Luke 14:11

KJV

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} whosoever {G3956} exalteth {G5312} himself {G1438} shall be abased {G5013}; and {G2532} he that humbleth {G5013} himself {G1438} shall be exalted {G5312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Berean Standard Bible

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

American Standard Version

For every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:11 encapsulates a profound spiritual paradox at the heart of Jesus's teaching: true honor and elevation in God's Kingdom are not achieved through self-promotion or the pursuit of worldly status, but rather through a posture of genuine humility. This verse serves as the concluding and summarizing principle of Jesus's parable about choosing places of honor at a feast, extending its wisdom beyond social etiquette to a universal divine law where God Himself reverses human expectations, bringing down the proud and elevating the humble.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful aphorism concludes a short parable Jesus tells while attending a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee, as recorded in [Luke 14:1-11](/luke/14-1-11 "Jesus Teaches at a Pharisee's House"). Jesus observes guests vying for the "chief seats" or places of honor. In response, He advises them to take the lowest seat, explaining that it is better to be invited to move up than to be publicly disgraced by being asked to move down. The preceding verses ([Luke 14:7-10](/luke/14-7-10 "Parable of the Wedding Feast Seats")) provide the immediate social setting and practical illustration for the spiritual principle articulated in verse 11. This verse then distills the social wisdom into a universal theological truth, revealing a fundamental principle of God's Kingdom that transcends mere table manners or social graces. It is a direct and forceful statement that applies to all aspects of life and one's relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of a Sabbath meal in a Pharisee's house was a common social and religious event in first-century Judea. Seating arrangements at banquets were highly significant, reflecting social status, honor, and hierarchy. Guests would naturally gravitate towards the most prestigious seats, often closest to the host, as a public display of their importance. This cultural norm made Jesus's teaching particularly counter-cultural. Pharisees, in particular, were often criticized by Jesus for their outward displays of righteousness and their love for public recognition and honor ([Matthew 23:5-7](/matthew/23-5-7 "Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus's parable and the concluding proverb directly challenge this prevailing cultural emphasis on status and self-exaltation, offering a radical alternative rooted in the values of God's Kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:11 is a concise articulation of several recurring themes in Jesus's ministry and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **Divine Reversal**, where God's values often invert worldly expectations. Human society typically rewards ambition and self-promotion, but God's economy elevates the humble and brings low the proud. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the exaltation of figures like Joseph and David, who endured humble beginnings, to the consistent warnings against pride found in the Old Testament ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Another critical theme is **Humility as a Virtue**, presented not as weakness but as the pathway to true honor and favor with God. Jesus Himself embodies this humility, famously taking on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Finally, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty in Bestowing Honor**, implying that genuine exaltation comes from God's hand, not from human striving or recognition. The passive voice ("shall be abased," "shall be exalted") points to God as the ultimate agent of this divine reversal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **exalteth (Greek, _hypsóō'_):** From G5312, meaning to elevate, lift up, or raise high, literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the act of lifting oneself up, promoting one's own status, or seeking honor and recognition. It speaks to an internal disposition of pride and an external manifestation of self-assertion.
* **abased / humbleth (Greek, _tapeinóō'_):** From G5013, meaning to depress, bring low, or figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart). When applied to "abased," it signifies being brought down from a high position, often by divine judgment. When applied to "humbleth," it describes the voluntary act of lowering oneself, adopting a lowly position, or cultivating a humble spirit. This word highlights the stark contrast between self-exaltation and self-abasement.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** From G1438, a reflexive pronoun referring back to the subject. Its repetition in both clauses ("whosoever exalteth himself" and "he that humbleth himself") is crucial. It emphasizes that the action of exalting or humbling originates with the individual. The responsibility for one's posture before God and others lies squarely with the person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased":** This clause presents the first part of the divine paradox. The conjunction "For" (G3754, _hóti_) indicates that this statement provides the reason or explanation for the preceding parable. It declares that any individual (G3956, _pâs_, "whosoever") who actively seeks to elevate their own status, honor, or importance (G5312, _hypsóō_, "exalteth himself") will inevitably experience a reversal of fortune. The passive voice "shall be abased" (G5013, _tapeinóō_) strongly implies divine agency; it is God who will bring such a person low, humbling them either through circumstances or by denying them the honor they sought. This is a warning against pride and self-aggrandizement.
* **"and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.":** This second clause offers the contrasting and hopeful counterpart. Connected by "and" (G2532, _kaí_), it describes the path to true elevation. It refers to the one who voluntarily lowers their own status, takes a servant's posture, or cultivates a spirit of lowliness (G5013, _tapeinóō_, "humbleth himself"). In stark contrast to the proud, this individual will be elevated. Again, the passive voice "shall be exalted" (G5312, _hypsóō_) points to God as the one who bestows this honor. This is a promise of divine favor and true, lasting honor for those who choose humility.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 14:11 is a masterful example of **Antithesis**, a literary device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas to highlight their differences. The verse is perfectly balanced, presenting two opposing actions ("exalteth himself" vs. "humbleth himself") and their inverse outcomes ("shall be abased" vs. "shall be exalted"). This creates a powerful **Chiasm** (ABBA structure) implicitly, where self-exaltation (A) leads to abasement (B), while self-humbling (B') leads to exaltation (A'). This structural elegance underscores the absolute and reciprocal nature of the spiritual law Jesus is articulating. The use of **Passive Voice** ("shall be abased," "shall be exalted") is also a significant literary choice, subtly implying divine agency without explicitly naming God, thus attributing the ultimate judgment and reward to a higher power. This makes the principle a universal, divinely ordained truth rather than a mere human observation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse articulates a core principle of God's Kingdom, revealing a divine economy that stands in stark contrast to human systems of honor and status. It teaches that God actively opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble, a truth echoed throughout both Old and New Testaments. True greatness in God's eyes is not found in seeking recognition or asserting one's own importance, but in a humble posture of dependence on God and service to others. This principle underscores God's sovereignty as the ultimate bestower of honor and dignity, demonstrating that genuine exaltation is a gift from Him, not an achievement of human effort.
* [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")
* [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:11 challenges us to deeply examine our motivations and aspirations. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, competition, and the pursuit of status, Jesus's words call us to a counter-cultural way of living. True humility is not self-deprecation or a lack of confidence, but rather an accurate assessment of ourselves in light of God's greatness and grace. It means acknowledging our dependence on Him, recognizing that any gifts or achievements we possess are from Him, and prioritizing the honor of others over our own. Practically, this translates into serving without seeking applause, giving without expecting return, and genuinely valuing others above ourselves. When we willingly humble ourselves, we open ourselves to God's transformative power and His perfect timing for our exaltation, which often looks very different from worldly success. This verse invites us to trust God's economy, believing that His way leads to true and lasting honor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek recognition or exalt myself, rather than humbly serving?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a more humble spirit in my daily interactions and decisions?**
* **What does "exaltation" look like from God's perspective, and how might it differ from my own desires for success or prominence?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "exalt oneself" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: To "exalt oneself" (Greek: _hypsóō heautoû_) means to actively lift oneself up, promote one's own status, or seek honor and recognition through one's own efforts. In the immediate context of [Luke 14:7-10](/luke/14-7-10 "Parable of the Wedding Feast Seats"), it refers to guests at a banquet choosing the most prominent seats. More broadly, it signifies a spirit of pride, arrogance, and self-importance, where one believes they are entitled to a higher position or greater honor than they deserve, or where they strive for human applause rather than divine approval.

**How does God "abase" those who exalt themselves?**

Answer: God "abases" (Greek: _tapeinóō_) those who exalt themselves in various ways. Sometimes it is through direct divine intervention, allowing circumstances to humble them, or by denying them the honor they sought. In the parable, it's the host asking the presumptuous guest to move to a lower seat, a public humiliation. Spiritually, it means that those who seek their own glory will ultimately find themselves devoid of true, lasting honor from God. Their self-inflated status will be deflated, and their pride will lead to a fall, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction").

**Is this verse only about social etiquette, or does it have a deeper spiritual meaning?**

Answer: While the verse arises from a social observation at a dinner party, Jesus immediately elevates it to a profound spiritual principle. The "For" (G3754, _hóti_) at the beginning of the verse indicates that it is the underlying reason or universal truth for the preceding parable about social etiquette. It moves beyond mere manners to describe a fundamental law of God's Kingdom concerning humility and pride. This principle applies to all aspects of life, including one's relationship with God, one's service in the church, and one's interactions with others, as further evidenced by parallel teachings in [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation") and [Luke 18:14](/luke/18-14 "Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is the supreme example of one who "humbled himself" and was supremely "exalted." The Apostle Paul articulates this perfectly in [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation"), describing how Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." This voluntary self-abasement, culminating in the ultimate humility of the cross, was met with divine exaltation: "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Jesus did not exalt Himself; rather, He humbled Himself completely, trusting His Father for His vindication and exaltation. His life and death perfectly illustrate the truth of [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation"), demonstrating that the path to true glory in God's Kingdom is through radical humility and obedient service, a path that He now invites all His followers to walk with Him ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Take My Yoke Upon You")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 18:14

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Matthew 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 29:23

¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Proverbs 18:12

¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.