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A pretender to superior knowledge
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640


1. A pretender to superior knowledge
Verse routeJames 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. [kjv]
Verse routeνυν δε καυχασθε εν ταις αλαζονειαις υμων πασα καυχησις τοιαυτη πονηρα εστιν [gnt]

Hello, my name is Know It AllThe ancient Greek word "ἀλαζονεία""pretense to superior knowledge or skill". This definition appears to be along the lines of what would later be called a "Gnostic". It appears to be similar to the English term "know it all".
The KJV (King James Version) usually translates this word as "boast" even though ancient Greek had a more common word for "boast", used 57 times in the GNT (Greek New Testament). This word appears to be onomatopoeic in that it sounds like what it describes. Interestingly, Jesus does not use either word in the Gospels nor in Revelation.

Information sign More: Word sounds like onomatopoeia

2. Strongs - boast

3. Usage - boast
*G2744 *37 καυχάομαι (kow-khah'-om-ahee) : from some (obsolete) base akin to that of aucheo (to boast) and G2172; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense):--(make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice.
*G2745 *11 καύχημα (kow'-khay-mah) : from G2744; a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense:--boasting, (whereof) to glory (of), glorying, rejoice(-ing).
*G2746 *11 καύχησις (kow'-khay-sis) : from G2744; boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense:--boasting, whereof I may glory, glorying, rejoicing.
Word usage per chapter Words: ενκαυχασθαι καυχασαι=3 καυχασθαι=3 καυχασθε καυχασθω=4 καυχημα=10 καυχηματος καυχησασθαι=2 καυχησεως=3 καυχησηται=2 καυχησιν=2 καυχησις=6 καυχησομαι=6 καυχησομεθα καυχησωμαι καυχησωνται καυχωμαι καυχωμεθα=2 καυχωμενοι=3 καυχωμενος=2 καυχωμενους καυχωνται=2 κεκαυχημαι


4. Strongs - know-it-all

5. Usage - know-it-all
*G212 *2 ἀλαζονεία (al-ad-zon-i'-a) : from G213; braggadocio, i.e. (by implication) self-confidence:--boasting, pride.
*G213 *2 ἀλαζών (al-ad-zone') : from ale (vagrancy); braggart:--boaster.
Word usage per chapter Words: αλαζονας αλαζονες αλαζονια αλαζονιαις

The ancient Greek word "ἀλαζονεία""pretense to superior knowledge or skill" and comes from "ἀλαζών""charlatan, impostor, deceiver" which appears to have come from an Akkadian word meaning "boastful, clownish fraud" often overstating medical skills or knowledge. The Akkadian appears to have come from the Sumerian meaning something like "clown".

The modern Greek word "αλαζονεία" (a-la-zo-NEE-a) ≈ "arrogance, haughtiness, presumption" where the meaning appears to have been influenced by translations of the GNT.

6. Epistle to Diognetus
English: But with regard to their qualms about meats, and superstition concerning the sabbath, and pride in circumcision, and hypocrisy about fasting and new moons, ... (Holmes, 2007, p. 701)
Greek: Ἀλλὰ μὴν τό γε περὶ τὰς βρώσεις αὐτῶν ψοφοδεὲς καὶ τὴν περὶ τὰ σάββατα δεισιδαιμονίαν καὶ τὴν τῆς περιτομῆς ἀλαζονείαν καὶ τὴν τῆς νηστείας καὶ νουμηνίας εἰρωνείαν Epistle to Diognetus [4:1]
The ancient Greek word "ἀλαζονεία""pretense to superior knowledge or skill" as in pretending to know more than one actually knows.

The Greek translated "hypocrisy" is "εἰρωνεία""feigned ignorance" and is the source of the English word "irony". At that time, the word meant a deception by pretending to know less than one actually knows. Socrates was known for this as then, as Aristotle explains, Socrates did not have to answer any questions.

Here the contrast is between "overstating" one's knowledge and "understating" one's knowledge.

Did they have "pride" in circumcision or was at a "pretense to superior knowledge"?

The Epistle to Diognetus appears to have been written sometime from 130 to 180 AD. The meaning may have changed based on what Paul and James were assumed to have meant.

Information sign More: Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency
Information sign More: John 9: One thing I know is that I know nothing

7. Epistle to Diognetus
English: So then, I think you have been sufficiently instructed to realize that the Christians are right to keep their distance from the common silliness and deception and fussiness and pride of the Jews. (Holmes, 2007, p. 701)
Greek: … τῆς μὲν οὖν κοινῆς εἰκαιότητος καὶ ἀπάτης καὶ τῆς Ἰουδαίων πολυπραγμοσύνης καὶ ἀλαζονείας ὡς ὀρθῶς ἀπέχονται Χριστιανοί, ἀρκούντως σε νομίζω μεμαθηκέναι· Epistle to Diognetus [4.6]
There are some translations here that obscure the pattern. Should the Christians be wary of "pride" of the Jews or in a "pretense to superior knowledge" by the Jews? The ancient Greek word "ὀρθός""straight, upright, erect" and is the prefix for the English words such as "orthodox" and "orthogonal".

Information sign More: A concise tome on insect divisions and sections
Information sign More: Deception by avoiding detection using concealment

8. First Clement 2.1
English: Moreover, you were all humble and free from arrogance, submitting rather than demanding submission, more glad to give than to receive, and content with the provisions that God supplies. (Holmes, 2007, p. 47)
Greek: Πάντες τε ἐταπεινοφρονεῖτε μηδὲν ἀλαζονευόμενοι, ὑποτασσόμενοι μᾶλλον ἢ ὑποτάσσοντες, ἥδιον διδόντες ἢ λαμβάνοντες. τοῖς ἐφοδίοις τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀρκούμενοι… First Clement [2.1]
Clement appears to contrast "humble" with "arrogance" as "ἀλαζονεία""pretense to superior knowledge or skill" as in pretending to know more than one actually knows.

For some reason, Barnes translates "Christ" as "God".

9. First Clement 13.1
English: Let us therefore be humble, brothers, laying aside all arrogance and conceit and foolishness and anger, and let us do what is written. For the Holy Spirit says: let not the wise man boast about his wisdom, …. (Holmes, 2007, p. 62)
Greek: Ταπεινοφρονήσωμεν οὖν, ἀδελφοί, ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ἀλαζονείαν καὶ τῦφος καί ἀφροσύνην καὶ ὀργάς, καὶ ποιήσωμεν τὸ γεγραμμένον, λέγει γὰρ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον· Μὴ καυχάσθωσοφὸς ἐν τῇ σοφίᾳ First Clement [13.1]
Clement appears to contrast "humble" with "arrogance" as "ἀλαζονεία""pretense to superior knowledge or skill" as in pretending to know more than one actually knows.

Discuss: How does one distinguish between the following two situations? Discuss: What is the difference between "boasting" of one's own wisdom and "boasting" about the wisdom of God? Can one "boast" about Jesus Christ?

10. Rejoiceful boasting
Verse routeRomans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [kjv]
Verse routeδι ου και την προσαγωγην εσχηκαμεν τη πιστει εις την χαριν ταυτην εν η εστηκαμεν και καυχωμεθα επ ελπιδι της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
Verse route15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. [kjv]

Verse routeεχω ουν την καυχησιν εν χριστω ιησου τα προς τον θεον [gnt]
Verse routePhilippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [kjv]
Verse routeημεις γαρ εσμεν η περιτομη οι πνευματι θεου λατρευοντες και καυχωμενοι εν χριστω ιησου και ουκ εν σαρκι πεποιθοτες [gnt]

The Greek word for "boast" is sometimes, depending on context, translated as "rejoice" or "glory".

11. Romans 5:2
   Romans 5:2 
 All 
KJV: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Greek: δι ου και την προσαγωγην εσχηκαμεν τη πιστει εις την χαριν ταυτην εν η εστηκαμεν και καυχωμεθα επ ελπιδι της δοξης του θεου

12. Romans 15:17
   Romans 15:17 
 All 
KJV: I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
Greek: εχω ουν την καυχησιν εν χριστω ιησου τα προς τον θεον

13. Philippians 3:3
 All 
KJV: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Greek: ημεις γαρ εσμεν η περιτομη οι πνευματι θεω θεου λατρευοντες και καυχωμενοι εν χριστω ιησου και ουκ εν σαρκι πεποιθοτες

14. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Peace and confusion
Chess piecesThe word "peace" can be hard to define and is left for another time. Perhaps that can "appease" you for the time being. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:33, contrasts "peace" with "confusion" as in "commotions". The Greek is, literally "not standing down".

Verse route1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [kjv]
Verse routeου γαρ εστιν ακαταστασιας ο θεος αλλα ειρηνης ως εν πασαις ταις εκκλησιαις των αγιων [gnt]
Verse routedissensionispacis … [v]


The meaning of "not following the established rules" as in "making one's own rules" could be used for the term "lawlessness" - which in English can mean "anarchy" or "commotion" or "confusion". However, there is a Greek word for this idea (and is associated with the opposite of "peace" by Paul) in 1 Corinthians 14:33.

Information sign More: Against the law: out-law or in-law
Information sign More: The original Babel and Babylon
Information sign More: A mania for confusing commotions

15. First Clement 14.1
English: Therefore it is right and holy, brothers, that we should be obedient to God rather than follow those who in arrogance and unruliness have set themselves up as leaders in abominable jealousy. (Holmes, 2007, p. 63)
Greek: Δίκαιον οὖν καὶ ὅσιον, ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί, ὑπηκόους ἡμᾶς μᾶλλον γενέσθαι τῷ θεῷ ἢ τοῖς ἐν ἀλαζονείᾳ καὶ ἀκαταστασίᾳ μυσεροῦ ζήλους ἀρχηγοῖς ἐξακολουθεῖν. First Clement [14.1]
Clement associates "arrogance" as "ἀλαζονεία""pretense to superior knowledge or skill" with "ακαταστασία" (a-ka-ta-sta-SEE-a) ≈ "commotion, turmoil". Paul contrasts this word with "peace".

Anyone trying to "deceive" through a "pretense to superior knowledge" would more often than not try to avoid "anarchy" and "commotion".

Verse route1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [kjv]
Verse routeου γαρ εστιν ακαταστασιας ο θεος αλλα ειρηνης ως εν πασαις ταις εκκλησιαις των αγιων [gnt]



Information sign More: A mania for confusing commotions

16. First Clement 21.5
English: Let us offend foolish and senseless people, who exalt themselves and boast in the arrogance of their words, rather than God. (Holmes, 2007, p. 75)
Greek: μᾶλλον ἀνθρώποις ἄφροσι καὶ ἀνοήτοις καὶ ἐπαιρομένοις καὶ ἐγκαυχωμένοις ἐν ἀλαζονείᾳ τοῦ λόγου αὐτῶν προσκόψωμεν ἢ τῷ θεῷ. First Clement [21.5]
The ancient Greek word "ἀλαζονεία""pretense to superior knowledge or skill" as in pretending to know more than one actually knows.

Which fits better here?

17. Romans and Proverbs
Verse routeRomans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [kjv]
Verse routeκαταλαλους θεοστυγεις υβριστας υπερηφανους αλαζονας εφευρετας κακων γονευσιν απειθεις [gnt]

Which fits better here? Paul uses a common Greek word for "proud" or "arrogant" in this verse. The ancient Greek word "ὕβρις""pride, insolence" and is the source of the English word "hubris".

Verse routeProverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. [kjv]
Verse routeπρο συντριβης ηγειται υβρις προ δε πτωματος κακοφροσυνη [lxx]



Information sign More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 1)

18. Romans 1:30
   Romans 1:30 
 All 
KJV: Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Greek: καταλαλους θεοστυγεις υβριστας υπερηφανους αλαζονας εφευρετας κακων γονευσιν απειθεις
Latin: detractores Deo odibiles contumeliosos superbos elatos inventores malorum parentibus non oboedientes

19. 2 Timothy 3:2
Verse route2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [kjv]
Verse routeεσονται γαρ οι ανθρωποι φιλαυτοι φιλαργυροι αλαζονες υπερηφανοι βλασφημοι γονευσιν απειθεις αχαριστοι ανοσιοι [gnt]

Which fits better here? Paul uses the common ancient Greek word for "proud" as "ὑπερήφανος""appearing over" and, literally, "showing oneself above others" from the following words. The modern Greek word "υπερήφανος" (ee-peh-REE-fa-nos) ≈ "arrogant, proud" and appears to have been influenced by the translation of the word from the GNT.

20. 2 Timothy 3:2
 All 
KJV: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Greek: εσονται γαρ οι ανθρωποι φιλαυτοι φιλαργυροι αλαζονες υπερηφανοι βλασφημοι γονευσιν απειθεις αχαριστοι ανοσιοι

21. 1 John 2:16
Verse route1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [kjv]
Verse routeοτι παν το εν τω κοσμω η επιθυμια της σαρκος και η επιθυμια των οφθαλμων και η αλαζονεια του βιου ουκ εστιν εκ του πατρος αλλα εκ του κοσμου εστιν [gnt]

Which fits better here? Are those John is talking about aware of the "pride" or "pretense to superior knowledge"?

22. 1 John 2:16
   1 John 2:16 
 All 
KJV: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Greek: οτι παν το εν τω κοσμω η επιθυμια της σαρκος και η επιθυμια των οφθαλμων και η αλαζονεια του βιου ουκ εστιν εκ του πατρος αλλ αλλα εκ του κοσμου εστιν

23. James 4:16 Word conflict
Verse routeJames 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. [kjv]
Verse routeνυν δε καυχασθε εν ταις αλαζονειαις υμων πασα καυχησις τοιαυτη πονηρα εστιν [gnt]
Verse routeexultatissuperbiisexultatiomaligna … [v]

The Latin word "superbia""pride, conceit, rudeness". Which fits better here? Which makes more sense here? In this verse, James uses the common word for "boast" two times. The KJV translates this word as "rejoice" so that it can translate the word for "pretense to superior knowledge" as "boastings".

Information sign More: Word pair translation conflicts

24. James 4:16
   James 4:16 
 All 
KJV: But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
Greek: νυν δε καυχασθε εν ταις αλαζονειαις υμων πασα καυχησις τοιαυτη πονηρα εστιν
Latin: nunc autem exultatis in superbiis vestris omnis exultatio talis maligna est

25. Job 28:7-8
The word is used 2 times in the LXX (Septuagint).

Verse routeJob 28:7 There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen: [kjv]
Verse routeτριβος ουκ εγνω αυτην πετεινον και ου παρεβλεψεν αυτην οφθαλμος γυπος [lxx]
Verse route28:8 The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. [kjv]
Verse routeουκ επατησαν αυτην υιοι αλαζονων ου παρηλθεν επ αυτης λεων [lxx]
Verse routeneither have the sons of the proud trodden it, a lion has not passed upon it. [bs3]

Which fits better here? It appears the LXX has tried to translate an idiom of some form.

26. Three cows
Verse routeJob 28:7 There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen: [kjv]
Verse routeτριβος ουκ εγνω αυτην πετεινον και ου παρεβλεψεν αυτην οφθαλμος γυπος [lxx]

The ancient Greek word "τριβούς""path" which means, literally, "three cows". It would appear that if three cows could walk through, it was a "path".

Information sign More: Cow paths

27. Job 28:7
   Job 28:7 
 All 
KJV: There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:
Hebrew: נתיב לא ידעו עיט ולא שזפתו עין איה׃
Greek: τριβος ουκ εγνω αυτην πετεινον και ου παρεβλεψεν αυτην οφθαλμος γυπος

28. Job 28:8
   Job 28:8 
 All 
KJV: The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
Hebrew: לא הדריכהו בני שחץ לא עדה עליו שחל׃
Greek: ουκ επατησαν αυτην υιοι αλαζονων ου παρηλθεν επ αυτης λεων
Brenton: neither have the sons of the proud trodden it, a lion has not passed upon it.

29. Proverbs 25:6
Verse routeProverbs 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: [kjv]
Verse routeμη αλαζονευου ενωπιον βασιλεως μηδε εν τοποις δυναστων υφιστασο [lxx]
Verse routeBe not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes; [bs3]

Which fits better here?

30. Proverbs 25:6
 All 
KJV: Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
Hebrew: אל תתהדר לפני מלך ובמקום גדלים אל תעמד׃
Greek: μη αλαζονευου ενωπιον βασιλεως μηδε εν τοποις δυναστων υφιστασο
Brenton: Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;

31. End of page

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