ὑψηλοφρονέω
hypsēlophronéō
G5309 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to think highly of oneself, to be proud or haughty in attitude; to elevate oneself in one's own estimation, displaying a self-important or conceited mindset. Also, in context, to act with arrogance or presume upon one's status, particularly in relation to others.
Semantic Range
to be proud, to be arrogant, to have an exalted opinion of oneself, to act or think haughtily, to be conceited
Root / Etymology
From the compound of ὑψηλός ('high, lofty') and φρήν ('mind, understanding'). The verb formation suggests 'to think lofty thoughts' or 'to have a high opinion of oneself.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ὑψηλοφρονέω is rare, appearing chiefly in later Greek and in Koine, notably in the New Testament (cf. Romans 11:20; 1 Timothy 6:17). In classical Greek, the element φρονέω commonly relates to modes of thinking or attitudes, while ὑψηλός signifies height or loftiness. In moral discourse of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, to 'think loftily' could signal a positive sense (i.e., magnanimity) or, more often as in the New Testament, a negative sense of arrogance and pride. In the Septuagint, similar constructions denote prideful or arrogant thinking opposed to humility. English translations such as 'be high-minded' or 'be proud' may obscure the metaphor of height/lowliness native to the Greek conception of status and disposition. The term is closely linked in meaning to ὑπερηφανέω ('to be arrogant'), but with a nuance focusing on inward attitude rather than outward boasting.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of ὑψηλός and φρήν; to be lofty in mind, i.e. arrogant:--be highminded.
Root Family
ὑψηλοφρον- (hypsēlophronéō) — to think highly, to have lofty thoughts, to be proud
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5309-01 |
ὑψηλοφρονεῖν | upselophronein | V PRS ACT INF |
to be arrogant | to think loftily of oneself | to think loftily of oneself | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5309-01 |
1 Timothy 6:17 | ὑψηλοφρονεῖν | upselophronein | V PRS ACT INF |
to be arrogant | to think loftily of oneself | to think loftily of oneself |