Degree
Two Meanings of Degree
The word "degree" appears in older English translations of the Bible with two distinct meanings. In its literal sense, it refers to a physical step, as on a staircase or sundial. In its figurative sense, it describes a person's rank, position, or standing in society. Both uses carry theological significance and illuminate important aspects of worship, social order, and spiritual life in biblical times.
The Dial of Ahaz: Literal Steps
The most dramatic use of "degree" as a physical step occurs in the account of King Hezekiah's illness and healing. When the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah that God would add fifteen years to his life, Hezekiah asked for a confirming sign. God responded by making the shadow on the "steps of Ahaz" go backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:9-11; Isaiah 38:8).
These "steps" (translated "degrees" in the King James Version) were apparently some kind of stairway or graduated structure that functioned as a sundial. As the sun moved across the sky, the shadow would advance down the steps, marking the passage of time. God reversed this natural process as a sign to Hezekiah, demonstrating His power over the created order and confirming His promise to heal the king. This miracle was so extraordinary that Babylonian envoys later came to inquire about it (2 Chronicles 32:31).
The Songs of Ascents (Degrees)
The most well-known use of "degree" in Scripture is in the title given to Psalms 120 through 134, traditionally called "Songs of Degrees" or "Songs of Ascents." These fifteen psalms form a distinct collection within the Psalter, each bearing the superscription "A Song of Ascents" (or "A Song of Degrees" in the KJV).
The most widely accepted explanation for this title is that these psalms were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they traveled "up" to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals: Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16). Since Jerusalem sits at a high elevation in the Judean hills, pilgrims from every direction would literally ascend to reach the city. The gradual upward journey became a metaphor for spiritual ascent toward God's presence.
These psalms reflect the themes and emotions of pilgrimage: longing for God's house (Psalm 122:1), trust in God's protection during travel (Psalm 121:1-8), gratitude for Jerusalem's beauty and peace (Psalm 122:6-9), and joyful communal worship (Psalm 133:1; 134:1-3). They move from distress and distance (Psalm 120, a cry from exile) to arrival and blessing (Psalm 134, a nighttime blessing at the temple).
Degree as Rank and Standing
The Bible also uses "degree" to describe social rank or position. The psalmist draws a sharp distinction between people of different standing: "Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath" (Psalm 62:9). Despite social differences, all people are equal in their dependence on God.
In the New Testament, this theme is developed further. Mary's Magnificat celebrates God's reversal of social hierarchies: "He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble" (Luke 1:52). James similarly addresses the theme of degree: "Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position" (James 1:9), affirming that in Christ, social standing is redefined by spiritual identity.
Paul writes that those who serve well as deacons "gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 3:13). Here "standing" (or "degree" in the KJV) refers not to promotion in church hierarchy but to the moral and spiritual weight that comes from faithful service.
The Levitical Degrees
In the organization of temple worship, degrees of rank were carefully observed. The Levitical musicians included both teachers and students, with distinctions between experienced and novice performers: "They cast lots for their duties, small and great alike, teacher as well as student" (1 Chronicles 25:8). Similarly, among the prophetic guilds, there were recognized leaders and those of lesser rank (1 Samuel 19:20; 2 Kings 6:5).
These degrees of rank within Israel's worship served a practical purpose in organizing temple service, but they also pointed to a spiritual reality: faithfulness in a lower degree of service could lead to greater responsibility and honor. This principle finds its fullest expression in Jesus' parable of the talents, where the master says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21).
The Great Reversal
Throughout Scripture, the concept of degree is ultimately transformed by the principle that God lifts up the lowly and humbles the proud. Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 2:7-8), Mary's song (Luke 1:46-55), and Jesus' teaching that "the last will be first, and the first will be last" (Matthew 20:16) all declare that human rankings are provisional and subject to divine reversal. True spiritual standing comes not from social position but from humble faithfulness before God.
Biblical Context
The word 'degree' appears in connection with the dial/steps of Ahaz (2 Kings 20:9-11; Isaiah 38:8), the Songs of Ascents/Degrees (Psalms 120-134), social rank (Psalm 62:9; Luke 1:52; James 1:9), and church standing (1 Timothy 3:13). The concept also relates to the Levitical rankings in temple service (1 Chronicles 25:8).
Theological Significance
The concept of degree in Scripture teaches that physical ascent to God's presence in worship mirrors spiritual ascent toward Him. The Songs of Ascents celebrate this pilgrim journey. The theme of social degree is transformed by the biblical principle that God exalts the humble and humbles the proud (Luke 1:52; James 1:9). True standing before God comes through faithful service and humble trust, not through human rank or achievement.
Historical Background
The Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) were likely sung by Jewish pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals prescribed in Deuteronomy 16:16. Jerusalem's elevated position (about 2,500 feet above sea level) meant that pilgrims literally ascended to reach it. The dial or steps of Ahaz may have been a type of ancient sundial using graduated steps to track the sun's shadow. The Levitical ranking system organized hundreds of musicians and priests into orderly courses for temple service.