Please note that all Biblical quotes are presented from the Literal Translation.
This week we continue our study of the Greek word ταπεινὸω (Strong's #5013), a verb expressing the action of humbling rather than the condition of humbleness.
Last week we studied the primary meaning of ταπεινὸω as found in Luke 3:5. We saw that this verse is part of a quote from the Septuagint version of : : "Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low (the future passive of ταπεινὸω); and the crooked will become straight paths and the rough into smooth ways." We understood this prophecy to be using figurative speech (valleys and mountains, etc.) in reference to people. Its use here showed us that, in order for John to prepare the way for the coming of Messiah, those who exalted themselves must be made low and those who were lowly would be exalted through repentance. We noted the use of the passive voice for the verb ταπεινὸω, which dictated the meaning that the mountains and hills would be the recipients of the leveling; they were not directed to humble or level themselves. This application of the mountains and hills being made low or level to the ground is the best example in the Bible of the actual meaning of the verb ταπεινὸω.
We also studied the promise of the humbling process. In both Luke 14:7-11 and Luke 18:10-14, Jesus establishes this promise. Both scriptures read: "…because everyone who is exalting himself will be humbled (the future passive voice of ταπεινὸω); and the one humbling himself will be exalted." Again, the verb ταπεινὸω is in the passive voice showing that the person exalting himself will be the recipient of the humbling process; he will not produce it himself.
This week, we are studying the two primary commands given believers concerning the humbling process. The first is found in James 4:10. In this section, James is calling for sinners to cleanse their hands and for the double-minded to purify their hearts. He expresses that it is not a time for laughter and joy, but that their laughter should be turned into mourning and their joy should be turned into heaviness. Then he says in 4:10:
The second command concerning the humbling process is found in 1 Peter 5:6. In context (1 Peter 5:5-10), Peter is warning that believers are to be in submission to one another and to be humbled because their adversary, the devil, is walking around looking for someone to devour. He says:
God's Word clearly teaches that people must be humbled before they can receive God's grace. And the commands we studied today show the Word of God stating that both the sinner and the believer are unable to produce the lowliness or humbleness necessary to be able to receive God's grace. However, because of His love, the Lord provides the process (and the circumstances) through which we are humbled — His gift, assuring the otherwise unattainable state in which we can receive His grace in times of need.
Next week we will study, from Philippians 2:5-11, Jesus Himself as the prime example of humbleness.
*TAPEINOO is the English font spelling of the Greek word ταπεινὸω.
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Bill Klein has been a pastor, counselor, and educator for the past 41 years. He has had extensive training and education in biblical languages, and has authored a Biblical Greek course.
He is currently serving as Professor of Biblical Greek at Master's Graduate School of Divinity, and president of BTE Ministries - The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America, a non-profit organization located in California that provides Bible study tapes and Greek study materials through their website BTEMinistries.org.