[Greek] ἀλαζονεία (alazoneia), [Latin] superbia: boastfulness, arrogance, self-confidence, braggadocio, boasting about one’s possessions; Jas.4:16, 1Jn.2:16
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means false pretension, imposture, boastfulness, and punishable by the gods. Theophrastus’ Characters 23.2 states “The boastful man is one who will stand in the bazaar talking to foreigners of the great sums which he has at sea; he will discourse the of the vastness of his money-lending business, and the extent of his personal gains and losses, will send of his boy to the bank where he keeps a drachma.” Isocrates’ Panathenaicus 12.20 states “Now I could not possibly convey to you how troubled and disturbed I was hearing that some accepted the statements as true. For I thought that it was well known that I was waging war against the false pretenders of wisdom.”
Old Testament: This term, related to several Hebrew terms, conveys the sense of separating from or not trusting in God. This term means proud, arrogant, haughty, pride, majestic wild beast, scoffing, scorning, talking arrogantly, mocking, and speaking in a foreign tongue. Others are viewed as ignorant or barbaric, being unable to understand the other foreign language (tongue). What did our pride avail us? What have wealth and its boastfulness afforded us (Wis.5:8). He who open wide his throat like the nether world and is insatiable as death (Hab.2:5). Arrogant is the name for the man of overbearing pride who acts with scornal effrontery (Pro.21:24). They did not know, of course, that Joseph understood what they said, since he spoke with them through and interpreter (Gen.42:23). Now, cease scoffing, lest your bonds be tightened (Isa.28:22). Yes, with stammering lips and in a strange language, he will speak to this people (Isa.28:11).
New Testament: This term means pretentious life, boasting, and arrogance. These qualities denote the worldly man only concerned about his life but not of the Father’s will. This attitude reflects a willful independence from God and others. Living in pride and arrogance prevents one from knowing what is right or wrong. On the other hand, submitting to God’s will enables one to know and do what is right. The uncertainty of this fleeting short life requires complete dependence on God.
Scripture:
“For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1Jn.2:16
Focus on these worldly attitudes causes separation from God.
“But know you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” Jas.4:16
Boasting and arrogance undermines one’s dependence on God. Rather, man is more concerned about his affairs.
Conclusion:
Superb
Again, this is one of those terms that we all can easily identify with in any period of history. Theophrastes provides a wonderful example (among many) of what a boastful person is. Even the gods may exact retribution against the boastful person.
In the Old Testament culture, pride, boastfulness, and arrogance can potentially ruin one’s relationship with God. This notion greatly contrasts with the notion of having a child-like and trusting relationship with God. It was interesting to discover the more nuanced example of speaking in a foreign tongue. This lends to the idea of not understanding what was said.
In the New Testament culture, pride, boastfulness, and arrogance may lead to a willful separation from God and others. These worldly qualities are not of the Father. This prideful separation may often hinder one’s abilities to know and to do what is right. On the other hand, trusting in God will help one to make these decisions. The uncertainty of life requires dependence on God.
The Greek term barbaros is derived from ancient Greece. The Greeks used the term to describe those who did not speak and follow classical Greek customers. These foreigners were essentially barbarians (barbaric). Likewise, the Romans used this term to define their enemies (Germans, Celts, Gauls, etc). Therefore, these foreigners and enemies were all looked down upon as primitive, simple, savage, or not understanding.
Far from boasting, I continue to find myself humbled by the fact that I learn something new each time when I make a post.