Brief Overview of περπερεύομαι (Strong’s G4068: perpereuomai)

Strong’s G4068: A deponent verb meaning “to boast” or “to be vainglorious.” In biblical context, describes self-promoting behavior that is contrary to love’s nature. Used uniquely in 1 Corinthians 13:4 to illustrate what love does not do, emphasizing love’s humility.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περπερεύομαι (perpereuomai) describes behavior characterized by self-promotion and vainglory. Its primary meaning centers on boasting or bragging, while secondary meanings include showing off or acting with pretension. In the New Testament, it appears in Paul’s famous discourse on love, specifically highlighting what love does not do. The early church developed this concept to emphasize how true Christian love stands in opposition to self-promotion and vanity. Today, it challenges believers to examine whether their actions stem from genuine love or self-aggrandizement.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περπερεύομαι, perpereuomai, per-per-yoo’-om-ahee
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + per (as in “pair”) + yoo (as in “you”) + om (as in “home”) + ahee (as in “eye”)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:
Derived from πέρπερος (perperos), meaning “boastful” or “vainglorious”

D – Defining Meanings

• To boast
• To be vainglorious
• To show off
• To act pretentiously
• To brag about oneself

Translation Options:

1. Boast – emphasizes verbal self-promotion
2. Show off – captures behavioral aspect
3. Act vainly – reflects the underlying attitude

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καυχάομαι (kauchaomai) [kow-khah’-om-ahee] – to boast, more general
• ἀλαζονεύομαι (alazoneuomai) [al-ad-zon-yoo’-om-ahee] – to act arrogantly
• τυφόομαι (typhoomai) [toof-o’-om-ahee] – to be puffed up

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive (Deponent)
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular

Example forms:
Present Middle: περπερεύομαι (I boast)
Present Participle: περπερευόμενος (boasting)

Cross-references:

• Adjective: πέρπερος (boastful)
• Noun: περπερεία (boastfulness)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to self-display. Thayer’s notes its opposition to love’s character. LSJ documents its use in describing vain behavior. Vine’s connects it to ostentatious display. Strong’s emphasizes the self-promoting aspect. Moulton and Milligan note its rare usage in common Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast [περπερεύομαι]; it is not arrogant.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Additional References:
[This is the only occurrence in the New Testament]

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περπερεύομαι powerfully illustrates what love is not, helping us understand true love’s nature. The good news of King Jesus demonstrates perfect love through Christ’s humility and self-sacrifice, standing in stark contrast to self-promotion. This word challenges us to examine whether our actions reflect Christ’s selfless love or our own desire for recognition.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient theatrical criticism describing overacting.
2. Early Christian writers used it to critique false teachers who sought attention.
3. It influenced early church discussions about proper Christian conduct.

Strong’s G4068: A deponent verb describing self-promoting, boastful behavior. Used uniquely in Paul’s love discourse to illustrate what love does not do. Emphasizes the contrast between true love’s humility and self-aggrandizing behavior.

Part of speech: Verb (Deponent)

Tags: #boasting #pride #love #humility #character #Paul #Corinthians #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #virtue #relationships​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​