### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **physíōsis**, represented by `{{G5450}}`, literally means **inflation** and is used figuratively to denote **haughtiness** or **swelling**. This specific term is rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in scripture. Its singular use, however, offers a potent description of pride as a source of discord within a community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G5450}}` is in [[2 Corinthians 12:20]], where Paul expresses his fear about the spiritual state of the Corinthian church. He is concerned that upon his arrival, he will find them in a condition characterized by conflict and carnality. The term **swellings** is part of a list of serious issues he fears discovering, which includes "debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, ... tumults." In this context, haughtiness is not an isolated sin but a key component of a broader breakdown in church unity and spiritual health.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in the same passage illuminate the destructive nature of `{{G5450}}`:
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling): This word for "debates" or "strife" appears alongside "swellings" in [[2 Corinthians 12:20]]. It points to the external quarreling that arises from internal pride. When there is envying and strife, believers are described as carnal [[1 Corinthians 3:3]].
* `{{G2205}}` **zēlos** (jealousy, malice): Translated as "envyings," this word captures the resentful passion that fuels conflict. Where "envying" and "strife" exist, they lead to "confusion and every evil work" [[James 3:16]].
* `{{G181}}` **akatastasía** (instability, i.e. disorder): As the final item in the list, "tumults" depicts the chaos that results from the preceding sins. This state of disorder is in direct opposition to the divine nature, as God is not the author of "confusion" `{{G181}}`, but of peace [[1 Corinthians 14:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5450}}` is found in its powerful contextual warning about pride.
* **Indicator of Internal Corruption**: The term **swellings** signifies a figurative inflation of the self. This internal haughtiness is presented as a root cause of external sins like debates `{{G2054}}`, backbitings `{{G2636}}`, and strifes `{{G2052}}`, as detailed in Paul's pastoral concerns [[2 Corinthians 12:20]].
* **A Source of Disorder**: Haughtiness is directly linked to the chaos that threatens the church. The list in [[2 Corinthians 12:20]] progresses from internal attitudes like "envyings" `{{G2205}}` and "swellings" `{{G5450}}` to the resulting external chaos of "tumults" `{{G181}}`, showing how pride destroys communal stability.
* **Opposition to Godly Peace**: The state described by `{{G5450}}` and its associated sins is the antithesis of divine order. Since God is the author of peace and not confusion [[1 Corinthians 14:33]], the presence of "swellings" indicates a condition contrary to His work in a community.
### Summary
In summary, though **physíōsis** `{{G5450}}` appears only once, its placement in Scripture provides a critical lesson. It is more than just a word for pride; it is a clinical term for the inflated self-importance that fuels division, strife, and disorder within the body of believers. Its use in [[2 Corinthians 12:20]] serves as a potent warning, encapsulating how the internal sin of haughtiness can lead directly to external chaos and undermine the peace of the church.
TRV