3166. megalaucheó

Lexicon

megalaucheó: To boast greatly, to speak arrogantly

Original Word: μεγαλαυχέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: megalaucheó
Pronunciation: meg-al-ow-kheh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (meg-al-ow-kheh'-o)
Definition: To boast greatly, to speak arrogantly
Meaning: I boast, am arrogant, vaunt.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

boast great things.

From a compound of megas and aucheo (to boast; akin to auzano and kauchaomai); to talk big, i.e. Be grandiloquent (arrogant, egotistic) -- boast great things.

see GREEK megas

see GREEK auzano

see GREEK kauchaomai

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
variant reading for megas and aucheó, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3166: μεγαλαυχέω

μεγαλαυχέω, μεγαλαύχω; (μεγάλαυχος, and this from μεγάλα and αὐχέω); to be grandiloquent; to boast great things, to bear oneself loftily in speech or action: ἡ γλῶσσα μεγάλαυχεῖ (L T Tr WH μεγάλα αὐχεῖ), James 3:5, where it seems to denote any kind of haughty language which wounds and provokes others, and stirs up strife. (Aeschylus Ag. 1528; Polybius 12, 13, 10; 8, 23, 11; Diodorus 15, 16, others; middle γυναῖκα πρός Θεούς ἐριζουσαν καί μεγαλαυχουμενην, Plato, rep. 3, p. 395 d.; for גָּבָה, to exalt oneself, carry oneself haughtily, Ezekiel 16:50; Zephaniah 3:11; add, 2 Macc. 15:32; Sir. 48:18.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from two Greek words: μέγας (megas), meaning "great" or "large," and αὐχέω (aucheō), meaning "to boast" or "to speak loudly."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for μεγαλαυχέω, similar concepts of boasting and pride can be found in the Hebrew Scriptures. Some related Hebrew words include:

- גָּאָה (ga'ah) • to be proud, to rise up
- הָלַל (halal) • to boast, to praise (in a negative sense, to boast arrogantly)
- זָדוֹן (zadon) • arrogance, pride

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of prideful boasting and are often used in contexts that warn against arrogance and emphasize the importance of humility before God.

Usage: The term μεγαλαυχέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of boasting or speaking with excessive pride, often in a negative context, highlighting arrogance or self-exaltation.

Context: The Greek verb μεγαλαυχέω appears in the New Testament to convey the idea of boasting or speaking with excessive pride. This term is often associated with a negative connotation, as it reflects an attitude of arrogance or self-exaltation that is contrary to the humility encouraged in Christian teachings.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of boasting is addressed in several passages, emphasizing the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. For instance, James 4:16 states, "As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil." This verse highlights the sinful nature of boasting, particularly when it stems from self-reliance or a disregard for God's sovereignty.

The act of μεγαλαυχέω is often contrasted with the Christian virtue of humility. Believers are encouraged to find their worth and identity in Christ rather than in their own achievements or status. The New Testament consistently warns against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, urging followers of Christ to adopt a posture of humility and dependence on God.

In the broader biblical narrative, boasting is seen as a manifestation of human pride that leads to downfall and separation from God. The call to humility is a recurring theme, reminding believers that true greatness is found in serving others and glorifying God rather than in self-promotion.

Forms and Transliterations

αυχει αὐχεῖ εμεγαλαύχουν μεγαλαυχεί μεγαλαυχείν μεγαλαυχήσαι auchei aucheî

Englishman's Concordance

James 3:5 V-PIA-3S
GRK: καὶ μεγάλα αὐχεῖ ἰδοὺ ἡλίκον
KJV: and boasteth great things. Behold,
INT: and exceeding things boasts Behold a little

Strong's Greek 3166
1 Occurrence

αὐχεῖ — 1 Occ.