Lexical Summary phusiósis: Arrogance, Pride, Conceit Original Word: φυσίωσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance swelling. From phusioo; inflation, i.e. (figuratively) haughtiness -- swelling. see GREEK phusioo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5450 physíōsis (from 5448 /physióō, "inflated, like an air-bellow") – arrogance (negative pride), fostering an inflated ego ("a swelled sense of self") and only used in 2 Cor 12:20. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phusioó Definition a puffing up NASB Translation arrogance (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5450: φυσίωσιςφυσίωσις, φυσιωσεως, ἡ (φυσιόω, which see) (Vulg.inflatio), a puffing up of soul, loftiness, pride: plural (A. V. swellings) 2 Corinthians 12:20. (Ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Concept Phusiosis denotes an internal swelling of self-importance that expresses itself in boastfulness, contempt for others, and an inflated sense of spiritual status. It is the attitude of the heart that imagines itself large when, in reality, it is hollow (compare 1 Corinthians 8:1 where the cognate verb “puffs up”). Biblical Usage The noun appears once in the New Testament—Paul’s “sin list” in 2 Corinthians 12:20, where he fears finding within the Corinthian fellowship “quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder”. In this context phusiosis is grouped with relational sins that fracture unity. Though the noun itself is singular in occurrence, Paul’s choice of the term climaxes a pattern: in 1 Corinthians he repeatedly warns that believers are being “puffed up” (4:6, 4:18–19, 5:2, 8:1, 13:4). The lone use of the noun in his second letter suggests the puffed-up attitude has hardened into a settled condition—arrogance now characterizes certain individuals or factions in Corinth. Historical Background First-century Corinth prized rhetorical skill, social status, and patronage. Public life revolved around winning honor and avoiding shame. Such a culture routinely rewarded self-promotion, a practice at odds with the cross-shaped ethos Paul preached (1 Corinthians 1:18–31). Phusiosis perfectly names the danger: believers importing society’s honor-seeking into the church, turning spiritual gifts and leadership into contests for preeminence. Theological Significance 1. Sin against Love: Love “is not proud” or literally “is not puffed up” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Arrogance negates the very quality that defines Christian community. Practical Ministry Applications • Self-examination: Leaders and members should regularly test motivations—are ministries pursued for God’s glory or personal acclaim? Warnings and Exhortations Paul’s fear (“I fear that when I come…”) implies possible apostolic corrective action (compare 2 Corinthians 13:2). Churches should not dismiss arrogance as a personality quirk; it invites divine discipline. James 4:6 reminds, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Christological and Ecclesiological Reflections The exalted Christ, though possessing “the fullness of Deity” (Colossians 2:9), chose the path opposite of phusiosis by emptying Himself. His body, the Church, must mirror that humility. A congregation free of phusiosis becomes a living apologetic, showcasing unity that only the Spirit can produce (John 17:20–23). Related Biblical Themes Humility (Micah 6:8; 1 Peter 5:5), Servanthood (Mark 10:43–45), Boasting in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23–24; 2 Corinthians 10:17), Love’s supremacy (1 Corinthians 13). Summary Strong’s Greek 5450, phusiosis, exposes the spiritual swelling that threatens gospel community. Paul’s lone use in 2 Corinthians serves as both diagnosis and warning: unchecked arrogance corrodes relationships, defies grace, and invites discipline. The remedy is sustained contemplation of Christ’s humility, deliberate pursuit of love, and mutual submission under the headship of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations φυσιωσεις φυσιώσεις phusioseis phusiōseis physioseis physiōseis physiṓseisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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