ταπεινός (tapeinos)
tapeinos
lowly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective tapeinos describes a state of being low or humble, originally referring to physical height but frequently used in Scripture to describe social status and spiritual posture. In the New Testament, it carries an honorable sense of humility, contrasting sharply with arrogance. This is evident in Luke’s Gospel, where God lifts up the "lowly" (tapeinoi) while bringing down the proud, establishing a clear distinction between those of low degree and the powerful.
While classical Greek often used the term in a slighting way to mean abject or servile deference, the biblical usage transforms it into a virtue. It appears in passages like James 4:6, where humility is set against haughtiness, and in Romans 12:16, encouraging believers to associate with those of low station. The word captures both an external reality of modest standing and an internal attitude of gentleness, as seen when Jesus invites the weary to find rest in his "lowly" heart.
Translators typically render tapeinos as "humble" or "lowly," preserving the sense of being brought low by circumstance or choice. Its root meaning of "not rising far from the ground" provides a vivid image for spiritual modesty, reminding readers that true strength in the Christian narrative is often found in those who do not seek elevation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tapeinos invites us to look at life from a different angle. In a culture that celebrates status and self-promotion, Scripture presents humility not as weakness, but as a quiet strength. It describes a heart that does not demand attention or elevate itself above others. This posture allows us to rest in who we are before God, rather than striving to prove our worth through achievement or comparison.
Jesus models this perfectly when He invites us to learn from His gentle and humble heart. He does not ask us to perform for His approval but offers rest for our souls. When we embrace this lowly spirit, we find freedom from the exhausting need to be right or important. It is a grace that draws us closer to God and creates space for genuine connection with those around us.
This attitude transforms how we treat others. Instead of seeking high places, we associate with those who may seem overlooked by the world. By clothing ourselves with humility, we reflect the character of Christ, finding peace in service and joy in lifting up others rather than being lifted up ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to [the] humble2×
- of low degree1×
- lowly1×
- humble1×
- downcast1×
- [the] humble;1×
- [am] humble1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ταπεινὸς3×
- ταπεινοῖς3×
- ταπεινούς·1×
- ταπεινοὺς1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
Jesus uses this word to describe His own heart, inviting weary souls to find rest through learning from His gentle nature.
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James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
This verse contrasts God's resistance to the proud with His generous gift of grace specifically given to the humble.
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Luke 1:52
He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.
Mary’s song highlights God’s pattern of reversing worldly status by exalting those who are lowly in spirit and station.
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Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
Paul instructs believers to actively associate with the humble, rejecting prideful ambitions in favor of unity with others.