The Greek word tapeinóō, represented by G5013, means to depress or, figuratively, to humiliate in condition or heart. It is used in scripture with the sense of being abased, brought low, or humbled. It appears 14 times across 11 unique verses, highlighting its significance as a spiritual concept.
In biblical usage, G5013 frequently appears in a foundational paradox: those who humble themselves will be exalted. This principle is stated directly in Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, and Luke 18:14. The term is used as a command for believers to humble themselves under God's authority, with the promise that He will lift them up (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6). The ultimate example is Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death Philippians 2:8. The word can also describe a physical lowering, such as every mountain and hill being brought low Luke 3:5, or a state of being, as when Paul speaks of knowing how to be abased Philippians 4:12.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the meaning of humility and its opposite states:
- G5312 hypsóō: This word means to elevate (literally or figuratively):--exalt, lift up. It serves as the direct spiritual outcome and antonym to being humbled, often appearing in the same verse to create a sharp contrast Matthew 23:12.
- G4052 perisseúō: Meaning to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, this term is used to contrast the state of being abased. Paul contrasts knowing how to be abased with knowing how to abound Philippians 4:12.
- G5255 hypḗkoos: Defined as attentively listening, i.e. (by implication) submissive:--obedient, this concept is linked directly to Christ's act of humbling himself, which resulted in his becoming obedient unto death Philippians 2:8.
- G5302 hysteréō: Meaning to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient), this word describes a state of want. Paul pairs knowing how to abound with knowing how to suffer need Philippians 4:12.
The theological weight of G5013 is centered on the relationship between God and humanity.
- The Divine Reversal: A core theme is that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Those who exalt themselves will be abased, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14).
- Christ's Humiliation: The most profound example is Christ himself. His act of humbling himself is the model for Christian living and the basis for his own exaltation Philippians 2:8.
- Condition for Greatness: Humility is presented as a prerequisite for status in God's kingdom. To be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, one must humble himself as a little child Matthew 18:4.
- A Posture of Faith: The act of humbling oneself under God's hand is an expression of trust in His timing and power to exalt in the future 1 Peter 5:6.
In summary, G5013 defines a crucial spiritual posture. It is not merely a word for being brought low, but a call to a voluntary self-lowering before God. This act of humility stands in direct opposition to worldly self-exaltation and is presented throughout scripture as the path to receiving God's grace and ultimate exaltation. As demonstrated by Christ, it is a foundational principle for life within the kingdom of God.
TRV