from κατά and καυχάομαι; to exult against (i.e. over):--boast (against), glory, rejoice against.
Transliteration:katakaucháomai
Pronunciation:kat-ak-ow-khah'-om-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι (katakaucháomai) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down," "against," or "over," and the verb καυχάομαι (kauchaomai, `{{G2744}}`), meaning "to boast," "to glory," or "to rejoice." The prefix κατά in this context intensifies the action of boasting, giving it a directional nuance: to boast *against* someone or something, or to boast *over* someone or something in a triumphant, often disparaging, manner.
Its core meaning, therefore, is "to exult against," "to boast over," or "to triumph over." While `{{G2744}}` καυχάομαι can be used in both positive (e.g., boasting in the Lord) and negative (e.g., boasting in the flesh) senses, the addition of κατά typically introduces a negative connotation of prideful superiority, lording it over another, or a sense of triumphalism at another's expense. However, as biblical occurrences will show, there is one significant exception where it conveys a positive sense of victorious supremacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι appears four times in the New Testament, offering distinct insights into its usage:
1. **Romans 11:18**: "do not boast over the branches." This verse is part of Paul's extended argument concerning the relationship between Gentile believers and Israel. Paul warns Gentile Christians against spiritual arrogance, specifically against boasting "over" or "against" the natural branches (Israelites) who were temporarily broken off. The context is one of pride and superiority, where the Gentiles might feel they have replaced Israel. Paul emphatically states that it is the root (God's covenant faithfulness to Israel) that supports them, not the other way around. The verb here clearly carries a negative connotation of haughty triumph.
2. **Romans 11:19**: "You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I might boast.'" This is a rhetorical question posed by Paul, anticipating the proud attitude of Gentile believers. The implied boast is one of being chosen or superior due to Israel's temporary rejection, again highlighting the negative, self-exalting nature of `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι.
3. **Romans 11:20**: "Well said. They were broken off for unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be conceited, but fear." Paul concedes the premise (they were broken off for unbelief) but immediately counters the potential for boasting. The warning "Do not be conceited" (μὴ ὑψηλοφρόνει - `{{G5309}}`) directly parallels and interprets the prohibition against `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι, reinforcing its meaning as arrogant boasting or lording over others. The implication is that such boasting is rooted in pride and forgetfulness of one's own dependence on God's grace.
4. **James 2:13**: "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" This is the sole positive usage of `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι. Here, "mercy triumphs over judgment" (κατακαυχᾶται ἔλεος κρίσεως). The verb denotes a decisive victory or an exultant superiority. It is not about a person boasting, but about the inherent nature and ultimate ascendancy of divine mercy. In the context of the Law and the call to show mercy, James declares that mercy ultimately prevails and stands supreme over the strict demands of judgment. This usage highlights the power and preeminence of mercy as a divine attribute and a Christian virtue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the base verb `{{G2744}}` καυχάομαι (kauchaomai), "to boast, glory, or rejoice." While `{{G2744}}` can be used positively (e.g., boasting in God, [[Romans 5:2]], [[2 Corinthians 10:17]]) or negatively (e.g., boasting in the flesh, [[Galatians 6:13]]), `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι specifically adds the dimension of boasting *over* or *against* someone or something.
Other related terms include:
* `{{G2745}}` καύχημα (kauchéma): "a boast," "a ground for boasting" (e.g., [[Romans 4:2]]).
* `{{G2746}}` καύχησις (kaúchēsis): "the act of boasting" (e.g., [[Romans 3:27]]).
* **Pride/Arrogance**: Concepts like `{{G5243}}` ὑπερηφανία (hyperēphania, "haughtiness, arrogance") or `{{G212}}` ἀλαζονεία (alazoneia, "boastfulness, ostentation") are closely linked to the negative sense of `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι in Romans.
* **Humility**: The antithesis of `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι is humility (`{{G5012}}` ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosynē), which Paul advocates in Romans 11 as the proper attitude for believers.
* **Mercy and Judgment**: In James 2:13, `{{G1656}}` ἔλεος (eleos, "mercy") is contrasted with `{{G2920}}` κρίσις (krisis, "judgment"), with mercy being the triumphant quality. This highlights a divine attribute that "boasts" in a positive, redemptive sense.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι is twofold, reflecting its nuanced usage:
1. **A Warning Against Spiritual Arrogance**: In Romans 11, the word serves as a potent warning against spiritual pride, particularly in the context of salvation and God's dealings with humanity. Paul's admonition to the Gentile believers underscores the truth that salvation is by grace through faith, not by human merit or ethnic privilege. To boast over others' perceived spiritual shortcomings or their temporary rejection by God is to misunderstand the very nature of divine grace and to usurp God's prerogative as the ultimate arbiter. Such boasting is an affront to the humility required of those who have received unmerited favor and threatens the unity of the body of Christ. It implies a self-righteousness that contradicts the core message of the Gospel.
2. **The Triumphant Nature of Divine Mercy**: James 2:13 offers a profound theological statement: "Mercy triumphs over judgment." This declaration reveals a fundamental aspect of God's character and the eschatological hope of believers. It asserts that in the ultimate reckoning, God's mercy will have the final, victorious word over the strict demands of justice. This is not a human boast, but a divine reality—mercy's inherent superiority and ultimate prevalence. It encourages believers to embody this attribute of God, knowing that their own mercy shown to others will be met with God's triumphant mercy. This positive "boast" of mercy is central to the New Covenant's emphasis on grace and forgiveness.
### Summary
`{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι (katakaucháomai) signifies "to boast against" or "to triumph over." Its usage in the New Testament presents a critical theological lesson. Predominantly, it functions as a stern warning against spiritual pride and arrogance, particularly seen in Paul's admonition to Gentile believers not to boast over Israel ([[Romans 11:18-20]]). This negative connotation highlights the danger of self-exaltation and the importance of humility in light of God's sovereign grace.
However, the word also carries a profoundly positive theological meaning in [[James 2:13]], where it declares that "mercy triumphs over judgment." Here, `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι speaks not of human pride, but of the ultimate and victorious supremacy of God's merciful character. Thus, `{{G2620}}` κατακαυχάομαι calls believers away from divisive human boasting and points them towards the glorious, redemptive triumph of divine mercy.
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