ἀλαζών (G0213) — boastful, swaggering braggart¶
Part of the 2 Timothy 3:1–5 Vice List study
Contents¶
- Overview
- Etymology and Semantic Range
- OT / LXX Background
- NT Distribution
- Theological Note
- NT Occurrences
Overview¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Strong's | G0213 |
| Greek | ἀλαζών |
| Transliteration | alazon |
| Gloss | boastful, swaggering braggart |
| 2 Tim 3 verse | 3:2 |
| KJV rendering | "boasters" |
| NT occurrences | 2 (2 books) |
| LXX occurrences (canonical) | 0 |
Etymology and Semantic Range¶
Classical term for the stock character of the braggart who claims more than he possesses. Appears in Rom 1:30 alongside ὑπερήφανος, forming the same pair as here.
NT uses: Rom 1:30 and 2 Tim 3:2 only. The LXX has no occurrences but the cognate ἀλαζονεία (boasting, arrogance) appears in Wisdom and Maccabees.
OT / LXX Background¶
Corresponds broadly to Hebrew גָּאָה (to be haughty) and רָהַב (to be proud/boastful; Psa 40:4). The prophets frequently condemn national and individual boasting (Isa 13:11; Jer 48:29).
NT Distribution¶
Theological Note¶
ἀλαζών (claiming more than you have) and ὑπερήφανος (thinking yourself above others) form a pair: the first is the outward display, the second the inward disposition.
NT Occurrences¶
| Reference | Greek form | KJV text |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 1:30 | ἀλαζόνας, | Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, |
| 2Ti 3:2 | ἀλαζόνες, | For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, u… |