ὑπέρογκος (huperogkos)
huperogkos
boastful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective huperogkos describes something that is swollen or inflated beyond its proper measure. Literally, it refers to excessive weight or size, but in biblical usage it carries a metaphorical weight regarding character and speech. It denotes an immoderate, pompous, or arrogant attitude, suggesting a person who has puffed themselves up with undue importance.
This term appears only twice in the New Testament, both in passages warning against false teachers: Jude 16 and 2 Peter 2:18. In these contexts, it characterizes the boastful speech of those who lead others astray through flattering words. The imagery suggests a hollow inflation, where pride swells the ego without corresponding spiritual substance.
Its etymology combines huper ("over") and ogkos ("bulk" or "mass"), reinforcing the idea of something bloated or overstuffed. Translators often render it as "boastful" or "pompous," capturing the sense of an inflated self-image that seeks to dominate others through exaggerated claims rather than genuine virtue.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word huperogkos paints a vivid picture of spiritual inflation. It describes people whose words are swollen with empty pride, lacking any real substance. In Jude and 2 Peter, this term warns us against those who use flattering speech to manipulate others. Their confidence is not rooted in truth but in an exaggerated sense of self-importance that seeks to draw followers away from genuine faith.
For your daily walk, this word invites a gentle check on our own hearts. It reminds us that true strength does not need to shout or puff itself up. Instead of seeking attention through loud claims, we are called to quiet integrity. When we feel the urge to elevate ourselves above others, we can pause and remember that God values humility over hollow boasts.
Let this truth encourage you to trust in God’s approval rather than human applause. You do not need to inflate your own worth to be seen or valued. Resting in the security of Christ allows you to speak with honesty and grace, knowing that your identity is secure in Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- great swelling [words],1×
- Arrogant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ὑπέρογκα1×
- ὑπέρογκα,1×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 2:18
For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error;
This verse links the swollen words directly to enticement through fleshly lusts, showing how pride serves as a tool for deception.
-
Jude 1:16
These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts—and their mouth speaks proud things—showing respect of persons to gain advantage.
Here the proud speech is paired with murmuring and partiality, revealing that such arrogance often masks a desire for personal gain.