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G212 · Greek · New Testament
ἀλαζονεία
alazoneia
Noun, feminine
arrogance, boastfulness

Definition

Alazoneia (G212) is a distinctive Greek vice — the arrogance of the alazōn, a type who overstates himself, makes empty boasts, and trusts in his own resources. James 4:16 rebukes those who boast in their business plans, calling it evil alazoneia. John links it with 'the boastfulness of life' (alazoneia tou biou) — worldly pride in possessions.

Usage & Theological Significance

Alazoneia is pride that operates in the realm of false self-sufficiency. James's example of the merchant making confident plans without acknowledging God (James 4:13–16) is the archetype. John lists it alongside lust as a sign of the world's system (1 John 2:16). The antidote is not low self-esteem but tapeinophrosynē — humble-mindedness that acknowledges God as the source of all plans and outcomes.

Key Bible Verses

James 4:16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance [alazoneiais]. All such boasting is evil.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life [alazoneia tou biou] — is not from the Father but is from the world.
Romans 1:30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents...
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
James 4:13 Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'...

Related Words

External Resources

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