of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition):--base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G5011 (ταπεινός, *tapeinós*) carries a multifaceted semantic range, primarily denoting a state of being "low" or "depressed," which extends figuratively to both external circumstances and internal disposition. Its etymological root is uncertain, but its usage clearly points to a contrast with elevation or pride.
At its most basic, *tapeinós* describes something physically low or geographically depressed. However, in biblical Greek, it predominantly takes on figurative meanings:
1. **Lowly in Circumstances/Status:** This refers to an individual or group who is poor, of humble birth, socially insignificant, or politically powerless. It describes their objective condition in the world, often implying a lack of honor or prestige.
2. **Humble in Disposition/Spirit:** This denotes a spiritual or ethical posture of humility, meekness, and absence of pride. It is a recognition of one's true place before God, acknowledging dependence and unworthiness, and refraining from self-exaltation. This is the more ethically charged use, often contrasted with arrogance or haughtiness.
The range thus moves from a descriptive state of abasement to a prescriptive virtue of humility, reflecting a crucial biblical theme where God elevates the tapeinós and resists the proud.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5011 appears 8 times in the New Testament, with significant theological implications in each instance:
* **[[Luke 1:52]]**: In Mary's Magnificat, she proclaims, "He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of G5011 estate." Here, *tapeinós* clearly refers to those who are socially or economically low, indicating God's revolutionary act of reversing worldly hierarchies.
* **[[Romans 12:16]]**: Paul exhorts believers, "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the G5011." This verse carries a double meaning. It can mean to "associate with the lowly" (those of humble social standing), or to "be G5011 in your own eyes" (to be humble-minded). Both interpretations underscore the Christian call to humility and solidarity with the marginalized.
* **[[2 Corinthians 7:6]]**: Paul writes, "But God, who comforts the G5011, comforted us by the coming of Titus." Here, *tapeinós* refers to those who are downcast, afflicted, or in a state of distress, highlighting God's compassionate nature towards the suffering.
* **[[2 Corinthians 10:1]]**: Paul describes himself: "I, Paul, myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am G5011 when face to face with you, but bold toward you when away!" This reflects a common perception of Paul's physical presence or oratorical style as unimpressive or "lowly," contrasting with his apostolic authority and boldness in writing. It speaks to his outward appearance not matching his spiritual power.
* **[[James 1:9]]**: "Let the brother of G5011 estate boast in his exaltation." This refers to a believer who is poor or of humble social standing, encouraging them to find their true worth and exaltation in Christ, not in worldly status.
* **[[James 4:6]]**: "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the G5011.'" This is a direct quotation from [[Proverbs 3:34]] (LXX), emphasizing the dispositional aspect of *tapeinós*. It is a foundational theological principle: humility before God is a prerequisite for receiving His favor.
* **[[1 Peter 5:5]]**: "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the G5011.'" This reiterates the principle from James, applying it to inter-personal relationships within the Christian community and emphasizing the importance of a humble disposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G5011 (ταπεινός) is enriched by its cognates and related concepts:
* **G5013 (ταπεινόω - *tapeinoō*)**: The verbal form, meaning "to humble," "to abase," "to make low," or "to bring down." This verb is crucial in passages describing Christ's self-abasement ([[Philippians 2:8]]) and the call for believers to humble themselves ([[Matthew 23:12]], [[1 Peter 5:6]]).
* **G5012 (ταπεινοφροσύνη - *tapeinophrosynē*)**: A noun meaning "humility of mind," "lowliness of mind," or "humble-mindedness." This compound word (from *tapeinós* and *phrēn* - mind) specifically highlights the internal disposition of humility ([[Ephesians 4:2]], [[Colossians 3:12]]).
* **Hebrew Equivalents (LXX):** In the Septuagint (LXX), *tapeinós* frequently translates several key Hebrew terms:
* `{{H6035}}` (עָנָו - *anav*): "humble," "meek," "afflicted."
* `{{H6041}}` (עָנִי - *ani*): "poor," "afflicted," "wretched."
* `{{H7782}}` (שָׁפֵל - *shaphel*): "to be low," "to be abased."
These Hebrew terms likewise carry the dual sense of external lowliness/affliction and internal humility/meekness, showing a consistent biblical theme across testaments.
* **Related Concepts:** Meekness (G4239 - *praÿtēs*), poverty of spirit ([[Matthew 5:3]]), servanthood, and self-denial are all closely intertwined with the concept of being tapeinós.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5011 is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the character of Christ, and the call to Christian discipleship.
1. **God's Character and Action**: The consistent biblical witness is that God aligns Himself with the tapeinós. He is not impressed by human strength, status, or pride, but rather extends His grace and favor to the humble and lowly. This is a recurring motif from the Old Testament (e.g., [[1 Samuel 2:7-8]], [[Psalm 113:7-8]]) through the New, culminating in the declaration that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the G5011" ([[James 4:6]], [[1 Peter 5:5]]). God's redemptive work often involves exalting the humble and abasing the proud.
2. **Christ's Embodiment of Humility**: Jesus Christ is the ultimate exemplar of *tapeinós*. Though divine, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he G5013 (humbled) himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([[Philippians 2:7-8]]). His entire earthly ministry, from His birth in a manger to His suffering and death, demonstrates a life of lowliness and service, offering a radical counter-cultural model of greatness.
3. **A Core Christian Virtue**: Humility is not merely a desirable trait but a foundational virtue for believers. It is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace, entering His kingdom, and experiencing true spiritual exaltation. The call to be tapeinós is a call to emulate Christ, to recognize one's dependence on God, and to live in selfless service to others. It stands in stark contrast to the world's pursuit of power, prestige, and self-exaltation.
4. **Eschatological Implications**: The principle that "whoever exalts himself will be G5013 (humbled), and whoever G5013 (humbles) himself will be exalted" ([[Matthew 23:12]]) carries eschatological weight. It points to a future reversal of present fortunes, where God's ultimate judgment and reward will be based on the disposition of humility or pride.
### Summary
The Greek word G5011 (ταπεινός, *tapeinós*) describes both a state of lowliness—whether social, economic, or physical—and, more significantly, a spiritual disposition of humility. It encompasses being "depressed" in circumstances and "humiliated" in spirit, often translated as "humble," "lowly," or "of low degree." Biblically, *tapeinós* is a key term that reveals God's character: He consistently shows favor to and lifts up those who are lowly and humble, while resisting the proud. Jesus Christ perfectly embodied this quality through His self-abasement and life of service, setting the supreme example for believers. As a core Christian virtue, cultivating a tapeinós spirit is essential for receiving God's grace, living in harmony with others, and ultimately experiencing true exaltation in His kingdom.
TRV