ὑπερφρονέω (huperphroneō)
huperphroneō
be haughty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb huperphroneō describes a state of being overproud or thinking too highly of oneself. It combines a prefix meaning "above" or "excessively" with a root related to thinking or mind, literally suggesting one’s mental posture has risen beyond proper limits. This is not simple confidence but an inflated self-assessment that distorts reality.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 12:3. Paul uses it to warn believers against having a false sense of importance. He instructs them not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think, grounding their perspective instead in the measure of faith God has distributed. The term highlights the danger of spiritual pride, which undermines the unity and humility required within the body of Christ.
Translators typically render this as "be haughty" or "think too highly," capturing the idea of an excessive mental elevation. It serves as a corrective to any attitude that elevates personal status above communal harmony and divine grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Paul’s warning in Romans 12:3 cuts straight to the heart of how we view ourselves. The Greek word huperphroneō describes a mind that has climbed too high, losing touch with reality. It is not about healthy confidence but an inflated sense of self-importance that separates us from others and from God.
This verse invites us to check our internal compass. We are reminded that every spiritual gift and ability is a measure given by God, not earned by personal merit. When we remember this, pride loses its footing. We can stand together in humility, recognizing that our worth comes from grace alone.
Let this truth ground you today. Instead of measuring your value against others, rest in the specific measure of faith and gift God has placed within you. This perspective frees you to serve with joy and connect with genuine humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be high-minded1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπερφρονεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:3
For I say through the grace that was given me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of the word, where Paul explicitly commands believers against thinking more highly of themselves than they ought.