ὑπερφρονέω
hyperphronéō
G5252 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be high-minded, consider oneself above others, or to have an inflated or exaggerated view of one's own status or abilities. In context, primarily denotes an attitude of arrogance, superiority, or prideful self-regard, often expressed in contrast to appropriate humility.
Semantic Range
to be arrogant, to think too highly of oneself, to be conceited, to hold an inflated view of oneself, to esteem oneself overmuch, to have a prideful attitude
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ὑπέρ ('over, above, beyond') and the verb φρονέω ('to think, to have a mindset, to be minded'). The compound thus literally means 'to think above (oneself),' forming a verb referring to thinking more highly (than is appropriate).
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὑπερφρονέω appears rarely in extant Greek literature, with usage attested in the Hellenistic period and specifically in the New Testament (see Romans 12:16). Its meaning is shaped by both components: φρονέω, with its range of 'to think, to have an attitude,' and ὑπέρ, with its sense of excess or elevation. The term is characteristically moral, describing a state of arrogance or unwarranted pride, particularly in ethical or community contexts where such attitudes are discouraged. In the New Testament context, it is contrasted with humility and sober self-assessment. Standard English translations often use 'to be conceited,' 'to be arrogant,' or 'to think more highly (of oneself) than one ought.' The nuance may be missed if reduced only to 'pride;' the underlying emphasis is on self-exaltation in one's own judgment or estimation, not necessarily outward behavior. Distinct from related terms like ὑπερηφανέω, which has more of the sense 'to be haughty.' The root φρονέω, though broadly 'to think,' in compound forms frequently takes on a specifically evaluative or attitudinal meaning.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὑπέρ and φρονέω; to esteem oneself overmuch, i.e. be vain or arrogant:--think more highly.
Root Family
ὑπερφρον- (hyperphronéō) — to think above, to regard oneself too highly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5252-01 |
ὑπερφρονεῖν | uperphronein | V PRS ACT INF |
to think more highly | to think above oneself | to think above oneself | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5252-01 |
Romans 12:3 | ὑπερφρονεῖν | uperphronein | V PRS ACT INF |
to think more highly | to think above oneself | to think above oneself |