ταπεινόω
tapeinoō
to humble
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ταπεινόω (tapeinoō) is a verb that means "to humble." This action involves a change in one's status, position, or attitude, typically resulting in a reduction of pride or arrogance. As a verb, ταπεινόω indicates a dynamic process, suggesting that humility is achieved through an active transformation. In its 14 occurrences in the Bible, ταπεινόω is used in various contexts, indicating its significance in spiritual, social, and moral realms. It often connotes a sense of reduced pride or elevated modesty, implying a more receptive and less self-centered attitude. This linguistic evidence suggests that humility is not solely a negative state, but rather a desirable shift in one's perspective and behavior. While specific instances of ταπεινόω vary, its consistent core meaning reveals a concern with the human inclination towards pride and the benefits of adopting a more humble posture. Thus, this Greek word sheds light on a crucial aspect of human nature and relationships, highlighting the potential value of embracing humility.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
14 total occurrences across the text
Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 23:12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 3:5Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth.
Luke 14:11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 14:11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
2 Corinthians 11:7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge?
2 Corinthians 12:21that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lustfulness which they committed.
Philippians 2:8And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.
Philippians 4:12I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
James 4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.
1 Peter 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time,