Lexical Summary katakauchaomai: To boast against, to exult over Original Word: κατακαυχάομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to exult over, triumph overFrom kata and kauchaomai; to exult against (i.e. Over) -- boast (against), glory, rejoice against. see GREEK kata see GREEK kauchaomai HELPS Word-studies 2620 katakauxáomai (from 2596 /katá, "according to, down to a point" intensifying 2744 /kauxáomai, "boast, speak loudly") – properly, boast down, over-exalting one thing at the expense of another which results in wrong conclusions – i.e. that unjustifiably downgrade by boasting with a sense of false superiority (Ro 11:18; Js 3:14). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and kauchaomai Definition to exult over NASB Translation arrogant (2), arrogant toward (1), triumphs over (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2620: κατακαυχάομαικατακαυχάομαι, κατακαυχωμαι, 2 person singular κατακαυχᾶσαι (contracted from κατακαυχαεσαι) for the Attic κατακαυχα (Romans 11:18; cf. Winers Grammar, § 13, 2 b.; (Buttmann, 42 (37); Sophocles Lexicon, Introduction, p. 40f; Tdf. Proleg., p. 123f); Lob. ad Phryn., p. 360), imperative 2 person singular κατακαυχῶ (Romans 11:18); (κατά against (cf. κατά, III. 7)); properly, to glory against, to exult over, to boast oneself to the injury of(a person or a thing): τίνος, Romans 11:18; Tdf. in James 3:14; κατά τίνος, ibid. R G L Tr WH (Buttmann, 185 (160); Winer's Grammar, § 30, 9 b. (cf. 432 (402))); ἔλεος (equivalent to ὁ ἐλεῶν) κατακαυχᾶται κρίσεως, mercy boasts itself superior to judgment, i. e. full of glad confidence has no fear of judgment, James 2:13. (Zechariah 10:12; Jeremiah 27:10, 38 Topical Lexicon Overview of the Concept Strong’s Greek 2620 appears in contexts where one party exults over, gloats against, or vaunts itself above another. The verb highlights a posture of proud triumph that stands diametrically opposed to the humility the gospel commends. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Romans 11:18 – Paul warns Gentile believers not to “boast over the branches; if you do, remember: you do not support the root, but the root supports you”. (The verb appears twice in Romans 11:18 because of textual variants, but the sense is the same.) Theological Themes • Humility versus pride: Each use contrasts self-exalting pride with faith’s call to humility. Historical Background In first-century Mediterranean culture, public honor competitions were common. The Spirit-inspired writers adopt a familiar social practice—boastful triumph—to expose its incompatibility with life in Christ. For Gentiles in Rome, civic pride in imperial favor could spill into spiritual arrogance. For scattered Jewish believers addressed by James, factional strife threatened congregational unity. Pastoral and Practical Implications • Guard the attitude: Spiritual knowledge, gifts, or ethnic heritage can tempt believers to elevate self over others. The verb’s negative connotation calls the church to constant self-examination. Relation to the Character of God God alone may exult over His enemies in righteous judgment, yet He consistently opposes human pride (James 4:6). The biblical writers therefore restrict triumphant boasting to what the Lord accomplishes (Jeremiah 9:24; Galatians 6:14). Christological Connection The cross reverses worldly triumphalism. Jesus “humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:8), and through that humility secured victory over sin and death. Any believer’s boasting must be “in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Use in Early Christian Literature Early patristic writers echo the New Testament’s warning. For example, the Epistle of Barnabas rebukes those who “boast in themselves,” urging confidence in the Lord alone. This continuity underscores the verb’s significance for discipling successive generations. Summary Strong’s 2620 repeatedly exposes self-exalting attitudes that fracture unity, obscure grace, and contradict Christ’s self-emptying example. Scripture redirects triumph toward God’s mercy and redemptive work, calling the church to boast only in Him. Forms and Transliterations κατακαυχασαι κατακαυχάσαι κατακαυχᾶσαι κατακαυχασθε κατακαυχάσθε κατακαυχᾶσθε κατακαυχαται κατακαυχάται κατακαυχᾶται κατακαυχω κατακαυχῶ κατεκαυχάσθε κατεκαυχώντο katakauchasai katakauchâsai katakauchasthe katakauchâsthe katakauchatai katakauchâtai katakaucho katakauchô katakauchō katakauchō̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 11:18 V-PMM/P-2SGRK: μὴ κατακαυχῶ τῶν κλάδων NAS: do not be arrogant toward KJV: Boast not against the branches. But INT: not Boast against the branches Romans 11:18 V-PIM/P-2S James 2:13 V-PIM/P-3S James 3:14 V-PMM/P-2P Strong's Greek 2620 |
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