Lexical Summary megalaucheó: To boast greatly, to speak arrogantly Original Word: μεγαλαυχέω 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 Originvariant reading for megas and aucheó, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3166: μεγαλαυχέωμεγαλαυχέω, 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 Boasting UnsuitablyJames selects the rare verb αὐχέω to picture a tongue that “boasts of great things” (James 3:5). The term evokes a noisy, self-advertising spirit—speech that magnifies self instead of God. While other Greek words for boasting (such as καυχάομαι or ἀλαζονεία) appear frequently, αὐχέω stands alone in the New Testament. Its singular use heightens the warning: an uncontrolled tongue can swell with pretensions out of all proportion to its size, just as a small spark can set an entire forest ablaze. Immediate Context in James James 3:1–12 warns teachers that their words carry disproportionate influence. The rhetorical progression moves from bits in horses’ mouths, to rudders on ships, to the destructive tongue. By choosing αὐχέω James underlines the brazen confidence with which the tongue claims power: a boastful self-confidence that disregards the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). The letter’s larger theme—authentic faith evidenced by works—makes arrogant speech a tell-tale sign of counterfeit wisdom (James 3:13–18). Broader Biblical Perspective on Boasting 1 Corinthians 1:31 calls believers to “boast in the Lord,” not in themselves. Galatians 6:14 narrows legitimate glorying to “the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These positive uses show that boasting, redirected God-ward, can become worship. By contrast, αὐχέω illustrates the twisted counterpart: exalting the self through verbal display. Psalm 12:3 condemns lips that speak “proud things,” revealing continuity between Testaments. Historical and Cultural Background Greco-Roman oratory valued megalopsychia (great-souled confidence). Public declaimers often celebrated their own exploits, and traveling rhetoricians drew crowds with epic assertions. Jewish wisdom literature, however, associated such grandiose speech with folly (Proverbs 27:2). James, writing to the scattered tribes (James 1:1), counters the surrounding culture by calling believers to meekness and bridled tongues (James 1:19–21). Theological Significance 1. Pride Manifested: αὐχέω points to pride’s outward expression. Pride begins in the heart but is unmasked in speech (Matthew 12:34). Ministry Applications • Preaching: Guard illustrations and anecdotes that subtly glorify the speaker rather than Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5). Personal Discipleship • Daily Prayer: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3). Homiletical Insight James’ image of the forest fire pairs naturally with contemporary illustrations—viral social media posts, rapid misinformation, or incendiary rhetoric. A sermon may contrast the tongue ablaze by hell (James 3:6) with tongues of fire empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3), showing how God alone redeems speech. Related Greek Vocabulary καυχάομαι – glory, boast (legitimate or illegitimate) ἀλαζονεία – empty pretension, arrogance ὑπεραίρομαι – exalt oneself, become conceited Summary Though αὐχέω appears only once, its placement in James crystallizes the peril of unrestrained, self-exalting speech. Scripture consistently redirects boasting away from the creature toward the Creator. In every age the church must confront verbal pride, cultivate tongues that bless, and magnify the Lord alone. Forms and Transliterations αυχει αὐχεῖ εμεγαλαύχουν μεγαλαυχεί μεγαλαυχείν μεγαλαυχήσαι auchei aucheîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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