Lexical Summary phusioó: To puff up, to inflate, to make proud Original Word: φυσιόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance puff up. From phusis in the primary sense of blowing; to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty) -- puff up. see GREEK phusis HELPS Word-studies 5448 physióō (from physa, "air-bellows") – properly, inflate by blowing; (figuratively) swelled up, like an egotistical person spuing out arrogant ("puffed-up") thoughts. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phusa (bellows) Definition to puff or blow up NASB Translation arrogant (5), inflated (1), makes arrogant (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5448: φυσιόωφυσιόω, φυσιω; passive, present φυσιοῦμαι; perfect participle πεφυσιωμενος; 1 aorist ἐφυσιωθην; 1. (from φύσις), to make natural, to cause a thing to pass into nature (Clement of Alexandria; Simplicius). 2. equivalent to φυσάω, φυσιάω (from φῦσα a pair of bellows), to inflate, blow up, blow out, to cause to swell up; tropically, to puff up, make proud: 1 Corinthians 8:1; passive, to be puffed up, to bear oneself loftily, be proud: 1 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 5:2; 1 Corinthians 13:4; ὑπό τοῦ νως τῆς σαρκός αὐτοῦ, Colossians 2:18; ὑπέρ τίνος (see ὑπέρ, I. 2 (and cf. 5)) κατά τίνος, 1 Corinthians 4:6 (see ἵνα, II. 1 d.). (Ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.) The verb conveys the image of a bellows filling with air—an outward swelling without corresponding substance. In Scripture it depicts the interior attitude of self-inflation that breeds rivalry, presumption, or contempt toward others, the very opposite of the humble, self-giving love revealed in Jesus Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 4:18, 4:19, 5:2, 8:1, 13:4; Colossians 2:18; 1 Corinthians 4:6 (the entire cluster is concentrated in the Corinthian correspondence, with one occurrence in Colossae). Paul repeatedly uses the term to expose attitudes that fracture fellowship and obscure the gospel. • 1 Corinthians 4:18-19 exposes boastful members who questioned Paul’s apostolic authority: “Some of you have become arrogant….” Their confidence rested in talk, not spiritual power. Theological Significance 1. Pride as anti-love. Scripture consistently sets pride against covenantal love. When the heart swells with self, there is no room for the neighbor. Church Life and Discipline Paul’s application in 1 Corinthians 5 shows how arrogance can paralyze church discipline. A congregation proud of its tolerance endangers both the offender and the witness of the gospel. The remedy is corporate mourning, decisive action, and restored humility under Christ’s lordship. False Spirituality and Mysticism Colossians 2:18 warns that self-inflation may cloak itself in visions, rituals, or special revelations. The measuring rod is the believer’s connection to the Head, Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:19). Detachment from Him produces theological hot air, however impressive the external piety. Pastoral and Practical Application • Preaching and teaching must wed knowledge to love. Doctrinal clarity is essential, yet its goal is edification, not personal prestige. Historical Reflections Early church fathers repeatedly echoed Paul’s concern. Chrysostom commented on 1 Corinthians 4 that pride “cuts the sinews of love.” Augustine traced schisms to an overblown estimation of self. The Reformers likewise identified ecclesiastical abuses as products of spiritual arrogance, calling the church back to the simplicity of Christ. Related Biblical Themes • The fall of Satan (Isaiah 14:12-15) and of humankind (Genesis 3) share the motif of upward grasping. Summary The New Testament deployment of this verb forms a focused, consistent warning: self-inflated hearts suffocate love, distort truth, and cripple fellowship. The antidote is gospel-shaped humility—receiving all from Christ and giving all for Christ—so that the church may be “built up” rather than “puffed up,” and God alone receives the glory. Englishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 4:6 V-PSM/P-2PGRK: τοῦ ἑνὸς φυσιοῦσθε κατὰ τοῦ NAS: one of you will become arrogant in behalf KJV: one of you be puffed up for INT: one you be puffed up against the 1 Corinthians 4:18 V-AIP-3P 1 Corinthians 4:19 V-RPM/P-GMP 1 Corinthians 5:2 V-RPM/P-NMP 1 Corinthians 8:1 V-PIA-3S 1 Corinthians 13:4 V-PIM/P-3S Colossians 2:18 V-PPM/P-NMS Strong's Greek 5448 |