Topical Encyclopedia The term "vaunteth" is derived from the archaic English verb "vaunt," which means to boast or to brag. In the context of the Bible, "vaunteth" is used to describe a behavior characterized by excessive pride or self-glorification. This term appears in the King James Version of the Bible, particularly in the well-known passage of 1 Corinthians 13, which discusses the nature of love.Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4 states, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." In the King James Version, the phrase "it does not boast" is rendered as "vaunteth not itself." This passage is part of the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, where he outlines the attributes of true Christian love, or "agape" love. The use of "vaunteth" in this context emphasizes that genuine love is humble and self-effacing, avoiding any form of self-promotion or arrogance. Theological Significance: The concept of vaunting, or boasting, is addressed throughout Scripture as a behavior contrary to the humility and selflessness that God desires from His followers. Proverbs 27:2 advises, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips." This wisdom literature underscores the importance of humility and the dangers of self-exaltation. In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles consistently warn against pride and self-aggrandizement. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The act of vaunting oneself is seen as a manifestation of pride, which is antithetical to the Christian virtue of humility. Practical Application: For Christians, the admonition against vaunting serves as a call to cultivate humility and to reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage encourages believers to adopt a mindset that prioritizes the well-being and honor of others above personal recognition or acclaim. In the life of the church, avoiding vaunting is essential for maintaining unity and fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual edification. Ephesians 4:2-3 exhorts, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." By eschewing boastfulness, Christians can contribute to a community that reflects the love and humility of Christ. Conclusion: While the term "vaunteth" may be less commonly used in modern translations, its underlying message remains relevant for believers today. The call to avoid boasting and to embrace humility is a timeless principle that aligns with the core teachings of the Christian faith. Through the practice of humility and selflessness, Christians are able to demonstrate the transformative power of God's love in their lives and in the world around them. Library 1 Cor. xiii. 4 Love, the Motive Power for Service. The Analysis Letter xvi. Charity. Sunday Before Lent The Greatest Thing in the World And Other Addresses Fruits and the Two Works. On the True Beauty. A Discourse On 1 Cor. xiii. 8 Thesaurus Vaunteth (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Vaunteth (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity ... /v/vaunteth.htm - 6k Vaunt (5 Occurrences) Vauntings (1 Occurrence) Envieth (1 Occurrence) Puffed (13 Occurrences) Suffereth (14 Occurrences) Itself (203 Occurrences) Charity (29 Occurrences) Humility (20 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Vaunteth (2 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 13:4 Psalms 10:3 Subtopics Related Terms |