Lexical Summary huperphroneó: To think more highly, to be arrogant, to be haughty. Original Word: ὑπερφρονέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be haughty, think more highly.From huper and phroneo; to esteem oneself overmuch, i.e. Be vain or arrogant -- think more highly. see GREEK huper see GREEK phroneo HELPS Word-studies 5252 hyperphronéō (from 5228 /hypér, "beyond" and 5426 /phronéō, "personal perspective regulating behavior") – properly, think beyond, exceeding proper (appropriate) limits; (figuratively) to act high-minded, lacking humility and a true sense of reality (Abbott-Smith). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom huper and phroneó Definition to be overly proud, to have high thoughts NASB Translation think more highly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5252: ὑπερφρονέωὑπερφρονέω, ὑπερφρόνω; (ὑπέρφρων); from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; to think more highly of oneself than is proper: Romans 12:3. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 5252 (ὑπερφρονεῖν) describes the mental stance of over-valuing oneself—“thinking beyond what it is right to think.” It portrays an inflated self-assessment that trespasses the boundary set by God’s grace and gifts. Romans 12:3 in Paul’s Argument Paul has just urged believers to present their bodies “as a living sacrifice…which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1). Immediately he addresses the mindset that sustains such worship: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3). 1. The contrast is between ὑπερφρονεῖν (lofty self-opinion) and σωφρονεῖν (sound thinking). Theological Significance Humility is not optional ornamentation but integral to saving faith, for grace cannot coexist with self-exaltation (James 4:6). The term therefore exposes pride as a theological contradiction—exalting human ability where only divine gifting suffices. Romans 12:3 guards the doctrine of grace by rooting every ministry function in God’s sovereign distribution. Historical and Cultural Background First-century Roman society prized honor and status. Patronage networks rewarded self-promotion, making Paul’s warning counter-cultural. Within house-church gatherings that blended social strata, inflated self-assessment threatened unity. The single occurrence of ὑπερφρονεῖν likely resonated sharply with readers accustomed to public boasting in letters and inscriptions. Connection to the Wider Biblical Theme of Pride • Proverbs 16:18 warns that “Pride goes before destruction.” Together these passages frame pride as self-deception that obscures dependence on God. Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Assessment of Gifts: Leaders help believers discern God’s allotment so that service flows from grace, not ego. Practical Discipleship • Daily gratitude lists combat exaggerated self-view by recognizing God as source. Related Greek Concepts • ἐγκρατής (self-controlled) accentuates mastery over inner attitudes. Illustrative Biblical Examples Negative: Uzziah’s heart “was lifted up, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God” (2 Chronicles 26:16). Positive: John the Baptist—“He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). Conclusion ὑπερφρονεῖν unmasks a spiritual peril: presuming upon oneself what only God supplies. By anchoring self-perception to “the measure of faith,” Scripture safeguards unity, preserves the purity of grace, and channels every gift toward God’s glory rather than human acclaim. Forms and Transliterations υπερεκχυθήσονται υπερεχύθη υπερφρονειν υπερφρονείν ὑπερφρονεῖν υπέρχαρης υπερωμίαν hyperphronein hyperphroneîn uperphroneinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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