Matthew 23:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} whosoever {G3748} shall exalt {G5312} himself {G1438} shall be abased {G5013}; and {G2532} he {G3748} that shall humble {G5013} himself {G1438} shall be exalted {G5312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for whoever promotes himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be promoted.

Berean Standard Bible

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

American Standard Version

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 23:12 encapsulates a foundational paradox of the Kingdom of God, articulating Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness in stark contrast to the world's values. It proclaims that true spiritual elevation comes not through self-promotion or seeking human honor, but through humble self-abasement, a principle divinely upheld and ultimately reversed by God Himself. This verse serves as a climactic summary of Jesus' denunciation of the proud religious leaders and a timeless call to genuine humility for all who would follow Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the concluding statement of Jesus' initial public denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. Starting from [Matthew 23:1](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples, exposing the hypocrisy of these religious leaders. He criticizes their desire for honor, prominent seats, and titles ([Matthew 23:6-7](/matthew/23-6-7 "Matthew 23:6-7 - Love of Honor and Titles")), contrasting their outward show of piety with their inward corruption. The preceding verses specifically warn against seeking titles like "Rabbi," "Father," or "Master," emphasizing that all believers are brethren and have only one Father and one Master, Christ ([Matthew 23:8-10](/matthew/23-8-10 "Matthew 23:8-10 - Do Not Seek Titles")). Verse 11 then declares, "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant," setting the stage for the climactic principle of verse 12, which functions as a summary and a divine pronouncement on the fate of the proud and the humble.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among religious elites, placed a high premium on honor, status, and public recognition. Scribes and Pharisees were respected figures, often addressed with honorific titles, and enjoyed prominent positions in synagogues and public gatherings. Their meticulously observed rituals and outward displays of piety were often intended to garner admiration from the populace. Jesus' critique directly challenged this cultural emphasis on external validation and hierarchical status. His teaching on humility was revolutionary, subverting the prevailing social norms that rewarded self-exaltation and power. The concept of "exaltation" and "abasement" would have resonated deeply within a culture acutely aware of social standing and public reputation.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 23:12 powerfully articulates several core themes present throughout Jesus' ministry and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **paradox of humility leading to exaltation**, directly countering worldly notions of status and power. This principle of **divine reversal** is a hallmark of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first and the first last ([Matthew 20:16](/matthew/20-16 "Matthew 20:16 - The Last Shall Be First")). It underscores the theme of **true greatness** in God's eyes, which is found not in self-aggrandizement but in humble service and self-sacrifice, as exemplified by Christ Himself ([Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The verse also highlights the **danger of pride and hypocrisy**, which Jesus consistently condemned in the religious leaders, emphasizing that God looks at the heart, not merely outward appearances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun emphasizes the self-initiated action of either exalting or humbling. It highlights the personal responsibility and internal disposition behind one's actions. The phrase "exalt himself" points to an inward attitude of pride and a deliberate seeking of personal glory or status, while "humble himself" signifies a conscious act of self-denial and a willingness to take a lower position.
* **exalt (Greek, _hypsóō'_):** Meaning "to elevate, lift up, raise high," this word describes the act of raising oneself in status, honor, or importance. In the context of the verse, it refers to a proud individual's ambition to gain prominence and recognition from others, often through outward displays or seeking titles.
* **abased (Greek, _tapeinóō'_):** This term means "to depress, bring low, or humble." In the passive voice ("shall be abased"), it indicates that the action of bringing low is performed by an external agent, specifically God. It signifies a divine judgment or consequence where the proud individual's self-exaltation is met with a humbling, often public, downfall.
* **humble (Greek, _tapeinóō'_):** Used here in the active voice ("he that shall humble himself"), this is the same root word as "abased," but it describes a voluntary act of self-abasement. It means to willingly make oneself low, to adopt a modest and unassuming posture, and to forsake self-importance. This proactive humility is the antithesis of the self-exaltation condemned in the first clause.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever shall exalt himself":** This clause introduces the subject of the proud individual, one who actively seeks to elevate their own status, importance, or honor in the eyes of others or in their own estimation. This self-exaltation is driven by pride and a desire for human recognition, often manifested in seeking prominent positions, titles, or public acclaim, as seen in Jesus' preceding criticisms of the Pharisees.
* **"shall be abased":** This is the divine consequence for self-exaltation. The passive voice ("shall be abased") strongly implies that God is the agent who will bring down the proud. This abasement is not merely a natural sociological outcome but a direct act of divine judgment, where God reverses the self-appointed high status of the proud, bringing them low in His kingdom and often in the eyes of others.
* **"and he that shall humble himself":** This second clause introduces the contrasting subject: the one who voluntarily chooses humility. "To humble himself" signifies a deliberate, conscious act of self-denial, a willingness to take a lower place, to serve rather than be served, and to forsake personal glory for the sake of God's will and the good of others. This is an internal disposition that manifests in outward actions.
* **"shall be exalted":** This is the divine reward for genuine humility. Again, the passive voice ("shall be exalted") indicates that God is the one who lifts up the humble. This exaltation is not necessarily worldly recognition but a spiritual elevation, a divine honor, and a place of true greatness and favor within God's kingdom, often revealed in His perfect timing.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:12 is a masterclass in **Antithesis**, presenting a sharp contrast between two opposing actions (exalting oneself vs. humbling oneself) and their inverse outcomes (abasement vs. exaltation). This creates a powerful, memorable, and easily digestible teaching. The use of the **Passive Voice** ("shall be abased," "shall be exalted") for the consequences is highly significant, implying a divine agent. It underscores that the ultimate judgment and reward come from God, not from human systems or natural progression. This highlights God's sovereignty and His counter-cultural economy. The verse also employs **Chiasm** (though a simple form), where the structure is A-B-B'-A' (Exalt-Abased, Humble-Exalted), further emphasizing the reversal and creating a balanced, rhythmic statement that is easy to recall and profound in its meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This profound principle of divine reversal, where God brings down the proud and lifts up the humble, is a consistent thread woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. It reflects God's character as one who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, challenging human notions of power, status, and achievement. It underscores that true spiritual ascent is found in spiritual descent, mirroring the very path of Christ, who emptied Himself to become a servant. This teaching is not merely a moral platitude but a fundamental truth about the nature of God's kingdom, where humility is the prerequisite for genuine spiritual authority and divine favor.

* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - The Humble Will Be Exalted")
* [Luke 18:14](/luke/18-14 "Luke 18:14 - Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")
* [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:12 presents a radical challenge to our innate human tendency towards self-promotion and the world's pervasive emphasis on status and recognition. It calls believers to a profound self-examination, prompting us to consider the true motives behind our actions, service, and aspirations. Are we seeking the applause of people or the approval of God? Do we genuinely desire to serve others, or are we subtly positioning ourselves for personal gain or honor? Embracing this truth means cultivating an inner humility that prioritizes God's glory and the well-being of others above our own. It requires a willingness to take the lowest place, to serve without fanfare, and to trust that any true exaltation will come from God in His perfect timing, not through our own striving. This verse invites us to live a life counter-cultural to the world, finding our true value and significance not in what we achieve or how others perceive us, but in our humble submission to God and our loving service to His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek self-exaltation or human recognition?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to intentionally humble myself and serve others without seeking personal credit?**
* **How does trusting God to exalt me in His time free me from the pressure of self-promotion?**
* **What does true humility look like in my specific context (e.g., work, family, church)?**

### FAQ
**Does "exalt himself" mean that ambition is always wrong?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The verse critiques self-exaltation driven by pride and a desire for human glory, as seen in the Pharisees' actions in [Matthew 23:5-7](/matthew/23-5-7 "Matthew 23:5-7 - Works to Be Seen by Others"). Biblical ambition, however, can be righteous when it is rooted in a desire to glorify God, serve others, and advance His kingdom, rather than seeking personal status or recognition. For example, Paul's ambition was to preach the gospel where Christ was not known ([Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Ambition to Preach Where Christ Was Not Known")). The key distinction lies in the motive: is it for self, or for God and others?

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. While the verse speaks of human actions of self-exaltation and self-humbling, Jesus perfectly embodied the latter, demonstrating the divine principle in His very life. Though He was God, He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He humbled Himself even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Because of this unparalleled humility and obedience, God "hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the supreme demonstration of the truth that genuine humility leads to divine exaltation. He did not exalt Himself; rather, He humbled Himself, and the Father exalted Him. Thus, Matthew 23:12 is not merely a moral command but a reflection of the very pattern of Christ, calling His followers to walk in His footsteps of sacrificial humility, trusting that God will ultimately exalt those who faithfully follow the path of the humble servant.

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

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 29:23

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

Luke 14:11

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

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

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.

Proverbs 15:33

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.