Lexical Summary perpereuomai: To boast, to be arrogant, to vaunt oneself Original Word: περπερεύομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bragMiddle voice from perperos (braggart; perhaps by reduplication of the base of peran); to boast -- vaunt itself. see GREEK peran HELPS Word-studies 4068 perpereúomai (from perperos, "a braggart") – to act as a braggart, i.e. a "show off" who needs too much attention (used only in 1 Cor 13:4). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom perperos (vainglorious) Definition to boast NASB Translation brag (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4068: περπερεύομαιπερπερεύομαι; (to be πέρπερος, i. e. vain-glorious, braggart, Polybius 32, 6, 5; 40, 6, 2; Epictetus diss. 3, 2, 14); to boast oneself (A. V. vaunt oneself): 1 Corinthians 13:4 (Antoninus 5, 5; the compound ἐμπερπερεύεσθαι is used of adulation, employing rhetorical embellishments in extolling another excessively, in Cicero, ad Attic. 1, 14. Hesychius περπερεύεται. κατεπαίρεται); Cf. Osiander (or Wetstein) on 1 Corinthians, the passage cited (Gataker on Marc. Antoninus 5, 5, p. 143). Topical Lexicon Biblical Context“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Here the apostle Paul places the absence of boastfulness among the essential marks of agapē-love. The single New Testament appearance of the verb translated “boast” underscores a critical contrast between self-exalting speech and Christ-like love. Theological Significance 1. Antithesis to Divine Love Boastfulness elevates self; agapē elevates others. In the Christ event, the Son “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7), providing the ultimate model of love that refuses self-display. Paul’s catalog of love’s qualities is therefore a Christological description; the prohibition of boasting calls believers to reflect the humility of the Incarnate Lord. 2. Relationship to Pride and Arrogance Boasting (4068) pairs with the next clause, “it is not proud,” forming a double warning against both verbal and internal self-exaltation. Scripture regularly links proud speech with an arrogant heart (Proverbs 27:2; James 4:16). Together they comprise a unified sin that jeopardizes fellowship and ministry effectiveness. Scriptural Parallels on Boasting • Proverbs 27:2 — “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” Though these passages employ different Hebrew and Greek terms, they echo the same divine ethic: rightful glory belongs to God alone. Historical Reception in the Church Early patristic writers, notably John Chrysostom, read 1 Corinthians 13:4 as a corrective to the Corinthian pursuit of status through spiritual gifts. Medieval theologians applied the verse to monastic humility, while Reformers such as John Calvin cited it against ecclesiastical triumphalism. Throughout history the verb’s singular appearance has been sufficient to anchor homiletic warnings against ostentation in worship, preaching, or charity. Pastoral and Ministerial Implications 1. Preaching and Teaching Sermons on love must confront boastful rhetoric in pulpit and pew alike. Spiritual gifts, theological knowledge, or ministry success are no grounds for self-promotion. 2. Worship Leadership Musical excellence, eloquent prayers, and public testimonies can unintentionally parade human skill. Leaders should magnify Christ, not personal talent. 3. Social Media Presence Modern communication platforms invite self-display. 1 Corinthians 13:4 challenges believers to evaluate online expressions through the lens of gospel-centered humility. 4. Service and Giving Jesus warned, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). Anonymous generosity embodies love that “does not boast.” Practical Tests for the Believer • Does what I share direct attention to Christ or to me? Connection with Sanctification The Spirit’s work is to conform believers to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Because Christ never engaged in self-aggrandizing speech, the mortification of boasting is a tangible marker of progressive sanctification. Conversely, persistent self-promotion signals spiritual immaturity and invites the Father’s loving discipline. Eschatological Perspective At the judgment seat of Christ, “each one’s work will become evident” (1 Corinthians 3:13). Boastful deeds done for human applause will be burned as wood, hay, and straw, while humble acts of love will endure as gold, silver, and precious stones. Love’s refusal to boast therefore carries eternal consequence. Summary Strong’s Greek 4068 pinpoints a single but decisive element in the biblical portrait of love: it never parades itself. From Israel’s prophets to the apostles, from early church fathers to modern disciples, the call is the same—“He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). Submitting speech, service, and ambition to that standard safeguards the purity of Christian witness and channels unshared glory to the Triune God. Forms and Transliterations περπερευεται περπερεύεται perpereuetai perpereúetaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 13:4 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: ἀγάπη οὐ περπερεύεται οὐ φυσιοῦται NAS: love does not brag [and] is not arrogant, KJV: vaunteth not itself, is not INT: love not is boastful not is puffed up |
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