### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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