καυχάομαι (kauchaomai)
kauchaomai
to boast
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kauchaomai means to boast or glory, capturing a sense of proud exultation that can be either good or bad depending on its object. In the New Testament, it appears most frequently in Paul’s letters, particularly in 2 Corinthians and Romans, where he wrestles with the proper use of pride.
Paul often contrasts illegitimate boasting in human achievement with legitimate boasting in God. For instance, he cites Jeremiah to declare that anyone who boasts must do so in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). He also warns against boasting in external markers like circumcision while neglecting the heart’s transformation (Galatians 6:13).
The word’s range includes joyous exultation, as seen in James 4:16, where it describes reckless self-glorification. Paul himself uses it to describe his confidence in the church he planted (2 Corinthians 7:14), showing that boasting can be a legitimate expression of shared faith when directed toward God’s work rather than personal merit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kauchaomai invites us to examine where we place our confidence. It describes a deep sense of pride or joy, but the New Testament draws a clear line between boasting in ourselves and boasting in God. When we rely on our own achievements, status, or strength, that pride often leads to division and disappointment. Scripture reminds us that every good gift comes from above, so there is no room for self-exaltation before others.
Instead, this word points toward a healthy confidence rooted in God’s grace. Paul encourages believers to rejoice in their hope and even in their sufferings because these experiences produce perseverance and character. True boasting finds its home in the Lord, acknowledging that our faith and strength are gifts we have received. This shifts our focus from personal merit to God’s faithful work in our lives.
When we direct our pride toward God, it becomes a source of unity and encouragement. We can celebrate what He has done in and through us without diminishing others. This perspective frees us from the need to prove ourselves, allowing us to rest in the assurance that our standing comes from Christ alone. It is a call to humble gratitude rather than proud display.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- boasting4×
- you boast2×
- to boast2×
- should boast2×
- may boast.2×
- will boast.1×
- will boast1×
- will I boast1×
- we glory1×
- we boast1×
- we are rejoicing1×
- to boast.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καυχώμενοι3×
- καυχᾶσθαι2×
- καυχᾶσαι2×
- καυχώμενος2×
- καυχώμεθα2×
- καυχήσομαι2×
- καυχάσθω2×
- κεκαύχημαι,1×
- καυχῶνται,1×
- καυχῶνται1×
- καυχῶμαι1×
- καυχᾶσθε1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 1:31
that, as it is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”
Paul quotes Jeremiah to establish the boundary that all legitimate pride must be directed toward the Lord, not human wisdom or power.
-
II Corinthians 5:12
For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
Paul distinguishes his own confidence from those who boast in outward appearances, highlighting the difference between external validation and internal reality.
-
Romans 5:3
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
This verse expands the meaning of boasting to include rejoicing in suffering, showing that even trials can be a ground for confident hope in God's work.
-
II Corinthians 10:17
But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”
Repeating the Old Testament principle, Paul reinforces that authority and confidence are only valid when they point back to the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kauchaomai mean in the Bible?
Is boasting always bad in Scripture?
How does Paul use this word in 2 Corinthians?
Every Occurrence (33 verses across 7 books)
Romans 5 verses
Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, rest on the law, glory in God,
Romans 2:23You who glory in the law, do you dishonor God by disobeying the law?
Romans 5:2through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:3Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
Romans 5:11Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the…