Matthew 23:12

Commentary on Matthew 23:12 (KJV)

Matthew 23:12 presents one of Jesus' most profound and frequently repeated paradoxes concerning true greatness in God's kingdom. It serves as a stark contrast to the self-serving attitudes Jesus was condemning in the religious leaders of His day.

Context

This verse is found within a broader discourse where Jesus publicly denounces the hypocrisy and pride of the scribes and Pharisees. In Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes their love for honor, prominent seats in synagogues, and greetings in the marketplaces, and their desire to be called 'Rabbi' (Matthew 23:6-7). He contrasts their outward show of piety with their inward corruption and lack of genuine humility. Verse 12 acts as a summary principle, concluding His warning against seeking human applause and titles, emphasizing that God's perspective on status is fundamentally different from the world's.

Key Themes and Messages

• Humility vs. Pride: The core message is a direct confrontation between the spiritual dangers of pride and the divine blessing upon humility. Pride leads to a fall, while humility leads to exaltation.
• Divine Reversal: Jesus teaches that God's economy operates on principles opposite to human societal norms. What the world values (self-exaltation, power, status), God abases; what the world often overlooks (humility, service), God exalts. This theme of God bringing down the mighty and lifting up the humble is consistent throughout Scripture.
• True Greatness: For Jesus, true greatness is not found in seeking honor or wielding authority over others, but in humble service and a meek spirit. This aligns with His teaching that the greatest among His followers should be a servant (Matthew 20:26-27).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "exalt himself" is hypsoo (ὑψόω), meaning to lift up, elevate, or raise high. Conversely, "abased" comes from tapenoo (ταπεινόω), which means to humble, bring low, or abase. The use of the passive voice ("shall be abased," "shall be exalted") implies a divine agent. It is God who performs the action of abasing the proud and exalting the humble, reinforcing that this is not merely a natural consequence but a direct divine judgment or reward.

Related Scriptures

This principle is a hallmark of Jesus' teachings and is echoed throughout the New Testament. An almost identical teaching is found in Luke 14:11, and again in Luke 18:14, following the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Apostle Peter also encourages believers to humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Similar wisdom is found in the Old Testament, such as Proverbs 29:23: "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."

Practical Application

Matthew 23:12 challenges believers to examine their own motives and attitudes. In a world that often rewards self-promotion and ambition, this verse calls for a radical reorientation towards Christ-like humility. It encourages:

• Self-Examination: Reflect on whether one's actions are driven by a desire for recognition or genuine service.
• Serving Others: True greatness in God's eyes is found in laying down one's own desires to serve the needs of others.
• Trust in God's Timing: Rather than striving for human recognition, trust that God will exalt those who humbly serve Him in His perfect timing.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that while human systems may reward pride, God's ultimate judgment and blessing fall upon the humble in heart and spirit.