[Greek] ὑβριστής (hybristēs), [Latin] insolens, [Latin] superbus

[Greek] ὑβριστής (hybristēs), [Latin] insolens, [Latin] superbus: insolent person, arrogant person, insulter; Rom.1:30, 1Tim.1:13

Superbia (Pride): One part of the Mosaic of Sins in Basilique Norte-Dame de Fourviere (Lyon, France)

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means one who overestimates his own powers and claims, one who is insolent, and one who is arrogant. Hubris involves trespassing beyond one’s own sphere. The Greek tragedy (play) often illustrates the folly of hubris. The gods oppose man’s hubris with retribution, punishment, and destruction. Hubris often provides the impetus for conquest, world domination, violation of personal rights, and downfall. Hubris can also be associated with a mocker or a frivolous person. Homer’s Odyssey 3.120 states “Odysseus awoke, and sat up, and thus he pondered in mind and heart. ‘Woe is me! to the land of mortals am I now come? Are they cruel and wild and just? Or do they love strangers and fear the god in their thoughts?’” Lysias’ On the Refusal of a Pension 24.15 states “He says that I am insolent, savage and utterly abandoned in my behavior. But I expect you, gentlemen, to distinguish clearly between the people who act at liberty to be insolent and those who are debarred from it.” Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 717 states “Then you shall reach the river Hybristes, which does not belie its name. Do not cross this, for it is hard to cross, until you come to the mountain, where its very brows the river pours out its might in fury.”

Old Testament: This term means proud, arrogant, haughtiness, and loftiness. We have heard of the pride of Moab, how very proud he is (Isa.16:6). Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him (Job 40:12). The Lord will tear down the house of the proud (Prov.15:25). It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil of the proud (Prov.16:19). We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud of his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance and his self-exaltation (Jer.48:29). Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin (Prov.21:4). The eyes of human pride shall be lowered, the arrogance of mortals shall be abased (Isa.2:11).

New Testament: This term means an insolent person and one who insults. Paul makes reference to those who boast, who have faith, and who will live. Likewise, those who have fallen away are filled with sins and every form of wickedness. Such sins include insolence, haughtiness, and boastfulness. Paul also recalls his past life as an enthusiastic persecutor of Christians. His overzealous and boastful actions were a high form of arrogance. Yet, Paul expresses his gratefulness (thankfulness) in his in being a zealous servant for Christ.

Scripture:

“They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents.” Rom.1:30

Paul makes reference to those who have fallen away in faith. These people are filled with sins and wickedness.

“I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my belief.” 1Tim.1:13

Paul makes reference to his past life as a rabid Pharisees persecuting the Christians. Paul know gives thanks for the mercy shown to him by God.

“You are great, O Lord, and exceedingly worthy of praise! Your power is immense! And Your wisdom is beyond all reckoning. And so we humans, who are but a small part of Your creation, long to praise You—we who carry our mortality about with us, the evidence of our sin and the proof that You resist the proud. You so excite us to praise You so that it may be us joy because You have made us, and drawn us to Yourself, and our hear is restless in you.” (The famous opening lines of the Confessions by St. Augustine)

According to St. Augustine, what is the meaning of life? To praise, to thank, and to rest in God. Essentially, this means having the attitude to show gratitude better.

What was the Original Son of Adam and Eve? Adam and Eve resisted and refused gratitude. God had given them everything that the needed and wanted.

Why did Adam and Eve disobey God? They did not want to receive creation as a gift. Instead, they wanted to receive creation on their own terms. This is the primal sin of pride (superbia).

What is pride? This is the refusal of gratitude. However, gratitude is often viewed as a weakness. This becomes a deeply ingrained attitude of having life on one’s own terms, rather than as a gift.

Conclusion:

Hubris, insolent, insolence, superb

Here is another term which speaks of human nature in any time in history. Perhaps going beyond one’s sphere could be a very succinct meaning for this term. The Greek plays (dramas) in the theater often provided a commentary on human nature (hubris, tragedy, power, etc.). Hubris certainly plays an important motivation in power and conquest.

In the Old Testament, this term plays an important role in one’s relationship with God. Pride is often associated with sin and disobedience. Adam and Eve provide a perfect example of this. Likewise, humbleness, gratitude, and thankfulness foster a stronger relationship with God.

In the New Testament, this term refers to pride and sinful disobedience toward God. It is also important to note that Paul expresses gratitude for God in his zeal as an Apostle for Christ.

It was interesting to discover how St. Augustine speaks to the nature of man’s relationship with God. Adam and Eve sinned by failing to express their gratitude and thankfulness to God. Adam and Eve wanted to act on their own terms. Pride (Superbia) expresses the attitude of “that I know better”. Instead, St. Augustine states that we have to say “thank you” better.

I thank you for your attention in this matter.