περιφρονέω
periphronéō
G4065 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To hold in contempt, to look down on or scorn; to regard as unworthy of respect. The verb primarily denotes an attitude of disregard or contempt towards someone or something, expressing a dismissive or disdainful evaluation. In various contexts, it may connote active belittlement or scorning, not merely passive neglect.
Semantic Range
to despise, to scorn, to look down on, to regard as unworthy, to hold in contempt, to belittle
Root / Etymology
From περί ('around, about, beyond') and φρονέω ('to think, to have an attitude'), signifying 'to think around/about someone or something' in a sense that conveys thinking above or beyond them, hence to despise or scorn.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb περιφρονέω is rare in both classical and Koine Greek, attested in earlier literature with the sense of treating someone or something as beneath consideration. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term takes on a moral dimension: it describes attitudes not simply of mockery, but of outright disregard or scorn for people, duties, or established norms. While English translations often use 'despise' or 'scorn,' these terms may not always capture the nuance of thinking oneself above another. The prefix περί intensifies the root, shifting the sense from simple thinking or feeling to an active looking down upon. The related noun ὑπερηφανία (arrogance, haughtiness) can at times overlap in semantic domain, but περιφρονέω always emphasizes the evaluative action of the mind rather than a state or character trait. In the New Testament, usage is extremely limited, often in critical or ethical contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from περί and φρονέω; to think beyond, i.e. depreciate (contemn):--despise.
Root Family
περιφρονέω (periphroneō) — to think, to consider, to hold an attitude of contempt
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4065-01 |
περιφρονείτω | periphroneito | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
despise | let him scorn | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4065-01 |
Titus 2:15 | περιφρονείτω | periphroneito | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
despise | let him scorn |