ταπεινόω

I humble, humiliate

Definition

ταπεινόω means to lower, humble, or bring low. It can describe a voluntary act of humility, as when Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to death (Philippians 2:8). It also refers to God humbling people, often as a corrective act, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:21 where Paul fears God may humble him over the congregation's sin. In the passive voice, it means to be humbled or made low, such as in Jesus' teaching that 'whoever humbles himself will be exalted' (Matthew 23:12). The word encompasses both external circumstances of being brought low and an internal attitude of humility.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 11 times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Pauline epistles, and James. In the Gospels, it often appears in Jesus' teachings about spiritual reversal—the humble being exalted (e.g., Luke 14:11, 18:14). Paul uses it to describe Christ's incarnation (Philippians 2:8), his own missionary conduct (2 Corinthians 11:7), and pastoral concern for church discipline (2 Corinthians 12:21). The usage consistently connects humility with divine approval and exaltation.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ταπεινός (tapeinos, G5011), meaning 'lowly' or 'humble.' The root conveys the idea of being low to the ground, hence metaphorically low in status or spirit. Cognates include ταπεινόφρων (tapeinophrōn, 'humble-minded') and ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē, 'humility'). The verb form emphasizes the action of making low or being made low.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the biblical theme of humility. It describes both a virtue to be cultivated and a state imposed by God for correction or growth. Christ's voluntary humiliation (Philippians 2:8) models redemptive humility, foundational to Christian discipleship. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical humility is not merely an attitude but often an active, chosen lowering of oneself in obedience to God, with the promise of ultimate exaltation by Him.

In Greco-Roman culture, humility was often viewed negatively as a sign of weakness or servility, associated with low social status. The New Testament radically redefines ταπεινόω as a positive, Christ-like virtue. Biblical humility is not about shame but about purposeful lowering for the sake of others and obedience to God, contrasting sharply with the honor-shame dynamics of the ancient world.

πραΰς (praus, G4239) — gentle, meek; focuses on mildness of disposition rather than the act of lowering. ταπεινός (tapeinos, G5011) — the adjective meaning lowly or humble, describing a state rather than an action.

Word Details

Scripture References