1John 2:16

The term ἀλαζονεία, ας (ἡ) derives from ἀλαζών ("boaster" or "braggart") and refers to boastfulness, arrogance, or pretentiousness. In ancient Greek literature, it commonly signifies excessive pride or self-promotion through false claims or exaggeration (Plato, Gorgias 523a). It is often paired with related concepts such as ὕβρις (insolence, Plato, Phaedrus 253e), ψεῦδος (falsehood, Plato, Gorgias 525a), and οἴημα (conceit, Plutarch, Moralia 43b). In metaphorical usage, as in Plato, Republic 531b, it describes harsh or discordant sounds, likened to "boastful" musical strings. Philosophically, ἀλαζονεία represents a moral flaw, contrasting with virtues like humility and truthfulness (Aristotle, Rhetoric). Its plural form, ἀλαζονεῖαι, appears in rhetorical and comedic works to denote multiple acts of boastfulness (Aristophanes, Knights 290). Cf. Bailly 2024