Narcissism In The Bible

Although Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a modern, secular term, there is still information about narcissism in the Bible.  It is referred to as “insolent pride” in some places, as well as “scornful” or “scoffer.”  One example of narcissism in the Bible can be found in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.  In the Amplified translation it says, “But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. ²For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, ³[and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, ⁴traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them.”  This certainly gives a good description of a narcissist, wouldn’t you agree?

There are quite a few examples of people displaying narcissistic behavior in the Bible as well.  One of those people is Cain.  His story can be found in Genesis 4.  To sum it up, Cain & his brother Abel made offerings to God. Abel’s was a good offering while Cain’s wasn’t.  Naturally Abel’s offering pleased God while Cain’s didn’t.  As a result, Cain was angry & killed his brother.

This got me to thinking about something.  Many narcissists remind me of Cain.

They are very envious when others get praise, especially in their presence.  In Genesis 4:4-5, Cain did this.  God praised Abel’s offering which greatly angered Cain.

In these situations, narcissists take that anger out on the person who received the praise instead of them.  Again, Cain did this in verse 8 when he killed Abel. 
Abel did nothing wrong & what he did had nothing to do with Cain.  Yet Cain took it so personally that God preferred Abel’s offering to Cain’s that he killed his own brother.

Narcissists also can’t stand it when someone is a good person trying to live their life right.  I think this is because someone who has integrity & good motives makes narcissists look bad.  Since they can’t tolerate looking less than perfect let alone bad, they get angry.  Another parallel to Cain showing this behavior is found in 1 John 3:12 which says, “and not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother [Abel]. And why did he murder him? Because Cain’s deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.” 

When narcissists are called out on their abusive behavior, they hate it.  While no one likes it of course, narcissists take that to a new level.  Yet again, Cain did this too.  In true narcissist fashion, he became quite overly dramatic when God spoke to him about his punishment.  Genesis 4:13-14 describe this scene.  “Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. ¹⁴Behold, You have driven me out this day from the face of the land; and from Your face (presence) I will be hidden, and I will be a fugitive and an [aimless] vagabond on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”  Doesn’t this sound just like a narcissist?  When I have called the narcissists in my life out, they responded similarly by making me sound mean & unreasonable, like I was punishing them so unfairly.

If you ever want to read about narcissism in the Bible, the story of Cain is a great place to start obviously.  You also can look up Scriptures that mention insolent pride, scoffer & scornful people.  You just might be surprised how much the Bible can teach us about narcissists.