ταπεινόω (tapeinoō)
tapeinoō
to humble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb tapeinoō means to make low or bring down, describing an act of reducing someone’s status or circumstances. In its literal sense, it appears in Luke 3:5, where John the Baptist quotes Isaiah about making a mountain path level for the Lord. This physical image grounds the word’s deeper spiritual use: humbling oneself by stripping away pride and self-importance.
Jesus employs this term to describe the path of true greatness, teaching that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). It is not merely about feeling small, but about actively choosing a lower place. Paul highlights its ultimate expression in Philippians 2:8, where Christ emptied Himself and became obedient to death. The word carries a strong ethical weight, calling believers to reject arrogance and adopt a modest, unassuming manner in their daily lives.
Its root relates to being low or humble, contrasting sharply with the pride that Scripture consistently warns against. Translators often render it as "humble," though this English word can sometimes feel passive. The Greek action is decisive: it is a voluntary lowering of oneself before God and others, recognizing that true honor comes from divine grace rather than human achievement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tapeinoō describes a deliberate lowering of oneself, moving beyond passive modesty to an active choice of humility. In Philippians 2:8, this concept reaches its highest expression as Christ empties Himself to serve humanity. This example invites us to view humility not as weakness, but as the strength required to serve others without seeking recognition.
Life often pressures us to defend our status or prove our worth. James 4:10 offers a different path: humbling ourselves before God and trusting Him with our exaltation. This shift in perspective frees us from the exhausting need to elevate ourselves, allowing grace to work in ways we cannot force.
Choosing humility is a practical step toward peace. It involves recognizing that true honor comes from God rather than human achievement. By adopting this posture, we align our lives with the character of Christ, finding rest in His sufficient love and purpose for our days.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be humbled,3×
- humbling3×
- will humble2×
- do be humbled2×
- will be made low;1×
- he may humble1×
- [how] to be brought low,1×
- He humbled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ταπεινῶν3×
- ταπεινωθήσεται,3×
- ταπεινώσει2×
- ταπεινώθητε2×
- ἐταπείνωσεν1×
- ταπεινώσῃ1×
- ταπεινωθήσεται·1×
- ταπεινοῦσθαι,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:8
And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.
This verse shows the ultimate expression of humility as Christ voluntarily lowers Himself to death on the cross.
-
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Here the word commands believers to actively submit to God, promising that He will lift them up in His timing.
-
Matthew 23:12
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Jesus uses this term to teach that self-exaltation leads to downfall, while humility results in divine honor.
-
Luke 3:5
Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth.
This literal use describes leveling mountains, providing the physical image for the spiritual act of removing pride.