Sacred Warning: ὑψηλοφρονέω (Strong’s G5309: hypselophroneo) Exposes Pride’s Danger

Strong’s G5309: A compound of hypselos (high) and phroneo (to think), hypselophroneo describes the act of being high-minded or proud. In NT usage, it specifically warns against spiritual arrogance, particularly regarding God’s gracious election and calling.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑψηλοφρονέω (hypselophroneo) powerfully captures the dangerous condition of spiritual pride. As a compound word joining “high” with “thinking,” it describes an elevated view of oneself that leads to spiritual arrogance. In its New Testament context, Paul uses it to warn Gentile believers against pride in their grafting into God’s covenant people. The early church fathers frequently referenced this word when addressing the perennial problem of spiritual elitism. Today, it continues to warn believers against the subtle danger of religious pride, reminding us that our standing with God comes purely by grace, not merit.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑψηλοφρονέω, hypselophroneo, hoop-say-lo-fro-NEH-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) – say (as in “say”) – lo (as in “low”) – fro (as in “fro”) – NEH (as in “net”) – o (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑψηλός (hypselos) – high, lofty
• φρονέω (phroneo) – to think, mind
  Combining to mean “to think highly of oneself”

D – Defining Meanings

• To be high-minded
• To be proud
• To think arrogantly

For compound words:
The combination of ὑψηλός (high) with φρονέω (think) creates a vivid picture of elevated thinking that leads to spiritual pride.

Translation Options:

• “be high-minded” – Most literal translation
• “be proud” – Simpler but loses some nuance
• “think arrogantly” – Captures the mental aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπερφρονέω (hyperphroneo, hu-per-fro-NEH-o) – to think too highly
  See G5252
• μεγαλοφρονέω (megalophroneo, me-ga-lo-fro-NEH-o) – to think grandly
  See G3169
• ταπεινοφρονέω (tapeinophroneo, ta-pei-no-fro-NEH-o) – to be humble-minded
  See G5012

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative (in negative commands)
• Person: Second
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example forms:

• μὴ ὑψηλοφρόνει – do not be high-minded (Present Active Imperative)
• ὑψηλοφρονοῦντες – being high-minded (Present Active Participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical study reveals ὑψηλοφρονέω’s serious spiritual implications. BDAG emphasizes its use in warnings against spiritual pride. Thayer’s notes its specific application to religious arrogance. LSJ documents its classical usage for intellectual pride. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s warnings about Gentile pride toward Israel. Moulton and Milligan cite limited papyri examples, suggesting its specialized religious usage. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature warning against elevated self-opinion, while LEH notes similar compounds in Hellenistic Jewish literature. The evidence shows a term specifically targeting religious pride.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 11:20 “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded [ὑψηλοφρονέω], but fear:”

Additional References:
1 Timothy 6:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑψηλοφρονέω powerfully warns against the spiritual danger of pride, particularly in religious contexts. It reminds us that our standing with God comes purely by grace, never by merit. This word proclaims the good news by showing that true spiritual life involves humility rather than pride, recognizing that we stand only by God’s mercy. It challenges us to examine our hearts for signs of spiritual arrogance and to maintain a proper fear of the Lord.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears only in Paul’s writings in the New Testament.
2. It was particularly used to address Gentile believers’ attitude toward Jewish heritage.
3. Early church fathers frequently used this word when discussing church unity issues.

Strong’s G5309: A compound of hypselos (high) and phroneo (to think), hypselophroneo describes the act of being high-minded or proud. In NT usage, it specifically warns against spiritual arrogance, particularly regarding God’s gracious election and calling.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: pride, spiritual-arrogance, high-mindedness, humility, warning, gentile-pride, spiritual-danger, religious-pride, paul’s-warnings, grace, faith, spiritual-attitude​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​