[Greek] καταφρονέω (kataphroneō), [Latin] contemnere, [Latin] contemptus, [French] dedaigner, [French] mepriser

[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

 

 

Greek Hellenism: This term means to look down upon, to think slightly of, to despise, to think contemptuously, and to presume.

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.”

Unknown: “Holding onto resentment is letting a person, whom you despise, occupy a portion in your mind forever.”

Mammon: painting by George Frederic Watts (1885) Bowing down and serving at the altar of Mammon, god of riches. We have become like little pagans bowing down to the “gods” of wealth, money, fame, technology, and social media status.

Background information:

Mammon (painting by George Frederic Watts): He was a British painter associated with Symbolist movement. He said “I paint ideas, not things.” This picture shows a scene in which Mammon, the embodiment of greed, crushes the weak through his indifference to their plight. This reflected Watt’s belief that wealth was taking the place of religion in modern society, and the worship of riches was leading to social deterioration (decay). Watts wrote, “Material prosperity has become our real god, but we are surprised that the worship of the visible does not make us happy.”

Mammon:

1. Mammon is considered the Syrian god of riches, wealth, and the greedy pursuit of gain.
2. This word may have been present throughout the Canaanite languages.
3. Devotees would kneel down on their knees at this statue.
4. Mammon is an Aramaic word meaning wealth or property.
5. 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 hold in contempt, to be vile, and to ridicule.

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 can 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.) 

Rom.2:4: “Or do you hold His priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance?” (The Jews no longer enjoy real moral supremacy over the Gentiles. The Gentiles stand on equal footing with Jews before God. The final judgment will be a review of performance.)

1Cor.11:22: “Or do you show contempt for the church of God and make those who have nothing feel ashamed.”

Abuse and neglect regarding the Lord’s Supper: 1Cor.11:17-22

1. [Paul]: Your meetings are doing more harm than good
2. When you meet, there are divisions among you
3. There have to be divisions among you so that you may know those who are faithful
4. There is careless and irregular eating at the Lord’s table
5. The Church of God is not a place for revelry, feasting, and ordinary meals
6. Do you despise this place that you conduct yourselves shamefully?

Heb.12:2: “For the sake of the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right of the throne of God.” (Jesus humbly accepted the shameful act of crucifixion to redeem humanity.)

2Pet.2:10: “And especially those who follow the flesh with its depraved desire and show contempt for lordship.”

False teachers (and false prophets) denounced (2Pet.2:1-12):

1. They will introduce destructive heresies
2. They will even deny the Master who ransom them, bringing swift destruction on themselves
3. Many will follow their licentious ways. And because of them, the way of truth will be reviled.
4. They will exploit you with fabrications. Their destruction does not sleep.
5. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to revile glorious beings.
6. They revile things that they do not understand.
7. In their destruction, they will also be destroyed.
8. They seduce unstable people.
9. Abandoning the straight road, they have gone astray, following the road of Balaam.