[Greek] καταφρονέω (kataphroneō), [Latin] contemnere, [Latin] contemptus, [French] dedaigner, [French] mepriser: to show contempt for, to think little of, to despise, to look down upon; Mt.6:24, Mt.18:10, Lk.16:13, Rom.2:4, 1Cor.11:22, 1Tim.4:12, 1Tim.6:2, Heb.12:2, 2Pet.2:10
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to look down upon, to think slightly of, to despise, to think contemptuously, and to presume.
Herodotus’ The Histories 4.134: “Darius asked about the clamor among the enemy; he said to those who he was accustomed to speak, ‘These mean hold us in deep contempt.'”
Isocrates’ Archidamus 6.108: “Let us therefore challenge one another to pay back to our fatherland the price of our nurture, and not suffer to be outraged or contemned.”
Euripides’ Bacchae 199: “Having been mortal, I do not scorn the gods.”
Plato’s Euthydemus 273d: “I saw they despised me for it, and they both laughed.”
Lysias’ Against Eratosthenes 12.78: “Twice over did he enslave you, despising what was present, and longing for what was absent, setting himself as instructor in most monstrous acts.”
Mammon: Mammon is considered the Syrian god of riches, wealth, and the greedy pursuit of gain. This word may have been present throughout the Canaanite languages. Devotees would kneel down on their knees at this statue. Mammon is an Aramaic word meaning weealth or property. Abundantia is the Roman god of riches. Plutus is the Greek god of riches.
Old Testament: This term means to act treacherously, to offend, to despise, to take advantage, to hold in contempt, to be vile, and to ridicule.
- Hos.6:7: Adam violates the covenant and betrays God.
- Hab.1:13: the wicked devour those more just than themselves
- Gen.27:12: [Jacob] I will bring on myself a curse instead of a blessing
- Prov.19:16: those despise these [commands] ways will die
- Prov.18:3: with wickedness comes contempt, disgrace, and scorn
- Wis.14:30: they thought perversely of God by devoting themselves to idols
New Testament: This term means to despise, to hate, to hold in low esteem, to show contempt, and to disdain.
Mt.6:24: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Jesus states that it is not possible to be devoted to both masters (God and wealth). One may even become a slave (enslaved) to this master. This could also be applicable to sin. Spiritual treasures are much longer lasting than material treasures.)
Mt.18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always looks upon the face of My heavenly Father.” (Disciples must seek out fellow disciples who have gone astray. Not only must no one cause a fellow disciple to sin, but also they must also be brought back to the community. This also further points out the responsibility of the shepherd (cardinal, bishop, and priest). But one must also first recognize what sin is.)