Boast (2744) (kauchaomai akin to aucheo = boast + euchomai = pray to God <> auchen = neck which vain persons are apt to carry in proud manner) means to boast over a privilege or possession. The idea is to take pride in something (in a bad sense - Ro 2:23-note, in a good or legitimate sense - Ro 5:2-note, Ro 5:3-note; Ro 5:11-note) Kauchaomai is translated in the NAS as - boast(24), boasted(1), boasting(3), boasts(2), exult(3), glory(2), take pride in(1). And boast in God - The present tense pictures the Jews as continually boasting. Some of the versions (like NIV above) feel the sense is that they are continually bragging. There is a proper boasting as described by God in the prophecy of Jeremiah Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he UNDERSTANDS and KNOWS Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. (Jer 9:23-24) Comment: The Jews Paul was addressing boasted in God, but clearly (as determined by the context) they neither truly understood Him or knew Him as their Messiah, their Redeemer. Fallen men have no grounds for boasting in the presence of God (1Co 1:29, James 4:16) but instead should boast in God (1Co 1:31, from Jer 9:23, 24, cp 2Co 10:17). And so Paul writes that... that no man should boast before God, but by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST (present imperative = command to continually boast) IN THE LORD." (1Cor 1:29, 30, 31) Paul however did want the Corinthians to boast in the work of God in and through him (2Co 5:12). Paul himself boasted about the readiness (readiness of mind, eagerness) of the saints at Corinth to contribute to the fiscal needs of the saints at Jerusalem (2Cor 9:2 - his boasting in them here had as its object the calling of the Corinthians back to their original readiness to participate in the offering project.) As noted in the list of NT uses below, kauchaomai is frequent in the letters to the Corinthians. Notice that Paul emphasizes what it is we as saints should genuinely boast about in regard to ourselves... 2Co 10:30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. 2Co 12:1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord...5 On behalf of such a man will I boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I shall not be foolish, for I shall be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one may credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me-- to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Gal 6:13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But may it never be that I should boast, (believers give the credit for all they are and have to the Lord Jesus Christ and His efficacious work on Calvary) except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Comment: Beloved, let us exult joyfully in one thing, the Cross of Christ, letting this be our single minded focus, our sole passion and joy. Christ crucified is to forevermore be our boast and exultation so that He Alone receives the glory and honor for every good thing in our lives and every bad thing that God turns for good. Such supernatural boasting happens when we appreciate and live in the glorious truth that we have been crucified with Christ on His old rugged cross. This radical truth transforms our lives that were in the gutter so that they are now directed toward glory, the glory of the cross of Christ. (cp Gal 2:20 - see notes). Next time you catch yourself being tempted to boast, ask yourself "In this boasting, is it ultimately in some way tied to boasting in the almighty Cross?" If not, you might want to check that heart attitude or the words that proceed from that heart attitude (cp Mt 15:18, 19, Mt 12:36 where "careless" = argos = "not working", bearing no fruit type words [see study of words = rhema]) Kauchaomai - 37x in 32v in the NAS (see below) - Usage: boast(24), boasted(1), boasting(3), boasts(2), exult(3), glory(2), take pride(1). The KJV renders it - glory 23, boast 8, rejoice 4, make boast 2, joy 1; 38 Romans 2:17 But if you bear the name "Jew " and rely upon the Law and boast in God, 23 You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? Romans 5:2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 1 Corinthians 1:29 so that no man may boast before God. 31 so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD." 1 Corinthians 3:21 So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, 1 Corinthians 4:7 For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? NET 1 Corinthians 13:3 If I give away everything I own, and if I give over my body in order to boast, but do not have love, I receive no benefit. 2 Corinthians 5:12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 2 Corinthians 7:14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. 2 Corinthians 9:2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 13 ¶ But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men's labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD. 2 Corinthians 11:12 ¶ But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 16 ¶ Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also. 30 ¶ If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:1 ¶ Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Galatians 6:13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. Galatians 6:14-note But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Ephesians 2:9 (see Eph 2:8-note) not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Philippians 3:3-note for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, James 1:9-note But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory (present imperative = command to continually boast) in his high position; James 4:16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. There are 12 uses of kauchaomai in the Septuagint (LXX)- Jdg. 7:2; 1Sa 2:3, 10; 1Ki. 20:11; 1Chr. 16:35; Ps 5:11; 32:11; 49:6; 94:3; 149:5; Pr 20:9; 25:14; 27:1; Je 9:23, 24; Da 5:1, 6 Kauchaomai is used in the OT of any proud and exulting joy and is expressive of triumphant, rejoicing confidence in God (eg, 1Chr 16:35, Ps 5:11; 32:11). This word combines ideas of jubilation and confidence into one word to describe "joyful confidence". Jdg 7:2 (see notes) And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, lest Israel become boastful (Heb = pa'ar = to beautify, to glorify; Lxx = kauchaomai), saying, 'My own power has delivered me.' NIDNTT adds that... In classical Greek the verb kauchaomai is found from Sappho onwards. Homer uses instead euchomai, pray, ask, wish. The tragedians and orators use aucheo, boast, plume oneself. Intrans. kauchaomai means to boast, vaunt oneself, be proud. With the prepositions en, epi, peri, huper, eis, or kata, it means to boast of a person or thing. The trans. form also occurs. The compound vb. enkauchaomai has the same meaning. katakauchaomai is used particularly with reference to the situation of an object, and may be translated to vaunt oneself against someone, to treat someone in a derogatory or contemptuous manner. Kauchema (Pindar) refers to the subject of boasting, to the words used by the boaster, and occasionally also to the act of boasting, although for the latter (especially in the NT) the noun kauchesis is more frequently found. Kauchesis (Epicurus) can likewise on occasion be used to denote the subject of boasting. Although the ancient Greeks recognize legitimate pride in oneself (e.g. Homer, Il., 6, 208), there is a clear appreciation of the distinction between this and unwarranted bragging, which was pilloried by the satirists and others. Plutarch also attacked ostentation in an essay on Self-praise without Envy. The Jew continually (present tense) boasted in God as the covenant God of Israel and that they were His peculiar people. Jesus corrected their faulty misconception that God was their Father accusing the Jews (who paradoxically had believed in Him in John 8:30-31 indicating that their belief was only a profession or mental/intellectual assent and not a changed/circumcised heart!) declaring ... "You are doing the deeds of your father." They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. (John 8:41-44) Even a Divinely revealed religion provides no security to its professor if it is devoid of reality. It makes no difference whether it is the "Jews’ religion" at the beginning of their existence as a nation or Christianity today. Profession does not always signify possession! In the above verses Paul is directly addressing the Jew. He shows that the Jew "rested" on The Law, —on having it; and were proud that the will of the true God had been revealed to them, that they "knew" that will, and were therefore able to "approve the things that: are excellent." The Jews developed a false confidence in themselves as guides, lights, correctors of the foolish, teachers, because they felt (self deception) that in the law they had "the form of knowledge and of the truth." Their problem was that they did not apply the Law to themselves -- their teaching, preaching, saying what folks should be, abhorring idols, glorying in The Law! The result was that the very Name they boasted in was blasphemed among the Gentiles because of their blatant selfishness, pride, covetousness, and general wickedness! APPLICATION TO PROFESSED "CHRISTIANS" William Newell applies Paul's truths to those who claim to be "Christians" writing that... If we should thus apply this passage (Romans 17-29), must it not read something like this?— "If you bear the name of a Christian, and rest on having the Gospel, and glory in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the Gospel; and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, having in the Gospel the form of knowledge and of the truth" — Then would follow the searching questions of Romans 2:21-22; for do we not know teachers that teach others, but refuse to follow their own teaching? And preachers that denounce stealing, but are accused by the world of being themselves money-grabbers? So it would read, "You who glory in the gospel, through your disobedience to the gospel, do you dishonor God? The name of God is blasphemed among non ‘church-members’ because of you! Church-membership indeed profits if you are an obeyer of the gospel; but if you are a refuser of a gospel-walk, your ‘church-membership’ has become non ‘church-membership.’ If therefore a non ‘church-member’ obeys the gospel, shall not his non ‘church-membership’ be reckoned for ‘church-membership’? And shall not non ‘church-members, ‘if they obey the gospel, judge you, who with the letter and ‘church-membership’ are a refuser of a gospel-walk? For he is not a Christian who is one outwardly, nor is that ‘church-membership’ which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Christian who is one inwardly; and ‘church-membership’ is that of the heart, in the Spirit not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2) Romans 2:18 and know (2SPAI) His will and approve (2SPAI) the things that are (PAPNPA) essential, being instructed (PPPMSN) out of the Law, (NASB: Lockman) Greek: kai ginoskeis (2SPAI) to thelema kai dokimazeis (2SPAI) ta diapheronta (PAPNPA) katechoumenos (PPPMSN) ek tou nomou Amplified: And know and understand His will and discerningly approve the better things and have a sense of what is vital, because you are instructed by the Law; (Amplified Bible - Lockman) NLT: Yes, you know what he wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught his law. (NLT - Tyndale House) Phillips: You know his plan, and are able through your knowledge of the Law truly to appreciate moral values. (Phillips: Touchstone) Wuest: and have an experiential knowledge of His will, and after having put to the test for the purpose of approving the things that differ, and having found that they meet your specifications, you put your approval upon them, being instructed in a formal way in the law, (Eerdmans) Young's Literal: and dost know the will, and dost approve the distinctions, being instructed out of the law, AND KNOW HIS WILL AND APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL: kai ginoskeis (2SPAI) to thelema kai dokimazeis (2SPAI) ta diapheronta (PAPNPA): (Dt 4:8; Ne 9:13,14; Ps 147:19,20; Lk 12:47; Jn 13:17; 1Co 8:1,2; Jas 4:17) (approve Phil 1:10; 1Th 5:21; Heb 5:14) Easy to Read Version - You know what God wants you to do. And you know what is important, because you have learned the law. NJB - and know his will, and tell right from wrong because you have been taught by the Law; The "if" of Ro 2:17 applies to this verse, signifying that these things were true of those who called themselves Jews. And know His will - How? They had His Word (being instructed out of the Law; NET = because you receive instruction from the law), which is the best source of His will. So while they knew His will, they did not do His will (as explained in Ro 2:21-23). And while they were able to test and discern what was essential, excellent, and important, they failed to do it!