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καύχημα

kaúchēma

G2745 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Source or object of boasting, that which provides occasion for pride, sometimes with the implication of confident self-affirmation or rejoicing. It can denote something for which one legitimately or illegitimately takes pride, or the state of exulting in something or someone. In various contexts, may refer to both the content and the act of boasting, pride, or exultation.

Semantic Range

object or source of boasting, ground for pride, reason for exultation, basis for glorying or rejoicing, (by extension) act of boasting or exultation

Root / Etymology

From the verb καυχάομαι (to boast, to take pride in, to exult), with the nominal ending -μα indicating the result or object of the action. Related to καύχησις (boasting, act of boasting), sharing the same root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested from classical Greek but comparatively rare outside Jewish and Christian texts. In Hellenistic Greek, καύχημα typically refers to the source or reason for boasting, which could be viewed positively (as in legitimate grounds for pride or rejoicing) or negatively (empty or improper boasting). In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term frequently carries a rhetorical nuance, stressing the grounds for self-confidence or exultation, whether based on personal achievement, ancestry, or identity. Paul often contrasts καύχημα rooted in human effort or status with καύχημα found in divine action or calling. English traditions frequently translate as 'boast,' 'glory,' or 'pride,' but these renderings can obscure the difference between the act (καύχησις) and the grounds (καύχημα) of boasting. Unlike the verb καυχάομαι, which expresses the action, καύχημα designates the actual thing or person in which one exults or takes pride. Not to be confused with καύχησις, which more commonly denotes the act of boasting itself.

Translation Consistency

primary "boast" 10 occurrences

καύχημα primarily denotes a matter or act of boasting, a reason for glorying or exultation. "Boast" is the natural, widely used English word that covers both the object/source and the act (boast/boasting), making it the most consistent and idiomatic single-word choice for all forms.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"ground for pride" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καυχάομαι; a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense:--boasting, (whereof) to glory (of), glorying, rejoice(-ing).

Root Family

καύχημα (kauchēma) — boast, object of pride, exultation, ground for glorying

Root καυχ- to boast, to take pride in, to exult

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2745-01 καύχημα kauchema N ACC N SG boast ground for boasting a ground for boasting 10
G2745-02 καυχήματος kauchematos N GEN N SG of boasting of a ground for pride of a ground for pride 1

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2745-01 Romans 4:2 καύχημα kauchema N ACC N SG something to boast about ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-01 1 Corinthians 5:6 καύχημα kauchema N NOM N SG boasting ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-01 1 Corinthians 9:15 καύχημά kauchema N ACC N SG boast ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-01 1 Corinthians 9:16 καύχημα kauchema N NOM N SG boast ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-01 2 Corinthians 1:14 καύχημα kauchema N NOM N SG boast ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-02 2 Corinthians 5:12 καυχήματος kauchematos N GEN N SG of boasting of a ground for pride of a ground for pride
G2745-01 2 Corinthians 9:3 καύχημα kauchema N NOM N SG boasting ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-01 Galatians 6:4 καύχημα kauchema N ACC N SG boast ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-01 Philippians 1:26 καύχημα kauchema N NOM N SG boasting ground for boasting a ground for boasting
G2745-01 Philippians 2:16 καύχημα kauchema N ACC N SG a boast ground for boasting a ground for boasting
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