### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hyperphronéō**, represented by `{{G5252}}`, is a specific term used to mean **to esteem oneself overmuch, i.e. be vain or arrogant**. It is derived from two words, ὑπέρ (over) and φρονέω (to think). According to the biblical record, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G5252}}` is in [[Romans 12:3]], where it serves as a direct prohibition against arrogance within the community of believers. The verse commands believers "not to **think of himself more highly** than he ought to think." This instruction is given through the authority of the **grace** `{{G5485}}` given to Paul, and it sets a standard for self-perception that is grounded not in personal achievement but in a proper, sober assessment based on the measure of faith God provides.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Romans 12:3]] help to clarify the meaning of `{{G5252}}`:
* `{{G5426}}` **phronéō** (to exercise the mind... think): This is the root word of `{{G5252}}`. Its repeated use in the verse—to "think more highly," "ought to think," and "to think soberly"—establishes that the issue at hand is a matter of mental disposition and self-assessment [[Romans 12:3]].
* `{{G4993}}` **sōphronéō** (to be of sound mind... moderate): This word is presented as the direct antidote to `{{G5252}}`. Believers are instructed not to think too highly of themselves, but instead to think "soberly," indicating a call for a sane, moderate, and rightly-ordered mind [[Romans 12:3]].
* `{{G1163}}` **deî** (it is necessary... ought): This word establishes the moral and spiritual necessity of proper self-evaluation. It defines the line that `{{G5252}}` crosses, highlighting that there is a proper and necessary way to think of oneself which arrogance violates [[Romans 12:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5252}}` is concentrated in its single, impactful use. It underscores several key principles for Christian living:
* **Humility as a Function of Grace:** The warning against arrogance is immediately preceded by the phrase "through the **grace** `{{G5485}}` given unto me" [[Romans 12:3]]. This frames humility not as a work of self-effort but as a proper response to understanding God's unmerited favor.
* **Sober-Mindedness:** The opposite of thinking too highly of oneself is to "think soberly" [[Romans 12:3]]. This champions a theology of clear, sound, and moderate judgment, where a person's self-worth is measured by the "measure of faith" assigned by God, not by worldly standards.
* **The Mind as a Spiritual Battleground:** The focus on "thinking" `(phronéō)` reveals that arrogance begins in the mind. The command targets the internal sentiment of being "overmuch" in one's own estimation, linking right belief to right thinking.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5252}}` is a precise and powerful term that, despite its rarity, provides a crucial theological lesson. It defines the specific sin of arrogant self-estimation. Its solitary use in [[Romans 12:3]] contrasts this vanity with the call to a sober, grace-informed mind, establishing that a believer's self-perception must be disciplined and aligned with the measure of faith God has given.
TRV