Language Studies

Greek Thoughts

TAPEINOS* - Part 4 - εχηγεομαι (Strong's #1834)
Humble, lowly, poor

Please note that all Biblical quotes are presented from the Literal Translation.

Today we conclude our study of the adjective ταπεινὸς (Strong's #5011), which describes the condition or state of one who is humble or lowly. So far we have learned that it is necessary for a person to be in this position, because God is giving His grace to those who are humble or lowly ( James 4:6 , 1 Peter 5:5 ). We have also learned that a person cannot attain a lowly or humble position through efforts of his own. In the two scriptures where the command to be humbled is presented, the verb form of ταπεινὸς is in the passive voice, giving the meaning that we are to submit to God's humbling process as He brings us low by means of life's trials and hardships. The following New Testament texts establish this condition and relationship with the Lord: 2 Corinthians 7:6; James 1:9-10; Luke 1:52; and Romans 12:16.

2 Corinthians 7:6: The Description of God

6)

But God, the One encouraging the humble (ταπεινὸς), encouraged us in the coming of Titus;

James 1:9-10 and Luke 1:52: The Exaltation of the Humble

James1:9-10:

9)

And let the humble (ταπεινὸς) brother boast in his elevation;

10)

and the rich man in his humiliation, because as the flower of the grass he will pass away.

Conversely, in verse 10, James calls for the rich man to boast in his humiliation. Ταπεὶνωσις, (Strong's #5014), is the word used here for "humiliation." It is a noun form of our study word, ταπεινὸς. The teaching embodied here, to celebrate being humbled, is the opposite of secular society's philosophy promoting worldly success and the celebration of one's material triumphs.

Luke 1:52:

52)

He put down the mighty from thrones, and exalted humble (ταπεινὸς) ones.

Romans 12:16: Association with the Humble

16)

Be thinking the same thing toward one another; not thinking high things, but going along with the humble. Do not become wise from yourselves.

In conclusion, we see from the many scriptures on the subject of humbleness, that it is necessary to submit to God's humbling process, because only the lowly and humble are in a position to receive God's ministry of grace and encouragement. The Word of God also teaches that the believer is to associate with lowly or humble things— to choose the humble way and associate with humble people. We understand, from these same scriptures, that God did not use the mighty, but chose, instead, to use the humble. This wisdom of God stands in opposition to the world's philosophy concerning life. Those who follow worldly wisdom, thinking high and lofty things, will eventually pass away, as does the flower of the grass. But those who are brought low, through submission to the humbling process, are actually being elevated spiritually by the Lord. It takes great wisdom to understand this principle from God's Word, to submit to His humbling process instead of striving for high and lofty positions. It is, however, only by choosing this path, that we become useable vessels for His glory. May the Lord help us all.

* TAPEINOS is the English font spelling of the Greek word ταπεινὸς.

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