Brief Overview of ἀλαζονεία (G212)

The Greek noun ἀλαζονεία (alazoneia) refers to a sense of arrogance or boastfulness. It conveys the idea of excessive pride or pretension, particularly in a way that is exaggerated or deceitful. This term is used to describe a character trait that is characterized by a false sense of superiority or self-importance.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G212 ἀλαζονεία (alazoneia): Strong’s Concordance defines ἀλαζονεία as “arrogance” or “boastfulness.” It emphasizes the negative aspect of the term, indicating a form of self-assertion that involves an inflated sense of one’s own worth or achievements. This characteristic is often viewed negatively in biblical texts.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon describes ἀλαζονεία as “arrogance” or “boastfulness.” It notes that the term is used to describe a demeanor of excessive pride and self-importance. The lexicon highlights that ἀλαζονεία can imply an element of deceitfulness or pretense, as it often involves boasting beyond what is justified by one’s actual achievements or qualities.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• The BDB Lexicon does not specifically list ἀλαζονεία as it primarily focuses on Hebrew terms. However, in Greek studies, the term is recognized for its connotation of arrogance and boastfulness. The negative implication of this term is consistent with its usage in the New Testament.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀλαζονεία as “boastfulness” or “arrogance,” reflecting its meaning as a form of exaggerated self-assertion. It provides historical and textual references showing how the term was used to describe individuals who displayed excessive pride or pretension, often in a way that is misleading or inflated.

In summary, ἀλαζονεία (alazoneia) refers to a character trait of arrogance or boastfulness, characterized by an exaggerated or deceitful sense of self-importance. Strong’s Concordance and Thayer’s Lexicon highlight its negative connotations, describing it as a form of excessive pride and pretension. The LSJ Lexicon further contextualizes its use by providing historical references to how this term was applied in ancient texts.