### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀλαζών (alazṓn), Strong's number `{{G213}}`, carries the core meaning of "braggart" or "boaster." Its etymological root is often linked to a sense of "vagrancy" or "wandering aimlessly," suggesting one who makes empty, baseless claims, much like a wandering charlatan who boasts of achievements or possessions they do not truly possess. This implies a boasting that is not merely prideful but also hollow, pretentious, and often deceptive. The ἀλαζών is characterized by an outward display of superiority or self-importance that lacks true substance or foundation. It describes a person who boasts about their own merits, achievements, or status, often exaggerating or fabricating to impress or intimidate others. This is distinct from a healthy self-confidence; rather, it is a self-exaltation that is rooted in a distorted perception of reality and a desire for human acclaim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλαζών appears twice in the New Testament, both times within lists of vices that characterize unrighteous or ungodly individuals.
1. **[[Romans 1:30]]**: Here, ἀλαζών is listed among a litany of sins that describe humanity's fallen state, particularly those who have suppressed the truth about God and exchanged it for idolatry. Paul writes, "backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, **boasters** (ἀλαζόνας), inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents..." In this context, boasting is presented as a symptom of a depraved mind and a heart alienated from God. It is a manifestation of human pride that stands in stark opposition to the humility required for a right relationship with the Creator. The inclusion of ἀλαζών in this catalogue of grievous sins underscores its severe nature as a mark of spiritual decay and moral corruption.
2. **[[2 Timothy 3:2]]**: In this passage, Paul warns Timothy about the characteristics of people in the "last days," stating, "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, **boasters** (ἀλαζόνες), proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy..." Similar to the Roman passage, ἀλαζών is found within a list of self-centered and godless traits. Here, boasting is explicitly linked to an excessive love of self and money, highlighting a fundamental idolatry where the individual's own perceived greatness or material possessions become the object of their worship. This type of boasting is a sign of spiritual rebellion and a turning away from the true source of all good, God Himself. Its presence in this eschatological warning emphasizes that such a characteristic will be prevalent in times of great spiritual apostasy.
In both occurrences, ἀλαζών consistently carries a strong negative connotation, identifying a person whose outward display of self-importance is a mark of their ungodliness and moral degradation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of boasting and pride is pervasive in Scripture, and ἀλαζών relates to several other Greek terms and theological ideas:
* **καυχάομαι (kauchaomai)**: This verb (`{{G2744}}`) means "to boast" or "to glory." While it can be used positively (e.g., boasting in the Lord, [[1 Corinthians 1:31]]; [[2 Corinthians 10:17]]), it is often used negatively, describing human boasting in self or worldly things (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 3:21]]). The ἀλαζών is the *person* who engages in this negative form of boasting.
* **ὑπερήφανος (hyperēphanos)**: Meaning "proud," "haughty," or "arrogant" (`{{G5244}}`), this adjective is often found alongside ἀλαζών in vice lists (e.g., [[Romans 1:30]] lists "proud" immediately after "boasters"). Both words describe an inflated sense of self-importance, but ἀλαζών specifically emphasizes the *outward expression* of this pride through boasting.
* **φυσιοῦμαι (physioumai)**: This verb (`{{G5448}}`) means "to be puffed up" or "to become arrogant." It describes an internal state of inflated self-worth that often manifests in boasting or haughty behavior.
* **κενόδοξος (kenodoxos)**: Meaning "vainglorious" or "conceited" (`{{G2755}}`), this term points to an empty or vain glory, which is precisely what the ἀλαζών seeks.
* **Pride (ὑπερηφανία - hyperēphania)**: The underlying sin of the ἀλαζών is pride, which the Bible consistently condemns as an abomination to God ([[Proverbs 16:5]]; [[James 4:6]]). Boasting is a direct manifestation of this core sin.
The distinction between boasting in oneself and boasting in God is crucial. The ἀλαζών boasts in self, reflecting an idolatry of the self, whereas true spiritual health involves boasting only in the Lord and His work, recognizing all good as coming from Him.
### Theological Significance
The presence of ἀλαζών in the biblical texts carries profound theological significance. It highlights a characteristic that is antithetical to the nature of God and the spirit of true faith.
1. **Opposition to God's Nature**: God is inherently humble in His condescension to humanity, and His glory is not shared ([[Isaiah 42:8]]). The ἀλαζών, by contrast, seeks to usurp glory for self, thereby challenging God's unique sovereignty and worthiness of all praise. Boasting in oneself is an act of self-idolatry, placing the created above the Creator.
2. **A Mark of Spiritual Alienation**: As seen in [[Romans 1]] and [[2 Timothy 3]], ἀλαζών is consistently listed among vices that characterize those who are alienated from God, whether through active rebellion or passive neglect of divine truth. It is a symptom of a heart that refuses to acknowledge its dependence on God and instead relies on its own perceived strength, wisdom, or accomplishments. Such boasting reveals a lack of genuine humility, which is foundational to repentance and faith.
3. **Condemnation of Human Pride**: The Bible consistently condemns pride as the root of many sins. The ἀλαζών embodies this pride through their outward expressions. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble ([[James 4:6]]; [[1 Peter 5:5]]). Therefore, the presence of boasting indicates a state of opposition to God's grace and an inability to receive His favor.
4. **Deception and Emptiness**: The etymological link of ἀλαζών to "vagrancy" and "empty claims" underscores the deceptive nature of such boasting. It often masks insecurity, a lack of true substance, or an attempt to manipulate perceptions. From a theological perspective, such outward show is ultimately futile and will be exposed as empty before God's judgment.
In essence, the ἀλαζών represents a person whose life is oriented around self-exaltation rather than God-exaltation, a condition that is spiritually dangerous and offensive to the divine.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀλαζών (alazṓn, `{{G213}}`) precisely defines a "braggart" or "boaster," one whose self-exaltation is characterized by empty, often deceptive, claims. Its two occurrences in the New Testament ([[Romans 1:30]] and [[2 Timothy 3:2]]) consistently place it within lists of severe vices, marking it as a characteristic of ungodly, self-centered individuals in rebellion against God. The ἀλαζών stands in stark contrast to biblical humility and true faith, which calls for all boasting to be in the Lord. Theologically, this term signifies a profound spiritual alienation, revealing a heart consumed by pride and self-idolatry, offensive to God, and indicative of moral and spiritual decay. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of human arrogance and the necessity of genuine humility before the Creator.
TRV