ὑπερήφανος
hyperḗphanos
G5244 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Manifesting an attitude or bearing of superiority or arrogance; characterized by displaying oneself as above or beyond others. The term primarily denotes haughtiness or prideful self-exaltation, but may also indicate actions or speech marked by disdain toward others, or an overbearing, presumptuous manner.
Semantic Range
proud, haughty, arrogant, overbearing, presumptuous, self-exalting, showing oneself as superior, outwardly manifesting pride or disdain
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ὑπέρ (above, over) and the verb φαίνω (to shine, to appear), thus literally 'appearing above.' The compound expresses a sense of standing out or elevating oneself in appearance or bearing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὑπερήφανος described the outward bearing or actions of those who considered themselves superior, often with a negative moral connotation associated with hubris or overweening pride (cf. Liddell-Scott). In the Septuagint, it is commonly used to render Hebrew terms for arrogance and haughtiness (e.g., גַּאֲוָה or זָדוֹן), predominantly as a negative quality opposed to humility or submission to the divine. In New Testament usage, ὑπερήφανος retains its negative connotation, describing persons who act proudly or exalt themselves over others (e.g., Luke 1:51; 2 Tim 3:2; James 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5). English translations often render it as 'proud,' 'arrogant,' or 'haughty,' though these glosses can understate the social and relational dimensions of the term: it implies not just internal pride, but outward, visible, even provocative signs of self-elevation and disdain for others. The word is regularly set in contrast to ταπεινός ('humble'), emphasizing a dramatic moral opposition in Jewish and early Christian ethical thought.
Translation Consistency
Ὑπερήφανος primarily denotes haughtiness, prideful self-exaltation, and disdainful superiority. "Arrogant" is a natural, commonly understood English adjective that captures the negative, overbearing sense across the SILEX range (haughty, self-exalting, presumptuous) better than the ambiguous "proud." Using "arrogant" ensures consistent, natural rendering for all forms of this lemma (substantive/adjectival uses).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὑπέρ and φαίνω; appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e. (figuratively) haughty:--proud.
Root Family
ὑπερήφανος (hyperēphanos) — to be above, to appear, to show oneself as superior
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5244-02 |
ὑπερηφάνοις | uperephanois | ADJ.S DAT M PL |
proud | to the self-exalting ones | to the self-exalting ones | 2 |
G5244-04 |
ὑπέρλίαν | uperlian | ADV |
most eminent | beyond measure | arrogantly | 2 |
G5244-03 |
ὑπερηφάνους | uperephanous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
arrogant | self-exalting ones | self-exalting ones | 2 |
G5244-01 |
ὑπερήφανοι | uperephanoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
proud | self-exalting ones | self-exalting ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5244-03 |
Luke 1:51 | ὑπερηφάνους | uperephanous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
the proud | self-exalting ones | self-exalting ones |
G5244-03 |
Romans 1:30 | ὑπερηφάνους | uperephanous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
arrogant | self-exalting ones | self-exalting ones |
G5244-04 |
2 Corinthians 11:5 | ὑπέρλίαν | uperlian | ADV |
most eminent | beyond measure | super-apostles |
G5244-04 |
2 Corinthians 12:11 | ὑπέρλίαν | uperlian | ADV |
superlative | beyond measure | arrogantly |
G5244-01 |
2 Timothy 3:2 | ὑπερήφανοι | uperephanoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
proud | self-exalting ones | self-exalting ones |
G5244-02 |
James 4:6 | ὑπερηφάνοις | uperephanois | ADJ.S DAT M PL |
the proud | to the self-exalting ones | to the self-exalting ones |
G5244-02 |
1 Peter 5:5 | ὑπερηφάνοις | uperephanois | ADJ.S DAT M PL |
proud | to the self-exalting ones | to the self-exalting ones |