Pride’s Deadly Smoke: τυφόω (Strong’s G5187: typhoō) Warns Against Self-Exaltation

Strong’s G5187: From τῦφος (smoke); to envelop with smoke, i.e. (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit. In New Testament usage, describes the spiritual condition of being clouded by pride, leading to poor judgment and spiritual blindness.

U – Unveiling the Word

τυφόω carries a vivid metaphorical picture, derived from the concept of being enveloped in smoke. In its New Testament context, it describes the spiritual condition of being so clouded by pride that one’s judgment becomes impaired. The image is particularly powerful as it suggests both the gradual nature of pride’s influence and its ultimately suffocating effect on spiritual discernment. The early church understood this term as a serious warning against the dangers of spiritual arrogance, particularly in leadership positions. Today, it serves as a crucial reminder of how pride can obscure our vision of God’s truth and our dependence on Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τυφόω, typhoō, /tyˈfo.oː/
• Pronunciation: too-FO-oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: τυφ- (typh-) from τῦφος meaning “smoke”
• Suffix: -όω (-oō) causative verb ending
• Function: Forms a verb indicating the process of becoming smoke-filled or clouded

D – Defining Meanings

• To be puffed up with pride
• To be clouded in judgment
• To become conceited
• To be blinded by self-importance

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

Translation Options:

• “To be puffed up” – Captures the inflating aspect of pride
• “To be conceited” – Emphasizes the self-centered nature
• “To be clouded by pride” – Maintains the smoke metaphor

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φυσιόω (physioō, /fysiˈo.oː/) – to inflate, puff up See G5448
• ὑπερηφανεύομαι (hyperēphaneuomai, /hyperēfaˈneu.omai/) – to be proud See G5244
• ἐπαίρω (epairō, /eˈpai.roː/) – to lift up, exalt See G1869

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples:

• Present Passive: τυφόομαι (I am being puffed up)
• Perfect Passive: τετύφωμαι (I have been puffed up)
• Present Passive Participle: τυφούμενος (being puffed up)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich insight into τυφόω’s metaphorical depth. BDAG emphasizes its connection to mental confusion and pride. Thayer’s highlights the progression from smoke to pride’s clouding effect. LSJ documents its usage in describing deluded thinking. Vine’s notes its particular application to spiritual pride. Strong’s connects it to its root meaning of smoke. Moulton and Milligan show its usage in describing various forms of confused thinking. The word particularly warns against the dangers of spiritual arrogance and its effects on judgment.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
1 Timothy 3:6: “not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride [τυφόω] he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.”

Additional References:
1 Timothy 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τυφόω powerfully illustrates the danger of spiritual pride and its ability to cloud our judgment. The word reminds us that pride is like smoke that gradually fills and blinds us to truth. The good news is that King Jesus demonstrates the perfect antidote – humility. His example of humble service, despite being God incarnate, shows us the path to clear spiritual vision. Through Him, we learn that true greatness comes through humility and dependence on God.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s connection to smoke suggests pride’s gradual, almost imperceptible onset
2. Ancient medical texts used τυφόω to describe fever-induced delirium
3. Early church fathers often contrasted τυφόω with Christian humility

Strong’s G5187: A verb describing the process of being clouded or blinded by pride, metaphorically derived from being enveloped in smoke. Used in pastoral epistles to warn against the dangers of spiritual arrogance and its effects on leadership.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: pride, conceit, spiritual blindness, leadership, humility, warning, self-deception, spiritual growth, pastoral epistles, character, judgment, discernment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​