τυφόω (tuphoō)
tuphoō
be conceited
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb tuphoō describes a state of being "puffed up" or swollen with pride. Its literal root relates to smoke (typhos), evoking the image of something inflated or obscured by mist. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe how conceit clouds judgment and leads to arrogance.
This word appears only three times, all within the pastoral letters to Timothy. It characterizes the dangerous spiritual condition of new believers who may lack maturity (1 Timothy 3:6) and those whose love for God has grown cold (2 Timothy 3:4). The imagery suggests that pride does not just elevate one’s ego but actively blinds the mind, making it difficult to perceive truth.
Translators often render this as "puffed up" or "conceited," capturing the physical sensation of inflation. Unlike simple arrogance, tuphoō implies a hollow swelling, where self-importance replaces genuine humility and clarity. The sources highlight its connection to being beclouded, suggesting that pride obscures spiritual vision rather than enhancing it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tuphoō paints a vivid picture of pride as an invisible fog that clouds our spiritual vision. It suggests a hollow swelling, where self-importance replaces genuine humility and clarity. This isn't just about feeling superior; it is about being blinded to truth because our minds are obscured by smoke.
In 1 Timothy 3:6, Paul warns new believers against this state, noting that conceit can lead to the same fall as the devil. This reminds us that spiritual maturity requires grounding ourselves in Christ rather than inflating our own ego. Humility keeps our eyes clear and our hearts open to God's guidance.
When we feel the urge to argue or prove ourselves right, we might be experiencing this puffiness. Instead, we can invite Jesus to calm the storm within us. By choosing humility, we allow His light to penetrate the fog, helping us see others with compassion and truth with clarity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- puffed up,1×
- he has been puffed up1×
- having been puffed up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τυφωθεὶς1×
- τετύφωται1×
- τετυφωμένοι,1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 3:6
not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
This verse links conceit directly to spiritual downfall, warning that new believers are particularly vulnerable to the same condemnation as the devil if they become puffed up.
-
I Timothy 6:4
he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,
Here, conceit is paired with a lack of true knowledge and an obsession with disputes, showing how pride fuels conflict and envy rather than wisdom.
-
II Timothy 3:4
traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Paul lists the conceited among those who are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, highlighting how self-inflation displaces devotion to Him.