Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as it allows us to explore the depth of meaning within the original texts. The Greek word κατακαυχάομαι (katakaucháomai) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of boasting or exulting, often with a negative connotation of boasting against someone or something. This verb appears in the New Testament to describe improper pride or confidence. By examining κατακαυχάομαι, we can better understand how early Christians and ancient Greek culture viewed concepts of pride, boasting, and humility, which were central themes in their moral and ethical teachings.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατακαυχάομαι (katakaucháomai) [ka-ta-KAU-kha-o-my]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and καυχάομαι (kaucháomai, meaning “to boast” or “to glory”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; it can be conjugated in various tenses, voices, and moods, often appearing in the middle voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To boast against or over something or someone.
• To exult in a way that diminishes others.
• To express pride or confidence, usually in a negative or arrogant manner.

Similar Words: A related Greek word is καυχάομαι (kaucháomai) [kau-KHA-o-my], which means “to boast” or “to glory.” However, while καυχάομαι can have either positive or negative connotations, depending on the context (such as boasting in the Lord), κατακαυχάομαι generally carries a more negative tone, suggesting a form of boasting that exalts oneself over others or diminishes them.

Further Insights: The verb κατακαυχάομαι is composed of the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and καυχάομαι (kaucháomai), meaning “to boast.” This combination suggests a boastful action directed downward or against others, emphasizing arrogance or an improper sense of pride. Below is a table showing the present indicative middle/passive form of κατακαυχάομαι:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατακαυχάομαι as “to boast against” or “to glory over,” often used in contexts where one party takes pride at the expense of another or exalts themselves inappropriately.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατακαυχάομαι as “to boast against” or “to glory over,” highlighting its usage in the New Testament where it typically denotes a negative, arrogant type of boasting.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the verb’s meaning of “to glory against” or “to boast over,” indicating a sense of overconfidence or arrogance in one’s achievements or status.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατακαυχάομαι was used in classical Greek to indicate boasting or exulting in a way that is disparaging to others, often used in competitive or antagonistic contexts.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατακαυχάομαι as “to boast against” or “to exult over,” underscoring its application in contexts where boasting is perceived as prideful or unjustified.

Related Scripture References

• James 2:13 – “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over [κατακαυχᾶται] judgment.”
• James 3:14 – “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against [κατακαυχᾶσθε] the truth.”
• Romans 11:18 – “Do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant [κατακαυχᾶσαι], remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατακαυχάομαι (G2620: katakaucháomai)

The Greek verb κατακαυχάομαι, meaning “to boast against” or “to exult over,” is important for understanding the dynamics of pride, boasting, and humility in both Biblical and classical contexts. It is often used in the New Testament to warn against arrogant boasting that puts others down or exalts oneself unjustly. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, κατακαυχάομαι is similarly used to express boastful pride, often with a negative connotation of arrogance or hubris. By studying κατακαυχάομαι, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the Biblical call to humility and the dangers of misplaced confidence or pride.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The prefix “kata-” in κατακαυχάομαι intensifies the verb, suggesting a downward or antagonistic form of boasting, which is stronger than the neutral or positive forms of boasting implied by καυχάομαι.
• Fact 2: In the New Testament, κατακαυχάομαι is used to caution believers against arrogance, reminding them that their confidence should be in God and not in themselves.
• Fact 3: In ancient Greek society, boasting was often considered a vice unless it was done in moderation or directed toward the gods, making κατακαυχάομαι a term loaded with moral and ethical implications.

Understanding κατακαυχάομαι provides valuable insights into Biblical narratives and classical Greek literature, showing how language conveys themes of humility, pride, and the ethical use of words.