Highminded
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Highminded in the Bible?
Highminded originally described pride or arrogance, referring to being lifted up in one's own estimation at the expense of others, though it later evolved to denote elevation of mind in a positive sense.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the biblical warning against highmindedness helps readers understand the cultural value placed on humility and the social consequences of arrogance in ancient communities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Highminded. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Highminded in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Highminded clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Highminded." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/highminded/