καύχησις (kauchēsis)
kauchēsis
pride
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kauchēsis refers to the act of boasting or glorying in something. In the New Testament, it appears twelve times, with a heavy concentration in Paul’s letters to Corinth and Rome, as well as in James. The word captures the active expression of pride or confidence, often directed toward one’s own achievements or status.
Its meaning shifts significantly depending on context. When used negatively, such as in Romans 3:27 or James 4:16, it describes empty self-promotion or arrogant presumption. However, Paul also uses it positively when he speaks of glorying in Christ (Romans 15:17) or in his own sufferings for the gospel (2 Corinthians 7:4). In these cases, the boast is not about human merit but about God’s work.
The term connects to the verb kauchaomai and carries the weight of public declaration. It is not merely internal satisfaction but a spoken claim. The sources note its use in phrases like "boasting in hope" (1 Thessalonians 2:19), linking the concept to future expectation rather than past accomplishment. This distinction highlights how early Christians redefined pride, shifting it from self-exaltation to reliance on divine grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kauchēsis describes the act of boasting or taking pride in something. In the New Testament, this term often carries a negative tone when it refers to self-promotion or arrogance. Paul writes in Romans that such boasting is excluded because salvation comes through faith, not works. This reminds us that our standing before God does not depend on our own achievements or status.
Yet the same word can express a healthy confidence when directed toward Christ. In 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks of his boasting in the grace of God and in the work of the Spirit among believers. This shifts the focus from human merit to divine provision. When we glory in what Jesus has done, our pride becomes gratitude.
This distinction invites us to examine where we place our confidence. Are we relying on our own efforts, or are we resting in Christ’s finished work? The Christian life calls us to boast only in the Lord, finding joy in His grace rather than our performance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- boasting7×
- of boasting.2×
- of boasting?1×
- boasting?1×
- boasting,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καύχησις5×
- καυχήσεως.2×
- καύχησις;1×
- καύχησιν,1×
- καύχησιν1×
- καυχήσεως;1×
- καυχήσεως1×
Key Verses
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Romans 3:27
Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
Paul uses this verse to show that boasting is excluded from salvation because it comes by faith, not works.
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Romans 15:17
I have therefore my boasting in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.
Here Paul redefines boasting as a positive confidence in Christ Jesus and the work of God through him.
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James 4:16
But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil.
James warns that glorying in one's own arrogance is evil, highlighting the danger of self-centered pride.
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II Corinthians 7:4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
Paul expresses his boldness and joy in boasting on behalf of the Corinthians, showing confidence grounded in their faith.