Divine Opposition: ὑπερήφανος (Strong’s G5244: hyperēphanos) Faces God’s Resistance

Strong’s G5244: A compound adjective combining ὑπέρ (above) and φαίνω (to appear), describing one who shows themselves above others. Used in Scripture to identify those who exalt themselves against both human and divine authority, whom God actively opposes.

U – Unveiling the Word

The adjective ὑπερήφανος represents a particularly dangerous spiritual condition. As a compound word combining “above” (ὑπέρ) with “to appear” (φαίνω), it describes those who display themselves as superior to others. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts emphasizing God’s active opposition to such pride, most notably in Mary’s Magnificat and James’s warning about divine resistance to the proud. The early church understood this term as describing not just an attitude but a spiritual posture that directly opposes God’s order. Today, this word continues to warn believers about the serious spiritual danger of self-exaltation and God’s consistent opposition to pride.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερήφανος, hyperēphanos, /hy.pe.rē.pha.nos/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-pe-rā’-fä-nos (where ü as in German über, ā as in father)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “above”
• Root: φαίνω (phainō) meaning “to appear/show”
• Combined meaning: “showing oneself above others”

D – Defining Meanings

• Proud
• Arrogant
• Haughty
• Self-exalting

For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ combined with φαίνω creates the concept of visibly displaying oneself as superior to others.

Translation Options:

• “arrogantly proud” – emphasizes visible manifestation
• “self-exalting” – captures active nature
• “haughty” – highlights attitude toward others

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀλαζών (alazōn) /a.la.zōn/ – boaster – See G213
• τυφόω (typhoō) /ty.pho.ō/ – to be conceited – See G5187
• ὑβριστής (hybristēs) /hy.bris.tēs/ – insolent – See G5197

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this adjective:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter
• Declension: Second

The adjective appears as:

• ὑπερήφανος (masculine singular)
• ὑπερήφανοι (masculine plural)
• ὑπερήφανον (neuter singular)
• ὑπερήφανα (neuter plural)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπερήφανος’s meaning and significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in describing those who set themselves against divine authority. Thayer’s notes its development from visible display of superiority to internal attitude. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature as particularly offensive to gods and men. Vine’s highlights its connection to divine opposition. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of visible pride. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing particularly egregious displays of arrogance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 1:51: “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud [ὑπερήφανος] in the thoughts of their heart.”

Additional References:
Romans 1:30, 2 Timothy 3:2, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπερήφανος powerfully reveals God’s stance toward human pride. It appears in contexts emphasizing divine opposition to self-exaltation, showing that God actively resists the proud. This word proclaims the good news by warning us of pride’s danger while pointing to the path of humility exemplified by the Messiah. It reminds us that in God’s Kingdom, the way up is down, and true greatness comes through humble service.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπερήφανος appears five times in the New Testament
• It’s used both by Mary and James to describe divine opposition
• The word influenced early Christian teaching on humility

Strong’s G5244: A compound adjective combining ὑπέρ (above) and φαίνω (to appear), describing one who shows themselves above others. Used in Scripture to identify those who exalt themselves against both human and divine authority, whom God actively opposes.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: pride, arrogance, divine opposition, humility, spiritual warfare, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, character flaw, spiritual danger, self-exaltation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​