τυφόω (G5187) — to be puffed up with conceit, to be blinded by pride¶
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 | G5187 |
| Greek | τυφόω |
| Transliteration | typhoo |
| Gloss | to be puffed up with conceit, to be blinded by pride |
| 2 Tim 3 verse | 3:4 |
| KJV rendering | "highminded" |
| NT occurrences | 3 (2 books) |
| LXX occurrences (canonical) | 0 |
Etymology and Semantic Range¶
From τῦφος (smoke, mist; hence, delusion, conceit). The perfect passive participle here (τετυφωμένοι) describes those who have been — and remain — inflated with pride.
Three NT occurrences, all Pauline: 1 Tim 3:6 (a new elder must not be τυφωθῇ, "puffed up"), 1 Tim 6:4 (false teachers are τετύφωται), and here. No LXX occurrences.
OT / LXX Background¶
Hebrew גָּבַהּ (to be high, exalted; in moral sense, to be haughty; Pro 16:5; Eze 28:2,5) and זָדוֹן (presumptuousness, arrogance; Pro 21:24).
NT Distribution¶
Theological Note¶
The smoke/mist imagery of τῦφος is apt: the conceited person's self-assessment is a cloud that obscures reality. Paul uses the word consistently of those in leadership positions whose pride disqualifies them.
NT Occurrences¶
| Reference | Greek form | KJV text |
|---|---|---|
| 1Ti 3:6 | τυφωθεὶς | Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. |
| 1Ti 6:4 | τετύφωται | He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, ra… |
| 2Ti 3:4 | τετυφωμένοι, | Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; |