Lexical Summary tapeinos: Humble, lowly Original Word: ταπεινός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cast down, humble, lowly. Of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition) -- base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly. HELPS Word-studies 5011 tapeinós (an adjective) – properly, low; (figuratively) inner lowliness describing the person who depends on the Lord rather than self. See 5012 (tapeinophrosynē). 5011 /tapeinós ("lowly, humble") means being God-reliant rather than self-reliant – which ironically always exalts a person (brings them true worth, cf. 1 Pet 5:6). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition low-lying, fig. lowly, hence lowly in spirit NASB Translation depressed (1), humble (5), lowly (1), meek (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5011: ταπεινόςταπεινός, ταπεινή ταπεινόν, from (Pindar), Aeschylus, Herodotus down, the Sept. for עָנִי, עָנָו, שָׁפָל, etc., low, i. e. a. properly, not rising far from the ground: Ezekiel 17:24. b. metaphorically, α. as to condition, lowly, of low degree: with a substantive, James 1:9; substantively οἱ ταπεινοί, opposed to δυνάσται, Luke 1:52; equivalent to brought low with grief, depressed (Sir. 25:23), 2 Corinthians 7:6. Neuter τά ταπεινά, Romans 12:16 (on which see συναπάγω, at the end). β. lowly in spirit, humble: opposed to ὑπερήφανος, James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 (from Proverbs 3:34); with τῇ καρδία added, Matthew 11:29 (τῷ πνεύματι, Psalm 33:19 Strong’s Greek 5011 depicts the biblical virtue of humility—an inner lowliness that gladly submits to God’s sovereign rule and seeks the welfare of others. Far from promoting self-deprecation, Scripture presents tapeinos as the proper self-assessment of creatures before their Creator and Redeemer. The term consistently stands in antithesis to pride, locating the heart-attitude that receives grace, finds exaltation in God’s timing, and embodies the mind of Christ. Christ as the Pattern of Humility Matthew 11:29 reveals Jesus’ self-description: “I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” His humility is neither weakness nor mere demeanor; it is the incarnate Son’s willing stoop to serve, suffer, and save. Paul invokes this same attribute in 2 Corinthians 10:1, appealing “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” The Lord’s example grounds every apostolic exhortation: believers are called to learn from Him, share His yoke, and mirror His posture in ministry. Humility in the Life of the Church 1. Mutual Regard: Romans 12:16 commands, “Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly.” Congregational harmony flourishes where members embrace tapeinos, welcoming those society might overlook. 2. Grace-Receiving Posture: Both James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 quote Proverbs 3:34: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Within the assembly, humility becomes the channel of divine favor, while pride provokes resistance from God Himself. 3. Youth and Elders: 1 Peter 5:5 applies the virtue across generational lines, urging younger believers to submit and all to “clothe yourselves with humility.” The imagery suggests a garment deliberately tied on—a daily, visible choice. Humility and Divine Exaltation The New Testament repeatedly links lowliness with future elevation: • James 1:9 directs the “brother in humble circumstances” to boast in God’s promised exaltation, reversing earthly status scales. Historical and Canonical Background In the Septuagint, tapeinos frequently translates Hebrew ‘anaw / ‘ani (“afflicted,” “poor,” “humble”), weaving Old Testament theology into New Testament usage. The prophets portrayed the “humble and contrite in spirit” as the remnant God esteems (Isaiah 57:15). Early church fathers—Ignatius, Polycarp, Augustine—commended humility as the foundation of all virtues, echoing these apostolic texts. Pastoral Implications • Spiritual Formation: Disciples cultivate tapeinos by contemplating Christ’s incarnation, meditating on grace, practicing confession, and serving the marginalized. Contemporary Ministry Significance In an age that prizes self-assertion, Strong’s 5011 calls the church to counter-cultural witness. Humility defuses conflict, nurtures teachability, and opens doors for gospel proclamation. Wherever believers embrace their lowly status before the cross, God supplies grace, brings rest to restless souls, and, in His time, lifts the humble to honor. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:29 Adj-NMSGRK: εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ NAS: gentle and humble in heart, KJV: meek and lowly in heart: and INT: I am and humble [in] the heart Luke 1:52 Adj-AMP Romans 12:16 Adj-DMP 2 Corinthians 7:6 Adj-AMP 2 Corinthians 10:1 Adj-NMS James 1:9 Adj-NMS James 4:6 Adj-DMP 1 Peter 5:5 Adj-DMP Strong's Greek 5011 |
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