	despisers	O despisers

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