The attribute of arrogance, seems to be tied closely to the attribute boastful. But it goes beyond boastful. Where the boastful man tries to convince others of his greatness, this man is convinced of it—so much so that he appears ‘stuck up,” and often treats others as lower than himself and with contempt. He even at times despises others.

The Greek word for arrogant in 2 Timothy 3:2 is hypereephanoi, and appears in four other New Testament verses. It is in Romans 1:30 as arrogant. Then it is also in Luke 1:51, James 4:6, and 1Peter 5:5 translated as proud.

In our study I think it would be beneficial to look at some scriptures that portray this attitude of arrogance. I have found that three different words have been used to expose this idea of arrogance: arrogant, proud, and haughty (or a haughty look).

Using the word “Arrogant” 

Psalm 119:51

The arrogant utterly deride me,

Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.

Here the Psalmist (possibly David, Daniel or Ezra) complains that the arrogant deride him (which means to ridicule, scoff, mock or scorn). And it would seem that he is derided for being a believer who follows God’s Word. Yet the Psalmist is strong enough in his faith that he refuses to discontinue his regular practice of following God’s law. Hence, we find that the arrogant person is one that is strongly apposed to the faithful believer, and he will go out of his way to scoff at him. In these last days we will find, more and more, this kind of arrogance.

Psalm 119:69

The arrogant have forged a lie against me;

With all my heart I will observe Your precepts.

Here we find that this arrogant man is not only a derider but a liar. He will gladly lie against a believer in order to shut him up. But the Psalmist is strong enough, in spite of the arrogant person, to observe God’s precepts with all his heart. And that is what every believer needs to do.

Psalm 119:122

Be surety for Your servant for good;

Do not let the arrogant oppress me.

Here the Psalmist reveals to us that the arrogant man wants to and will oppress you—the lover of God. And he does it because he hates God and he hates believers. Hence, when he lies about you, ridicules you, scoffs you, and mocks you, he really intends to oppress you. And maybe he will not admit what he does because he is under the influence of Satan, and he doesn’t always know what he is doing. He maybe is blindly following Satan. Nonetheless, the arrogant one is an oppressor.

But we can overcome him and the devil by the grace of God. Pray and trust God and He will help and guide you so that you won’t fear the arrogant oppressor.