ὑψηλοφρονέω

I am high-minded, proud

Definition

The verb ὑψηλοφρονέω means to think highly of oneself, to be arrogant or proud. It describes an attitude of haughtiness or conceit, often in a spiritual or moral context. In Romans 11:20, it warns Gentile believers not to be arrogant toward the broken-off Jewish branches. In 1 Timothy 6:17, it instructs the rich not to be haughty or to set their hopes on uncertain wealth. Both uses consistently convey a negative sense of self-exaltation that opposes humility.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in epistles addressing spiritual attitudes. In Romans 11:20, Paul uses it in a theological argument about God's covenant faithfulness, warning Gentile Christians against pride over Israel's temporary hardening. In 1 Timothy 6:17, it appears in practical ethical instruction, cautioning the wealthy against arrogance rooted in their possessions. The pattern is a direct warning against pride in contexts of spiritual privilege or material security.

Etymology

Derived from the combination of ὑψηλός (hypsēlos, G5308), meaning 'high' or 'lofty,' and φρονέω (phroneō, G5426), meaning 'to think' or 'to have a mindset.' It literally means 'to think high things' or 'to have lofty thoughts.' This compound vividly pictures an inflated, elevated opinion of oneself.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it directly addresses the sin of pride, a core spiritual danger. It warns against arrogance based on either spiritual status (as in Romans 11) or material wealth (as in 1 Timothy). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical warnings against pride specifically target an inflated mindset or self-estimation, contrasting sharply with the virtue of humility before God and others.

In the Greco-Roman world, pride and honor-seeking were often seen as virtues for the elite. The New Testament's use of this term subverts that cultural value, presenting a haughty mindset as a spiritual vice dangerous for both the religiously privileged and the economically wealthy. It reframes true honor as coming from God, not self-exaltation.

τυφόω (typhoō, G5187) — to be puffed up, often with pride or false knowledge; ὑπερηφανία (hyperēphania, G5243) — pride, arrogance as a settled disposition or vice; ἀλαζονεία (alazoneia, G212) — boastfulness, empty pretension.

Word Details

Scripture References