Lexical Summary tsana: To be humble, to be modest Original Word: צנַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance humbly, lowly A primitive root; to humiliate -- humbly, lowly. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be modest or humble NASB Translation humbly (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [צָנַע] verb be modest, humble (perhaps properly be retired, Late Hebrew Hiph`il keep close, reserve, preserve, so ᵑ7 אַצְנַע; צְנִיעַ retiring, modest); — Hiph`il Infinitive absolute הַצְנֵעַ לֶכֶת Micah 6:8 a making humble to walk = shewing a humble walk (with God). [צָנוּעַ] adjective modest (on formation compare BaBN § 31 d); — plural צְנוּעִים Proverbs 11:9 (see Toy; opposed to זָדוֺן). Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Range of Meaning The verb צנַע highlights an inner orientation of modesty, reserve, and lowliness before God and others. It portrays a quiet, self-effacing posture that neither courts attention nor seeks exaltation. Rather than mere external meekness, it expresses a heart disposition that acknowledges the Lord’s supremacy and one’s own dependent creatureliness. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” Though appearing only twice, the term serves as a theological hinge between Wisdom literature and the Prophets, uniting practical ethics with covenant loyalty. Humility in Wisdom Literature Proverbs contrasts boastful self-reliance with the restrained spirit that invites divine insight. Wisdom in Proverbs is more than intellectual attainment; it is skill for godly living. The verse pairs צנַע with wisdom, teaching that teachability and spiritual perception flourish only in a soil free from pride (compare Proverbs 3:34; 15:33). By placing humility opposite “pride” and “disgrace,” the proverb warns that arrogance blinds, while modesty opens the eyes to reality as God defines it. Humility in Prophetic Literature Micah summons Israel to covenant faithfulness summarized in three concise duties: justice, mercy, and humble fellowship with the Lord. Here צנַע depicts the manner of one’s walk—daily conduct marked by quiet submission to divine rule. The setting is a courtroom scene (Micah 6:1-8) where Israel’s empty ritualism is exposed. True worship is relational, not performative. The prophet thus elevates humility from private virtue to national obligation, binding social ethics (justice, mercy) to personal piety (humble walk). Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, kings and warriors celebrated self-exaltation. In contrast, Israel’s Scriptures present the Lord as the unrivaled sovereign and call His people to a counter-cultural self-abasement. Humility was not weakness but covenant realism: only the Lord saves, guides, and exalts (Psalm 37:34; Isaiah 57:15). The humble acknowledge this; the proud resist it. Connections with Other Hebrew Terms צנַע intersects with: Together they build a composite picture: humility begins in the heart (צנַע), is expressed in attitude toward circumstances (עָנָו), and results in willing submission (כָּנַע) lived out in a lowered stance (שָׁפֵל). Theological Significance 1. Fear of the LORD: Humility embodies reverent awe, the starting point of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). Illustrative Examples in Biblical Narrative • Moses, declared “very meek” yet used mightily (Numbers 12:3). These accounts flesh out צנַע’s principle: modest hearts attract God’s intervention. New Testament Parallels The virtue embodied in צנַע is fulfilled and modeled in Jesus Christ: These passages echo the same call: the humble walk enjoys divine companionship and ultimate exaltation. Practical Ministry Application • Personal Discipleship: Cultivate daily practices that silence self-promotion—secret prayer (Matthew 6:6), unseen generosity (Matthew 6:3-4), grateful confession. Contemporary Relevance In a culture of self-branding, the biblical call to צנַע invites believers to resist performance spirituality. It frees the church from the tyranny of image, anchoring identity in the Lord’s assessment rather than public acclaim. Ministries that embody modesty gain authenticity and power, for God “dwells… with the contrite and humble in spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). Summary Though appearing only twice, צנַע weaves through the tapestry of Scripture as the quiet strength of those who know their place before God. It fuses reverence, restraint, and relational fidelity, guiding individuals and communities into wise living and prophetic witness. Wherever humility thrives, wisdom blossoms, justice is practiced, mercy is loved, and fellowship with God deepens. Forms and Transliterations וְהַצְנֵ֥עַ והצנע צְנוּעִ֥ים צנועים ṣə·nū·‘îm ṣənū‘îm tzenuIm vehatzNea wə·haṣ·nê·a‘ wəhaṣnêa‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 11:2 HEB: קָל֑וֹן וְֽאֶת־ צְנוּעִ֥ים חָכְמָֽה׃ KJV: shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom. INT: dishonor with the lowly is wisdom Micah 6:8 2 Occurrences |
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