περπερεύομαι (perpereuomai)
perpereuomai
to boast
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb perpereuomai describes a specific kind of boasting: self-display that relies on rhetorical embellishment to extol oneself excessively. It is not merely pride in achievement, but a performative vaunting of one’s own merits. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 13:4, where Paul contrasts love with this hollow form of self-promotion.
Its root suggests a connection to being a "braggart" or vainglorious person. In that single biblical instance, it captures the empty noise of self-praise that love does not engage in. Translators often render it as "boast" or "vaunt itself," highlighting that this behavior is about making a show of oneself rather than sharing genuine good.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perpereuomai points to a specific kind of boasting that relies on showy self-promotion. It describes someone who uses rhetorical flair to elevate their own status, turning personal merit into a performance for others. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, Paul places this behavior in sharp contrast to love, showing that true affection does not need to announce its own worth.
This insight offers a gentle correction for our daily interactions. We often feel the urge to highlight our contributions or defend our reputations, especially when we feel overlooked. Yet love operates differently; it finds security in serving others rather than in being seen by them. When we choose kindness over self-display, we reflect the quiet strength that defines Christian character.
Recognizing this tendency helps us cultivate a heart that is secure enough to remain humble. Instead of seeking applause for our efforts, we can focus on the genuine good we do for those around us. This shift frees us from the exhausting need to prove ourselves and allows love to flow more naturally.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is boastful,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περπερεύεται,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,
Paul uses this rare term to define what love is not, specifically excluding performative self-praise from the nature of genuine affection.