G5448
φυσιόω
to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
Transliteration
physióōPronunciation
(foo-see-o'-o)Everything you need to know.
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to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
φυσιόω(physióō)
Strong’s Definition
to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
from G5449 (φύσις) in the primary sense of blowing;
“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G5448: From φύσις (nature/natural); to inflate, puff up, or make proud. Metaphorically refers to being filled with pride or arrogance, causing one to be spiritually blind and ineffective in service to God.
U- Unveiling the Word
Φυσιόω represents a profound spiritual danger that the apostle Paul frequently addressed in his letters. This verb literally means "to inflate" or "to blow up," drawing from the image of bellows inflating something with air. In the New Testament, it exclusively carries a metaphorical meaning of being puffed up with pride or arrogance. The word paints a vivid picture of someone who has become bloated with self-importance, much like a balloon filled with air but lacking substance. This inflation of ego particularly concerned Paul in the context of spiritual gifts and knowledge, where he saw it as a serious threat to church unity and genuine spiritual growth.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
The verbal suffix -όω transforms the root noun φύσις into a causative verb, indicating the action of making something take on the characteristics of the root word.
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
For this verb:
The word typically appears in the passive voice, indicating that the subject receives the action of being "puffed up." In English, it would transform as:
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S - Studying Lexicon Insights
The major lexicons consistently emphasize φυσιόω's metaphorical usage in the New Testament. BDAG notes its exclusive use for pride and arrogance in Christian literature. Thayer's highlights its connection to knowledge that fails to produce love. LSJ traces its development from physical inflation to metaphorical pride. Vine's emphasizes its passive voice usage, suggesting pride as something that happens to a person rather than something they actively do. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence in secular Greek, suggesting it gained special significance in Christian contexts. This collective insight reveals φυσιόω as a technical term for dangerous spiritual pride.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
1 Corinthians 4:6: "Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant [φυσιόω] in behalf of one against the other."
Additional References:
1 Corinthians 4:18, 1 Corinthians 4:19, 1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Colossians 2:18
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
Φυσιόω serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of spiritual pride. Its imagery of inflation perfectly captures the empty nature of pride - appearing large but lacking substance. The word appears prominently in Paul's corrections to the Corinthian church, where knowledge and spiritual gifts had led to arrogance rather than love. This word reminds us that true spiritual maturity is marked by humility, following the example of our King Jesus who, though being God, humbled Himself to serve others and give His life for us.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G5448: From φύσις (nature/natural); to inflate, puff up, or make proud. Metaphorically refers to being filled with pride or arrogance, causing one to be spiritually blind and ineffective in service to God.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: pride, arrogance, spiritual-warning, pauline-epistles, corinthians, character, humility, spiritual-growth, greek-verbs