ἀξιόω

From the study of Hebrews 3:3

Range of meaning

To consider worthy or deserving. To judge fit. In some contexts, to request or ask.

Against the English

KJV, BSB and WEB render it with 'counted worthy'. NLT says Jesus 'deserves' more glory, which loses the idea of a verdict given by someone else.

Used elsewhere in the period

In common Greek it is used of people judged fit for an honor or office. Paul uses it in 2 Thess 1:11, 'that God may count you worthy.' In 1 Tim 5:17 elders are to be 'counted worthy of double honor (τιμῆς).'

From the study of 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Range of meaning

In ordinary Greek: (1) to consider or judge someone worthy or fitting (of honour, of punishment, of a privilege); (2) to think fit, expect; (3) to request or ask, as something one considers proper. It belongs to the word family of axios, "worthy," which originally carried the picture of something that "balances the scale," equal in weight or value to something else (LSJ). So to be axios of something is to match it, to be in proportion to it.

Against the English

"Count worthy" (KJV, BSB, WEB, YLT, NASB) keeps the idea of a verdict or assessment. "Make worthy" (ESV and some others) turns the verb into God changing their condition. That idea is close to the second half of the verse but is not what this verb normally says.

How it drifted

Modern English "worthy" often suggests merit earned by effort, "deserving." In Greek the stress falls on fittingness: whether a life corresponds to the honour it has been given. Here the one doing the judging is God, and the prayer asks him to give the verdict.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the NT the verb is declarative: "I did not consider myself worthy" (Luke 7:7); elders "considered worthy of double honour" (1 Tim 5:17); Jesus "counted worthy of more glory than Moses" (Heb 3:3); "deemed worthy" of worse punishment (Heb 10:29). The strengthened form kataxioō appears just above in 1:5 ("that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God") and in Luke 20:35 and Acts 5:41. Greek honorary inscriptions regularly praise benefactors as having acted "worthily" (axiōs) of their city or office. Paul uses the same language in 1 Thess 2:12: "walk worthily of the God who calls you."

From the study of Acts 15:38

Range of meaning

From ἄξιος ('worth, worthy'). Its meanings are (1) to consider worthy or deserving (Luke 7:7; 2 Thess 1:11; 1 Tim 5:17), (2) to think it fitting, right or proper (here; Acts 28:22), and (3) to ask or request, a common sense in the papyri. Behind all three is the idea of a judgment about what someone or something deserves.

Against the English

BSB 'thought it best' and WEB 'didn't think it was a good idea' make it sound like practical strategy. KJV 'thought not good' is closer to a value judgment. NASB 'kept insisting' brings out the imperfect tense but drops the 'worthiness' flavor.

How it drifted

Modern English 'thought it best' sounds like weighing options. The Greek frames Paul's position as a verdict about what was fitting, given what Mark had done.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in the Septuagint and in Hellenistic Greek, in both the 'deem worthy' and 'request' senses. Josephus often uses it for 'think right' or 'ask.' Luke uses the 'think it right' sense again in Acts 28:22 ('we think it right to hear from you'). The Latin Vulgate takes the 'request' sense here (Paul 'was asking').