Lexical Summary hubrizó: To insult, to mistreat, to act arrogantly Original Word: ὑβρίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to mistreat, insultFrom hubris; to exercise violence, i.e. Abuse -- use despitefully, reproach, entreat shamefully (spitefully). see GREEK hubris HELPS Word-studies 5195 hybrízō (from 5196 /hýbris, "an injury, reproach") – properly, to seize (steal); (figuratively) to injure, bring loss, especially to damage someone's reputation (good name, honor); to rob a person of what rightfully belongs to them (seizing it away from them and for one's own). 5195 /hybrízō ("deliberately, spitefully injure") refers to mistreating people, using unfair tactics to inflict undeserved harm. This expresses the work of "one whose insolence and contempt of others breaks forth in wanton and outrageous acts" (K. Wuest, Word Studies, Vol 2, Pastoral Epistles, 1 Timothy, 34). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hubris Definition to run riot, to outrage, insult NASB Translation insult (1), mistreat (1), mistreated (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5195: ὑβρίζωὑβρίζω; 1 aorist ὑβρισα; passive, 1 aorist participle ὑβρισθεις; 1 future ὑβρισθήσομαι; (ὕβρις); from Homer down; 1. intransitive, to be insolent; to behave insolently, wantonly, outrageously. 2. transitive, to act insolently and shamefully toward one (so even Homer), to treat shamefully (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 32, 1 b. β.): Matthew 22:6; Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5; (1 Thessalonians 2:2); of one who injures another by speaking evil of him, Luke 11:45. (Compare: ἐνυβρίζω.) Strong’s Greek 5195 depicts high-handed insolence that issues in verbal abuse or physical violence. It is more than a passing disrespect; it is deliberate and aggressive humiliation of another person, often one who carries divine authority or mission. Background in Hellenistic and Biblical Thought In classical Greek literature hubris is the arrogance that provokes the gods and invites judgment. The Septuagint uses cognate terms to translate Hebrew ideas of proud rebellion (for example Psalm 10:2; Proverbs 21:24). Against this backdrop, the New Testament employs ὑβρίζω to describe hostility against God’s messengers and ultimately against God Himself, showing that such arrogance still draws divine response. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 22:6 – In the parable of the wedding banquet the invited guests “seized his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.” Their hubris anticipates the judgment that follows and serves as a warning against despising God’s gracious invitation. Christological Dimension Luke 18:32 places ὑβρίζω at the center of the Passion narrative. The Son of Man allows Himself to be subjected to the worst human arrogance so that salvation might be accomplished. The mockery that men direct toward Him becomes the means by which He atones for their sin, transforming hubris into an occasion of redemptive triumph. Apostolic Experience and Mission Acts 14:5 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2 show that the same pattern extends to Christ’s witnesses. Their message confronts human pride, and hubris responds by attempting to silence them. Yet the apostles interpret such mistreatment as confirmation that they walk in the steps of their Lord (compare Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:14). Suffering hubris therefore becomes a badge of fidelity rather than a cause for retreat. Contrast with Godly Humility Scripture repeatedly sets divine favor upon the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5), whereas hubris invites ruin (Proverbs 16:18). The verb ὑβρίζω highlights the relational aspect of pride: it is not merely inward arrogance but outward contempt for God and neighbor. Conversely, humility is expressed in honoring others, receiving correction, and submitting to God’s word. Pastoral and Ethical Implications • Expectation: Faithful ministry may provoke hubris; believers are forewarned so that they will not be shaken. Concluding Summary Ὑβρίζω exposes the collision between human arrogance and divine authority. Whether directed at the prophets, the apostles, or Jesus Himself, such insolence cannot thwart God’s purposes; instead, it magnifies His righteousness and the endurance of His servants. The believer is called to reject hubris, embrace humility, and, when mistreated for Christ’s sake, to rejoice that the Spirit of glory rests upon him. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 22:6 V-AIA-3PGRK: δούλους αὐτοῦ ὕβρισαν καὶ ἀπέκτειναν NAS: his slaves and mistreated them and killed KJV: servants, and entreated [them] spitefully, and INT: servants of him mistreated and killed [them] Luke 11:45 V-PIA-2S Luke 18:32 V-FIP-3S Acts 14:5 V-ANA 1 Thessalonians 2:2 V-APP-NMP Strong's Greek 5195 |
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