### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katakaucháomai**, represented by `{{G2620}}`, means to **exult against** or **boast against** someone or something. It is formed from the words κατά and καυχάομαι. Appearing **5 times** across **3 unique verses**, its usage in scripture conveys a strong sense of glorying over, rejoicing against, or boasting in a way that implies superiority or triumph.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{G2620}}` is used in both a triumphant and a cautionary manner. In a positive sense, it describes how mercy **rejoiceth against** judgment, signifying the ultimate victory of compassion [[James 2:13]]. Conversely, it is used negatively as a command to not **boast** against the "branches," a metaphor warning Gentile believers against arrogance toward Israel, reminding them that they are sustained by the root, not the other way around [[Romans 11:18]]. It also serves as a prohibition to not **glory** when one's heart contains bitter envying and strife, as such boasting is a lie against the truth [[James 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the actions associated with `{{G2620}}`:
* `{{G1656}}` **éleos** (mercy): This term for active compassion is what **rejoiceth against** judgment, showing its superior standing [[James 2:13]].
* `{{G2205}}` **zēlos** (envy): The presence of this "bitter **envying**" in the heart is given as a reason one should not **glory** or boast [[James 3:14]].
* `{{G2052}}` **eritheía** (strife): Defined as intrigue or faction, its presence alongside envy is a condition that makes glorying an act against the truth [[James 3:14]].
* `{{G941}}` **bastázō** (to bear): This word for sustaining or carrying is used to counter the impulse to **boast**, reminding believers that the root bears them, not the other way around [[Romans 11:18]].
* `{{G225}}` **alḗtheia** (truth): Boasting that comes from a place of envy and strife is considered a lie against the **truth** [[James 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2620}}` is found in its sharp contrasts.
* **The Triumph of Mercy:** The most positive use of `{{G2620}}` establishes a key theological principle: mercy triumphs over and **rejoiceth against** judgment, highlighting a fundamental aspect of God's redemptive plan [[James 2:13]].
* **Warning Against Spiritual Arrogance:** In Romans, the command not to **boast** against the branches is a crucial lesson in humility, reminding believers that their position is one of dependence on God's covenant root, not of superiority [[Romans 11:18]].
* **Sign of Inner Corruption:** The act of glorying is directly linked to a corrupt inner state. When bitter **envying** `{{G2205}}` and **strife** `{{G2052}}` are in the heart, to **glory** is to lie against the truth `{{G225}}`, making this action a clear indicator of a spiritual problem [[James 3:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2620}}` is more than a simple word for boasting; it is a term that reveals the posture of the heart. It captures both the righteous exultation of mercy triumphing over judgment and the sinful pride of glorying from a place of envy and strife. Its few appearances in scripture serve as powerful and distinct warnings against spiritual arrogance while simultaneously celebrating the ultimate victory of God's compassion.
TRV