Empty Boasting: ὑπέρογκος (Strong’s G5246: hyperogkos) Exposes Pompous Speech

Strong’s G5246: A compound adjective combining ὑπέρ (above/beyond) and ὄγκος (bulk/mass), meaning “swelling, pompous, grandiose.” Used in Scripture to describe the empty, boastful words of false teachers who use inflated language to deceive.

U – Unveiling the Word

The adjective ὑπέρογκος represents excessive, swelling speech that lacks substance. As a compound word combining “beyond” (ὑπέρ) with “bulk” (ὄγκος), it describes words or attitudes that are pompously inflated beyond proper bounds. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts warning against false teachers who use grandiose language to deceive. The early church understood this term as describing not just proud speech but the dangerous combination of empty rhetoric and spiritual deception. Today, this word continues to warn believers about the danger of both using and being deceived by inflated spiritual claims.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπέρογκος, hyperogkos, /hy.per.on.kos/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-ong’-kos (where ü as in German über)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “beyond”
• Root: ὄγκος (ogkos) meaning “bulk, mass”
• Combined meaning: “swollen beyond measure”

D – Defining Meanings

• Pompous
• Grandiose
• Inflated
• Swelling with pride

For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ intensifies ὄγκος’s meaning of bulk or mass, creating the concept of something swollen beyond proper size.

Translation Options:

• “pompously inflated” – emphasizes empty pride
• “grandiose” – captures excessive nature
• “swelling with vanity” – highlights proud display

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τυφόω (typhoō) /ty.pho.ō/ – to be conceited – See G5187
• μεγαλορρημοσύνη (megalorrhēmosynē) /me.ga.lor.rē.mo.sy.nē/ – boastful speech – See G3161
• ἀλαζονεία (alazoneia) /a.la.zo.nei.a/ – empty pretension – See G212

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this adjective:

• Case: Accusative
• Number: Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

The adjective can appear as:

• ὑπέρογκος (masculine singular)
• ὑπέρογκοι (masculine plural)
• ὑπέρογκον (neuter singular)
• ὑπέρογκα (neuter plural)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπέρογκος’s meaning and usage. BDAG emphasizes its use in describing empty, bombastic speech. Thayer’s notes its development from physical swelling to spiritual pride. LSJ traces its usage in describing excessive or overblown rhetoric. Vine’s highlights its application to false teachers’ deceptive language. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of excessive bulk. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing pompous displays in both speech and behavior.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Peter 2:18: “For speaking out arrogant [ὑπέρογκος] words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error.”

Additional References:
Jude 1:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπέρογκος powerfully warns against empty spiritual boasting. Used to describe false teachers’ deceptive rhetoric, it reveals how spiritual pride manifests in inflated language. This word proclaims the good news by contrast, reminding us that true Kingdom authority is marked by humility and substance, not pompous display. It points us to the Messiah’s example of truth spoken in humble authority.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπέρογκος appears twice in the New Testament
• It’s used specifically to warn about false teachers
• The word influenced early church discernment of true teaching

Strong’s G5246: A compound adjective combining ὑπέρ (above/beyond) and ὄγκος (bulk/mass), meaning “swelling, pompous, grandiose.” Used in Scripture to describe the empty, boastful words of false teachers who use inflated language to deceive.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: pride, deception, false teaching, boasting, spiritual discernment, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, empty rhetoric, spiritual pride, warning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​