Istikbar (istiktibār) is interpreted in two ways:
1. The word al-Istikbār is used in the sense of showing arrogance (takabbur) in the face of a command given; as in the following verses:
He (i.e., Iblis) persisted and showed istikbār {that is, he showed arrogance (takabbur) / acted arrogantly} in the face of Allah's command to prostrate to Adam. (al-Baqara 2:34)
Did you show istikbār {that is, did you show arrogance (takabbur) / act arrogantly}, or were you among the exalted? (Ṣād 38:75)
If they show istikbār {that is, if they show arrogance (takabbur) / act arrogantly in the face of Allah's command to prostrate}... (Fussilat 41:38)
And they do not show istikbār {that is, they do not show arrogance (takabbur) / do not act arrogantly}. (al-Sajda 32:15)
2. Al-Istikbār is used for those who are great and leaders in kufr (disbelief); as in the following verses:
The weak will say to those who showed istikbār {that is, to those who were advanced and leaders in kufr (disbelief)}... (Ibrāhīm 14:21)
The weak will say to those who showed istikbār {that is, to those who were leaders in kufr (disbelief)}... (al-Mu'min 40:47)
The oppressed (mustadʿaf) will say to those who showed istikbār {that is, to those who were advanced and leaders in kufr (disbelief)}, "If it were not for you, we would certainly have been believers." Those who showed istikbār {that is, those who were advanced and leaders in kufr (disbelief)} will say to the oppressed (mustadʿaf) {that is, to the weak who followed them}, "Did we prevent you from guidance after it came to you? Rather, you were criminals." The oppressed (mustadʿaf) {that is, those who were oppressed in the world} will reply to those who showed istikbār {that is, to those who were advanced and leaders in kufr (disbelief)}, "No, it was your scheming by night and day that led us to this state, for you used to command us to disbelieve in Allah." (Saba' 34:31-33)