Divine Sovereignty Over Storm: ὕβρις (Strong’s G5196: hybris) Shows Providence

Strong’s G5196: From a root meaning “to go beyond”; insolence leading to injury or damage. In Acts, describes both violent weather and human persecution, highlighting how divine sovereignty overrules both natural and human opposition.

U – Unveiling the Word

ὕβρις represents both deliberate human insolence and its destructive consequences. In classical Greek, it described the arrogant violation of divine or natural laws, leading to inevitable judgment. In its New Testament usage, particularly in Acts, the word uniquely bridges both human persecution and natural destruction, as seen in Paul’s sea voyage. The early church understood this term as representing both human opposition to God’s will and the ultimate futility of such resistance. Today, it reminds us that whether facing human hostility or natural calamity, God’s purposes prevail.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὕβρις, hybris, /ˈhy.bris/
• Pronunciation: HOO-bris
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ὑβρ- (hybr-) meaning “to go beyond bounds”
• Suffix: -ις (-is) forming abstract nouns
• Function: Forms noun indicating insolent behavior or damage

D – Defining Meanings

• Insolent pride
• Violent damage
• Presumptuous behavior
• Injury from arrogance

For compound words: Not applicable as ὕβρις is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Injury” – Emphasizes resulting damage
• “Insolence” – Focuses on attitude
• “Violence” – Captures destructive aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀτιμία (atimia, /a.tiˈmi.a/) – dishonor See G819
• ὀργή (orgē, /orˈgeː/) – wrath See G3709
• ζημία (zēmia, /zeːˈmi.a/) – damage See G2209

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples:

• Nominative: ὕβρις
• Genitive: ὕβρεως
• Dative: ὕβρει
• Accusative: ὕβριν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources reveal ὕβρις’s rich meaning. BDAG emphasizes its dual application to both natural and human-caused damage. Thayer’s notes its connection to presumptuous sin. LSJ documents its development in Greek law and literature. Vine’s highlights its use in describing both persecution and stormy weather. Strong’s connects it to going beyond proper bounds. Moulton and Milligan show its legal usage in complaints of damages. The word uniquely combines attitude and consequence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 27:10: “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster [ὕβρις] and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.”

Additional References:
Acts 27:21, 2 Corinthians 12:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὕβρις powerfully illustrates how both human opposition and natural forces ultimately serve God’s purposes. In Paul’s journey to Rome, what appeared as destructive pride and storm actually advanced God’s plan. The good news shines through as we see that King Jesus’s sovereignty extends over both human resistance and natural chaos. Nothing, whether human opposition or natural disaster, can thwart His purposes for His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. Classical Greek tragedy often focused on ὕβρις leading to downfall
2. Ancient Athenian law had specific penalties for acts of ὕβρις
3. The word influenced early Christian understanding of sin’s nature

Strong’s G5196: A noun encompassing both insolent attitude and resulting damage, used in Acts to describe both storm damage and persecution, demonstrating how divine sovereignty overrules all forms of opposition.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: pride, insolence, damage, divine sovereignty, persecution, storms, opposition, providence, judgment, natural disasters, Paul’s voyage, divine purpose​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​