The term "puffeth" is an archaic English word found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). It is derived from the verb "puff," which means to swell up or to be filled with pride and arrogance. In the context of Scripture, "puffeth" is often used to describe a state of being conceited or boastful, particularly in relation to one's knowledge or spiritual status.

Biblical Usage:

The concept of being "puffed up" is addressed in several passages of the New Testament, where it is used to caution against pride and self-exaltation. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "puffeth," the underlying Greek word, "φυσιόω" (physioō), is translated in a way that conveys the same meaning.

1. 1 Corinthians 8:1 : "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns the Corinthian church that mere knowledge can lead to pride, which is detrimental to the community. Instead, love should be the guiding principle, as it edifies and strengthens the body of believers.

2. 1 Corinthians 13:4 : "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." Here, Paul describes the characteristics of true Christian love, contrasting it with prideful behavior. The phrase "it is not proud" aligns with the idea of not being "puffed up," emphasizing humility and selflessness as virtues of love.

3. 1 Corinthians 4:6 : "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 take pride in one man over another." Paul addresses the issue of division within the church, which was partly due to individuals being "puffed up" in favor of one leader over another. He urges the believers to adhere to Scripture and maintain unity.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of being "puffed up" is closely associated with the sin of pride, which is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian tradition. Pride is seen as a root cause of many other sins, as it leads individuals to place themselves above God and others. The Bible consistently warns against pride and encourages humility as a reflection of Christ's character.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are called to examine their hearts and attitudes regularly to ensure they are not "puffed up" with pride. This involves recognizing that all knowledge and gifts come from God and should be used for His glory and the edification of others. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility, following the example of Jesus Christ, who "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).

In summary, while the term "puffeth" may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, its meaning and implications remain relevant. The biblical exhortation against being "puffed up" serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of humility and love in the Christian life.

"Knowledge Puffeth Up, but Love Edifieth. "
... Against Heresies: Book II Chapter XXVI.""Knowledge puffeth up, but love
edifieth.". 1. It is therefore better and more profitable ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi knowledge puffeth up but.htm

The Pelagians Understand that the Law Itself is God's Grace.
... For the knowledge of the law without love puffeth up, does not edify, according
to the same apostle, who most openly says, "Knowledge puffeth up, but love ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 11 the pelagians understand that.htm

'Love Buildeth Up'
... Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.2. And if any man think that he knoweth
any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.3. But if any man love ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/love buildeth up.htm

What Kind of Spirit is Required for the Study of Holy Scripture.
... in the way I have indicated, shall enter upon his investigations, let him constantly
meditate upon that saying of the apostle's, "Knowledge puffeth up, but ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 41 what kind of spirit.htm

But when the Student of the Holy Scriptures...
... in the way I have indicated, shall enter upon his investigations, let him constantly
meditate upon that saying of the apostle's, "Knowledge puffeth up, but ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 62 but when the.htm

That the Grace of Christ Gives not Only the Knowledge of Our Duty ...
... For when the Apostle says: "Wisdom puffeth up, but charity edifieth" it were truly
infamous were we to believe that we have the grace of Christ for that which ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon cxii greek cxiij continued.htm

What True Grace Is, and Wherefore Given. Merits do not Precede ...
... Let him distinguish between knowledge and love, as they ought to be distinguished;
because "knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth." [1857] And then knowledge ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 27 xxvi what true grace.htm

Chapter i.
... And hence also that expression of the apostle, "Knowledge puffeth up, but charity
edifieth." [13] And "the poor in spirit" are rightly understood here, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter i.htm

John Chapter vi. 60-72
... Wherefore it is said that "the flesh profiteth nothing," in the same manner as it
is said that "knowledge puffeth up." Then, ought we at once to hate knowledge ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxvii john chapter vi.htm

1 Cor. viii. 1
... 1 Cor. viii. 1. 1 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: we
know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xx 1 cor viii.htm

Puffeth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Puffeth (3 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians ... knowledge. Knowledge
puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Psalms ...
/p/puffeth.htm - 7k

Puffs (3 Occurrences)
... Psalms 10:5 His ways prosper at all times; Thy judgments are far above out of his
sight; as for all his adversaries, he puffeth at them. (See RSV). ...
/p/puffs.htm - 7k

Puffed (13 Occurrences)

/p/puffed.htm - 10k

Know (8133 Occurrences)
... On the. other hand, the pride of intellectual knowledge is condemned; it must be
joined with love ("Knowledge puffeth up, 1 Corinthians 8:1). The stronger term ...
/k/know.htm - 12k

Knowledge
... On the. other hand, the pride of intellectual knowledge is condemned; it must be
joined with love ("Knowledge puffeth up, 1 Corinthians 8:1). The stronger term ...
/k/knowledge.htm - 12k

Edifieth (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all
have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/e/edifieth.htm - 6k

Puff (1 Occurrence)
... 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise,
saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. ...
/p/puff.htm - 8k

Buildeth (73 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 8:1 And concerning the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that
we all have knowledge: knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth up; (YLT). ...
/b/buildeth.htm - 28k

Sighing (22 Occurrences)
... 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise,
saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. ...
/s/sighing.htm - 13k

Offered (320 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all
have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (KJV BBE WBS RSV). ...
/o/offered.htm - 37k

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