The term "lowliest" in the biblical context often refers to those who are humble, meek, or of low social status. This concept is significant throughout Scripture, as it frequently highlights the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first and the first shall be last (Matthew 19:30).

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the lowly are often associated with the poor and oppressed. The Hebrew word "anaw" is commonly used to describe those who are humble or afflicted. For example, in Psalm 138:6, it is written, "Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar." This verse emphasizes God's special attention and care for the humble, contrasting it with His distance from the proud.

The prophets frequently spoke of God's concern for the lowly. Isaiah 57:15 states, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" Here, God is depicted as dwelling with the lowly, indicating His favor and presence with those who are humble in spirit.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of the lowliest is further developed through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is described as embodying humility. Philippians 2:7-8 speaks of Christ, "but 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." This passage highlights the ultimate act of humility and servitude, as Jesus, though divine, chose to lower Himself for the sake of humanity.

Jesus' teachings often elevated the lowly and humble. In the Beatitudes, He declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This pronouncement underscores the value placed on spiritual humility and the promise of divine reward for those who recognize their need for God.

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) further illustrates this theme. The tax collector, who humbly acknowledges his sinfulness, is justified before God, while the self-righteous Pharisee is not. Jesus concludes, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).

Theological Implications

The biblical emphasis on the lowliest challenges societal norms that often prioritize power, wealth, and status. Instead, Scripture consistently affirms that God values humility and a contrite heart. James 4:6 reiterates this truth: "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

The lowliest are often depicted as recipients of God's grace and favor, serving as a reminder of the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. This theme encourages believers to adopt an attitude of humility, recognizing their dependence on God and their need to serve others selflessly.

Practical Application

Believers are called to emulate the humility of Christ in their daily lives. This involves serving others, prioritizing the needs of the marginalized, and maintaining a posture of humility before God. The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians in Romans 12:16, "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited."

In summary, the biblical concept of the lowliest serves as a powerful reminder of God's values and priorities. It challenges believers to live counter-culturally, embracing humility and service as central tenets of their faith.8215. shephal -- low (in station)
... 8214, 8215. shephal. 8216 . low (in station). Transliteration: shephal
Phonetic Spelling: (shef-al') Short Definition: lowliest. ...
/hebrew/8215.htm - 6k

From' and 'to'
... And so, without venturing to enlarge at all upon these solemn words, I leave this
with you as a plain fact, that the meekest, lowliest, and most sane and wise ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/from and to.htm

The Baptism of Jesus: Its Higher Meaning.
... in deep and settled conviction; not ambitious nor self-seeking, but most humble
in his self-estimate, discarding all claim but that of lowliest service, and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the baptism of.htm

Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry
... We must not fail to bless, adore, and love each one of the exalted Persons, but
we must diligently bow in lowliest reverence before the one God"Father, Son ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/adoptionthe spirit and the cry.htm

Symbolic Ornaments of the Church
... "It glitters on the crown of the monarch. It forms the ensign of nations. It crowns
alike the loftiest spires of Christendom and the lowliest parish churches. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolic ornaments of the church.htm

Humility.
... Someone has said that the grass is an illustration of this lowly grace. It was created
for the lowliest service. Cut it, and it springs up again. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm

Prayer and Humility
... It is willing to take the lowliest seat and prefers those places where it will
be unnoticed. The prayer of humility is after this fashion: ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ii prayer and humility.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer
... of all intercessors. In lowliest form He approached God, and with strongest
pleas He prayed and supplicated. Jesus Christ teaches ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/v jesus christ the divine.htm

The Sixth Word
... relationships of the Godhead"which are the inner reality and meaning of all morality
and religion"and it descends to the depths, to the lowliest details of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/vii the sixth word.htm

The Early Life of the Blessed virgin at the Temple.
... She had an endless longing for the fulfillment of the Promise, and in her humility
hardly ventured on the wish to be the lowliest maidservant of the Mother of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iv the early life of.htm

Tenth Day. Love to the Brethren.
... He gives them at once its measure and motive. "Love one another, as I have loved
you!" What a love was that!"it reached to the lowliest and humblest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/tenth day love to the.htm

Lowliest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lowliest (3 Occurrences). Luke 9 ... me. For the lowliest
among you all--he is the greatest." (WEY). Ezekiel ...
/l/lowliest.htm - 7k

Feet (2931 Occurrences)
... was done by a slave. It was looked upon as the lowliest of all services
(1 Samuel 25:41). Jesus pointedly contrasts Simon's neglect ...
/f/feet.htm - 17k

Washing (56 Occurrences)
... was done by a slave. It was looked upon as the lowliest of all services
(1 Samuel 25:41). Jesus pointedly contrasts Simon's neglect ...
/w/washing.htm - 38k

Lowliness (9 Occurrences)

/l/lowliness.htm - 8k

Lowlands (25 Occurrences)

/l/lowlands.htm - 14k

Greatest (45 Occurrences)
... receives me, receives Him who sent me. For the lowliest among you all--he
is the greatest." (WEY NIV). Luke 22:24 There arose also ...
/g/greatest.htm - 20k

Sake (241 Occurrences)
... whoever receives me, receives Him who sent me. For the lowliest among you
all--he is the greatest." (WEY). Luke 18:29 He said to them ...
/s/sake.htm - 36k

Gifts (144 Occurrences)
... (4) Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28).-This has sometimes been understood to denote the
lowliest Christian function of all in Paul's list, the function of those who ...
/g/gifts.htm - 61k

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)
... (4) Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28).-This has sometimes been understood to denote the
lowliest Christian function of all in Paul's list, the function of those who ...
/s/spiritual.htm - 51k

What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? | GotQuestions.org

Lowliest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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