from καυχάομαι; boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense:--boasting, whereof I may glory, glorying, rejoicing.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kaúchēsis**, represented by `{{G2746}}`, describes the act of boasting, glorying, or rejoicing. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries a dual meaning, used to describe both illegitimate, self-centered pride and a proper, God-centered glorying. It can refer to the act of boasting itself or to the object in which one boasts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2746}}` is used to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate grounds for glorying. Paul asks, "Where is **boasting** then? It is excluded" by the law of faith, contrasting it with a system of works [[Romans 3:27]]. Similarly, James warns against prideful self-confidence, stating that to rejoice in such **boastings** `{{G212}}` is evil `{{G4190}}` [[James 4:16]]. Conversely, Paul uses the term positively to describe his **rejoicing** in a clear conscience informed by God's grace [[2 Corinthians 1:12]] and to refer to the Thessalonian believers as his "crown of **rejoicing**" [[1 Thessalonians 2:19]]. His **glorying** is directed toward God through Jesus Christ [[Romans 15:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of boasting:
* `{{G2744}}` **kaucháomai** (to vaunt): This is the root verb from which `{{G2746}}` is derived. It signifies the action of glorying, such as when believers are called to glory in tribulations [[Romans 5:3]] or rejoice in Christ Jesus [[Philippians 3:3]].
* `{{G212}}` **alazoneía** (braggadocio): This term for self-confident pride is directly linked to the negative sense of `{{G2746}}`. In [[James 4:16]], rejoicing in your **boastings** `{{G212}}` is condemned as an evil form of **rejoicing** `{{G2746}}`.
* `{{G1576}}` **ekkleíō** (exclude): This word is used to show the consequence of the law of faith on human pride. In [[Romans 3:27]], human **boasting** `{{G2746}}` is explicitly **excluded** `{{G1576}}`.
* `{{G5287}}` **hypóstasis** (confidence, substance): This term is connected to boasting in the context of Paul's "foolish" speech, where he adopts a "confidence of **boasting**" to counter his opponents ([[2 Corinthians 11:17]], [[2 Corinthians 9:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2746}}` lies in its sharp distinction between human pride and godly joy.
* **Rejection of Self-Righteousness:** The concept of **boasting** is central to the doctrine of justification by faith. It is **excluded** `{{G1576}}` because salvation is a gift of grace `{{G5485}}` through faith `{{G4102}}`, not a result of works that would give a person a reason to boast [[Romans 3:27]].
* **The Object of Legitimate Boasting:** The only valid **boasting** for a believer is that which is found in Christ. Paul states he has "whereof I may **glory** through Jesus Christ" [[Romans 15:17]] and refers to "your **rejoicing** which I have in Christ Jesus" [[1 Corinthians 15:31]].
* **Boasting in God's Work:** A proper **glorying** `{{G2746}}` can be an expression of joy over the faithfulness of fellow believers, which serves as a **proof** `{{G1732}}` of their love `{{G26}}` and Paul's genuine concern for them [[2 Corinthians 8:24]]. It can also be a source of great comfort `{{G3874}}` amidst tribulation `{{G2347}}` [[2 Corinthians 7:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2746}}` is a pivotal term for understanding the biblical view on pride and glory. It demonstrates that while self-centered **boasting** is considered evil [[James 4:16]] and is nullified by the law of faith [[Romans 3:27]], there is a legitimate form of **rejoicing** or **glorying**. This proper boasting is not found in oneself but is rooted in the work of Christ, the testimony of a clear conscience, and the evidence of God's grace in the lives of others.
TRV