The term "puffed" in the Bible often refers to being filled with pride or arrogance. It is used metaphorically to describe a state of being inflated with self-importance or conceit, which is contrary to the humility that God desires from His followers.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. 1 Corinthians 4:6 · In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns the Corinthian church against pride and division. He writes, "Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not be puffed up in favor of one against another." Here, "puffed up" is used to describe the arrogance that can arise from aligning oneself with particular leaders or teachings, leading to division within the body of Christ.

2. 1 Corinthians 8:1 · Paul addresses the issue of knowledge and love, stating, "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." In this context, "puffs up" refers to the pride that can result from possessing knowledge without the tempering influence of love. Paul emphasizes that love, rather than knowledge alone, should be the guiding principle for believers.

3. Colossians 2:18 · Paul warns against false humility and the worship of angels, saying, "Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen; such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind." Here, "puffed up" describes the arrogance of those who claim superior spiritual experiences or insights, which are not grounded in true spiritual understanding.

Theological Implications

The concept of being "puffed up" is closely tied to the sin of pride, which is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. Pride is seen as a barrier to a right relationship with God, as it leads individuals to rely on their own understanding and abilities rather than on God's wisdom and grace. The Bible teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Practical Application

Believers are called to cultivate humility and to guard against the temptation to become "puffed up" with pride. This involves recognizing one's own limitations and the need for God's guidance and strength. It also means valuing love and unity within the Christian community over personal knowledge or achievements. By doing so, Christians can reflect the character of Christ, who exemplified perfect humility and obedience to the Father.

In summary, the term "puffed" in the biblical context serves as a warning against pride and self-exaltation, urging believers to pursue humility and love as foundational virtues in their walk with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Puff.5187. tuphoo -- to be conceited, foolish
... Transliteration: tuphoo Phonetic Spelling: (toof-o'-o) Short Definition: I puff
up, make haughty Definition: I puff up, make haughty; pass: I am puffed up, am ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5187.htm - 7k

5448. phusioo -- to puff or blow up
... Transliteration: phusioo Phonetic Spelling: (foo-see-o'-o) Short Definition: I inflate,
puff up Definition: I inflate, puff up; pass: I am puffed up, arrogant ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5448.htm - 7k

3733. kar -- basket-saddle
... a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting); hence, a
meadow (as for sheep); also a pad or camel's saddle (as puffed out) -- captain ...
/hebrew/3733.htm - 6k

6368. piach -- soot
... ashes. From puwach; a powder (as easily puffed away), ie Ashes or dust -- ashes.
see HEBREW puwach. 6367, 6368. piach. 6369 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6368.htm - 6k

How we Can do Nothing against Our Faults Without the Help of God ...
... Chapter XV. How we can do nothing against our faults without the help of God,
and how we should not be puffed up by victories over them. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xv how we can.htm

Read Now the Most Profuse Revilings which He Has Poured Forth ...
... Book III. Chapter 15. " 17. Read now the most profuse revilings which
he has poured forth whilst puffed? "17. Read now the ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 15 17 read.htm

Colossians ii. 16-19
... Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshiping of the Angels,
dwelling in the things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his ...
/.../homily vii colossians ii 16-19.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 17
... in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." The latter
he signifies in this Epistle, saying, (ver.18.) "Now some are puffed up, as ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiv 1 cor iv.htm

The Instance of Joash, King of Judah, Showing what was the ...
... But hear what Scripture relates of him after Jehoiada's death, and how he was
puffed up with pride and given over to a most disgraceful state. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxi the instance of.htm

By what Judgment of God the Enemy was Permitted to Indulge his ...
... are His judgments, and His ways past finding out." [82] Nevertheless, faithfully
interrogate your own souls, whether ye have not been unduly puffed up by your ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 28 by what judgment of.htm

The Same Continued: "He Reveals Wisdom. "
... 1808] Now, undoubtedly, if there were already in the apostle that perfection of
love which admitted of no further addition, and which could be puffed up no more ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 12 xi the same continued .htm

Whether Adam's Sin was More Grievous than Eve's?
... First, because she was more puffed up than the man. ... Reply to Objection 1: The woman
was deceived because she was first of all puffed up with pride. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether adams sin was more.htm

Love, the Motive Power for Service.
... "Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is
not puffed up; Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter ii love the motive.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... attack. How long shall we be puffed up thus ridiculously? ... But thou art wise?
Thou oughtest to be thankful, not to be puffed up. Haughtiness ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

Puffed (13 Occurrences)
...Puffed (13 Occurrences). Romans 11:21 Do not be puffed up with pride. ... 1 Corinthians
4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. ...
/p/puffed.htm - 10k

Arrogant (60 Occurrences)
... to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond
the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one ...
/a/arrogant.htm - 22k

Puff (1 Occurrence)
... 14. (vt) To cause to swell or dilate; to inflate; to ruffle with puffs; -- often
with up; as, a bladder puffed with air. 15. ... 17. (a.) Puffed up; vain. ...
/p/puff.htm - 8k

Pride (277 Occurrences)
... your faith. Do not be lifted up in pride, but have fear; (BBE). Romans
11:21 Do not be puffed up with pride. Tremble rather--for ...
/p/pride.htm - 37k

Madness (13 Occurrences)
... recorded in the Old Testament is that of Saul, who, from being a shy, self-conscious
young man, became, on his exaltation to the kingship, puffed up with a ...
/m/madness.htm - 17k

Mad (22 Occurrences)
... recorded in the Old Testament is that of Saul, who, from being a shy, self-conscious
young man, became, on his exaltation to the kingship, puffed up with a ...
/m/mad.htm - 19k

Rather (176 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Romans 11:21 Do not be puffed up with pride. Tremble rather--for if God did
not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. (WEY). ...
/r/rather.htm - 36k

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is crazy
over discussions and controversies about words which give rise to envy ...
/q/quarrels.htm - 9k

Questionings (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and
disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings ...
/q/questionings.htm - 8k

Quarrelling (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with pride and has no true knowledge, but is
crazy over discussions and controversies about words which give rise to envy ...
/q/quarrelling.htm - 8k

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