Kauchaomai (to boast)

It’s probably all Greek to you, but kauchaomai is a frequently used word in the New Testament — Paul uses it 31 times across 7 of his letters and mentions it to all but one church in his flock.

It means to glory on account of something or to boast.

But wait, how can we boast? God hates human pride more than anything else in the world. It has to mean something else.

And it does.

Paul always uses kauchaomai in reference to boasting in the Lord. We glory at His redemption, the works of His hands, the mercy He extends, and the grace He freely offers. If we boast in ourselves, we’re not only wrong but we’re refusing to accept these gifts of God.

But if we boast in God, we are merely giving credit where it’s due. And there is a lot of credit due to God.