Greek word · G5252

ὑπερφρονέω

hyperphroneō

be haughty

To think beyond the proper level. That covers being overproud and arrogant, and looking down on others or on what is fitting. In classical Greek it can also mean 'to scorn' (to think oneself above something).

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ὑπερ-φρονέω, -ῶ

[in LXX: 4Ma.13:1 4Mac 14:11 4Mac 16:2 * ;]

1. to be overproud, high-minded (Æsch.): μὴ ὑ. παρ᾽ ὃ δεῖ φρονεῖν (on the paranom., see Vau., in l), Romans 12:3.

2. to overlook, think slightly of (Thuc., Plat.).†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Romans 12:3

Range of meaning

To think beyond the proper level. That covers being overproud and arrogant, and looking down on others or on what is fitting. In classical Greek it can also mean 'to scorn' (to think oneself above something).

Against the English

'Think more highly of yourself than you ought' (KJV, BSB, ESV, NASB) captures the sense but spreads one compact verb over a phrase, so the reader cannot see that it shares a root with the three 'think' words that follow.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical and Hellenistic authors use it for haughtiness and contempt (LSJ, BDAG). It occurs only here in the New Testament. The idea echoes a Greek tragic commonplace: Aeschylus, Persians 820, warns that a mortal must not 'think above' mortal measure, and 'think mortal thoughts' was proverbial. In Romans itself, Paul has just told gentile believers 'do not be high-minded (mē hypsēla phronei), but fear' (11:20) and 'not to be wise in your own estimation' (11:25). In 12:16 he will say 'do not set your mind on lofty things'.

Where it appears

Romans · 1

  1. Romans 12:3 ὑπερφρονεῖν to be high-minded

    For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

    Here: Literally 'to over-think': to let one's estimate and mindset climb above its proper level. It is the first of four 'think' words in a deliberate play on words. It appears only here in the New Testament.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.