Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Humiliation, in the biblical context, refers to the act of being humbled or brought low, often as a means of spiritual growth or divine discipline. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, illustrating the contrast between human pride and the humility that God desires from His people.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, humiliation is often depicted as a consequence of sin or disobedience to God. The Israelites experienced humiliation when they turned away from God and faced defeat or exile. For instance, in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, God reminds the Israelites of their 40 years in the wilderness, a period of humbling meant to test and teach them reliance on Him: "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments." The prophets frequently warned of impending humiliation as a result of Israel's unfaithfulness. Isaiah 2:11 speaks of the humbling of the proud: "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." New Testament Context In the New Testament, humiliation takes on a deeper spiritual significance, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:7-8 describes the ultimate act of humility: "But He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' life exemplifies the principle that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humility and service. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus teaches, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Theological Implications Humiliation is not merely a negative experience but is often portrayed as a necessary process for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. James 4:10 encourages believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse underscores the biblical principle that God honors those who recognize their dependence on Him. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own experiences of humiliation as a means of drawing closer to Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, he writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Practical Application For believers, embracing humiliation involves recognizing one's limitations and the need for God's grace. It is a call to live in humility, following the example of Christ. This involves serving others, putting aside personal pride, and seeking God's glory above one's own. Humiliation, when understood biblically, is not about shame or disgrace but about being shaped into the likeness of Christ. It is a reminder that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, and that true exaltation comes from God alone. Easton's Bible Dictionary Humiliation of Christ(Philippians 2:8), seen in (1) his birth (Galatians 4:4; Luke 2:7; John 1:46; Hebrews 2:9), (2) his circumstances, (3) his reputation (Isaiah 53; Matthew 26:59, 67; Psalm 22:6; Matthew 26:68), (4) his soul (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 22:44; Hebrews 2:17, 18; 4:15), (5) his death (Luke 23; John 19; Mark 15:24, 25), (6) and his burial (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57, 58, 60). His humiliation was necessary (1) to execute the purpose of God (Acts 2:23, 24; Psalm 40:6-8), (2) fulfil the Old Testament types and prophecies, (3) satisfy the law in the room of the guilty (Isaiah 53; Hebrews 9:12, 15), procure for them eternal redemption, (4) and to show us an example. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of humiliating or humbling; abasement of pride; mortification.2. (n.) The state of being humiliated, humbled, or reduced to lowliness or submission. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HUMILIATION OF CHRISThu-mil-i-a'-shun (Acts 8:33 Philippians 2:8). Greek 5014. tapeinosis -- low estate, humiliation ... low estate, humiliation. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: tapeinosis Phonetic Spelling: (tap-i'-no-sis) Short Definition: abasement, low ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5014.htm - 7k 5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak 4716. stauros -- an upright stake, hence a cross (the Rom. ... 5012. tapeinophrosune -- lowliness of mind, humility Strong's Hebrew 8589. taanith -- humiliation... 8588, 8589. taanith. 8590 . humiliation. Transliteration: taanith Phonetic Spelling: (tah-an-eeth') Short Definition: humiliation. ... /hebrew/8589.htm - 6k 8218. shiphlah -- humiliation 3640. kelimmuth -- ignominy 3639. kelimmah -- insult, reproach, ignominy 6440. panim -- face, faces 1322. bosheth -- shame, shameful thing Library the Use of Humiliation The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ, Isa. 53 5-Jan 10 11 12 Humiliation and Prayer. Public Humiliation. Humiliation and Praise. (Imitated from the German. ) For a Day of Humiliation During the Prevalence of the Cholera. His Humiliation Predicted. Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation Psalm 60 on a Day of Humiliation for Disappointments in War. Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation, Rev. 5 12 Thesaurus Ashes (44 Occurrences)... 13). To cover the head with ashes was a token of self-abhorrence and humiliation (2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:3; Jeremiah 6:26, etc.). ... /a/ashes.htm - 24k Fast (157 Occurrences) Person (807 Occurrences) Jehovah (20094 Occurrences) Yahweh (6653 Occurrences) Humiliation (16 Occurrences) Humility (20 Occurrences) Servant (738 Occurrences) Vile (59 Occurrences) Villany (4 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to set your face like flint in Isaiah 50:7? | GotQuestions.org What is the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org Humiliation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Humiliation (16 Occurrences)Acts 8:33 Philippians 3:21 James 1:10 Ezra 9:5 Ezra 9:7 Job 19:5 Psalms 44:15 Isaiah 30:3 Isaiah 45:16 Isaiah 50:6 Isaiah 61:7 Jeremiah 3:25 Jeremiah 23:40 Ezekiel 16:54 Ezekiel 16:63 Micah 6:14 Subtopics Humiliation and Self-Affliction: Enjoined Related Terms |