Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Boasting, in the biblical context, refers to speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities. It is often associated with arrogance and a lack of humility, which are contrary to the virtues encouraged in Scripture. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of boasting, highlighting its spiritual implications and the attitude of the heart behind it.
Old Testament References:In the Old Testament, boasting is often linked with pride and self-reliance, which are condemned by God. For instance, in
Jeremiah 9:23-24 , the Lord declares, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things, declares the LORD." This passage emphasizes that true boasting should be in the knowledge and understanding of God, rather than in human attributes or achievements.
New Testament Teachings:The New Testament continues to address the issue of boasting, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In
1 Corinthians 1:31 , Paul echoes the Old Testament sentiment by stating, "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" This reflects the idea that any boasting should be directed towards God's work and character, rather than personal accomplishments.
In
Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul further explains that salvation is a gift from God, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores the principle that human efforts are insufficient for salvation, and thus, there is no room for boasting in one's own deeds.
Spiritual Implications:Boasting is often seen as a manifestation of pride, which is considered a sin that distances individuals from God.
James 4:16 warns, "As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil." This highlights the moral and spiritual dangers of boasting, as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's will.
Positive Aspects of Boasting:While boasting is generally viewed negatively, the Bible does allow for a form of boasting that is centered on God and His works. In
Galatians 6:14 , Paul writes, "But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Here, boasting is redirected towards the redemptive work of Christ, which is a source of true pride and joy for believers.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility and to recognize that all good things come from God.
Proverbs 27:2 advises, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips." This wisdom encourages individuals to refrain from self-praise and to allow others to acknowledge their achievements, thereby fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude.
In summary, the biblical perspective on boasting is clear: it is to be avoided when it centers on self, but embraced when it glorifies God and acknowledges His sovereignty and grace.
Greek
850a. aucheo -- to boast... to boast. Transliteration: aucheo Short Definition:
boasts. Word Origin from auche
(boasting) Definition to boast NASB Word Usage
boasts (1). 850, 850a.
...212. alazoneia -- boastfulness
... 212 (a feminine noun derived from , "wandering, roaming") -- properly, a vagabond
("quack"), making emptyboasts about having "cures" to rid people of all...
2744. kauchaomai -- to boast
... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to boast NASB Word Usage boast (24),
boasted (1), boasting (3),boasts (2), exult (3), glory (2), take pride (1)....
Strong's Hebrew
907. bad -- empty, idle talk... 906, 907. bad. 908 . empty, idle talk. Transliteration: bad Phonetic
Spelling: (bad) Short Definition:
boasts. Word Origin from
...1984b. halal -- to be boastful, to praise
... root Definition to be boastful, to praise NASB Word Usage acted insanely (1), arrogant
(1), boast (9), boasted (1), boastful (3),boasts (3),boasts boast (1...
Library
On the Letter of Pelagius, in which HeBoasts that his Errors had...
... A work on the proceedings of pelagius, Chapter 54 [XXX.]"On the Letter of Pelagius,
in Which HeBoasts that His Errors Had Been Approved by Fourteen Bishops....
Whether Boasting is a Mortal Sin?
... It will be a mortal sin when a manboasts of that which is contrary to God's
glory"-thus it is said in the person of the king of Tyre (Ezech.28:2): "Thy...
The Tenth Book Discusses the Unattainable and Incomprehensible
... little further on he contends against those who acknowledge that human nature is
too weak to conceive what cannot be grasped, and with loftyboasts enlarges on...
Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... Many a one thinks that he has God and everything in abundance when he has money
and possessions; he trusts in them andboasts of them with such firmness and...
If, Then, You Really Intend to do an Act of Repentance for those...
... He indeed, has not in his whole life stayed more than thirty days at Alexandria
where Didymus lived; yet almost all through his books heboasts, at length and...
Celts and Celtophiles
... All other gods, however weak and warring, at least boast of being constant. But
scienceboasts of being in a flux for ever;boasts of being unstable as water....
As to Your Charge of Perjury, Since You Refer Me to Your Book; and...
... What a difference there is between your dream and mine! Mine tells how I was humbled
and repressed; yoursboasts over and over again how you were praised....
Whether Boasting is Opposed to the virtue of Truth?
... xxiii, 4) to be one of the four species of pride, "when," to wit, "a manboasts
of having what he has not." Hence it is written (Jer.48:29,30): "We have heard...
You Observe How New and Terrible a Form of Oath this is which He...
... Amongst the rest, heboasts of having read the books of Pythagoras.... Amongst
the rest, heboasts of having read the books of Pythagoras....
"Boast not Thyself of To-Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day...
... thereof, and be glad." As humility and self-emptiness made David go out of himself,
to seek satisfaction in God, and having found it, heboasts and triumphs...
Thesaurus
Boasts (18 Occurrences)...Boasts (18 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 1:31 that, according as it is written, "He
who
boasts, let him boast in the Lord." (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV).
...Boast (86 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 1:31 that, according as it is written,
"He whoboasts, let him boast in the Lord." (Root in WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV)....
Kindles (6 Occurrences)
... Kindles (6 Occurrences). James 3:5 Thus also the tongue is a little member, and
boasts great things. See how little a fire, how large a wood it kindles! (DBY)....
Luxury (8 Occurrences)
... woe. For in her heart sheboasts, saying, 'I sit enthroned as Queen: no widow
am I: I shall never know sorrow.' (WEY NIV). Revelation...
Goliath (6 Occurrences)
... The story of his encounter with David is graphic, and theboasts of the two champions
were perfectly in keeping with single combats in the Orient....
Greedy (24 Occurrences)
... RSV). Psalms 10:3 For the wickedboasts of his heart's cravings. He blesses
the greedy, and condemns Yahweh. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Psalms...
Flattering (11 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 12:3 May Yahweh cut off all flattering
lips, and the tongue thatboasts, (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Revel (6 Occurrences)
... woe. For in her heart sheboasts, saying, 'I sit enthroned as Queen: no
widow am I: I shall never know sorrow.' (Root in WEY YLT)....
Revelled (2 Occurrences)
... woe. For in her heart sheboasts, saying, 'I sit enthroned as Queen: no
widow am I: I shall never know sorrow.' (WEY). Revelation...
Renounces (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Renounces (2 Occurrences). Psalms 10:3 For the wicked
boasts of his heart's cravings. He blesses the greedy, and condemns Yahweh....
Resources
Who are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to boast in the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about an out of body experience / astral projection? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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