Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HUMILITY

Concerning an individual or group, the quality of being “poor,” “needy,” or even “oppressed”; or more subjectively, an individual’s being dependent on God and showing respect for other persons (e.g., “meekness” or “gentleness”). There is no clear distinction between humility and meekness, hence variances in translation.

Humility is often connected with low socio-economic stature, with individuals or groups who are in affliction, poverty, and suffering (Deut. 26:6; Job 22:29). God delivers the humble and brings down the haughty (1 Sam. 2:7; 2 Sam. 22:28). Yahweh humbles individuals (Pharaoh, Exod. 10:3) and groups (Israelites, Deut. 8:2, 16), showing that their relationship before God is more important than earthly prominence or affluence; kings who humble themselves before God are exalted (1 Kgs. 21:29; 2 Kgs. 22:19; 2 Chr. 32:26; 33:12, 19), while those who do not are afflicted (2 Chr. 33:23; 36:12). Because the poor were often prey to the powerful, law codes reflect concern for them (Exod. 23:6; Deut. 15:7; 24:14). The humility of the poor is increasingly connected with righteousness (Num. 12:3; Zeph. 2:3; cf. Ps. 22:26[MT 27]; 25:9). What God desires most is not outward sacrifices but a humble spirit (Ps. 51:17; Mic. 6:8). Humility shows itself through obedience to God (Deut. 8:2), recognition of one’s sinfulness (Isa. 6:5), and submission to God (2 Chr. 34:27). God accords blessings to the humble, including wisdom (Prov. 11:2), good tidings (Isa. 61:1), honor (Prov. 15:33), and even life and sometimes wealth (22:4).

Although humility is associated with righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3-12, esp. v. 5), in the NT it is more often connected with Jesus as Messiah. Matt. 21:5 applies the messianic prophecy of Zech. 9:9 to Jesus as a king who is humble (Gk. praüs, “gentle” or “mild,” as a wild animal that has been tamed). The acts of Jesus were those of humility as well, especially washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:5; cf. Matt. 11:29), an example they are to follow (John 13:15; cf. Matt. 23:12).

Humility is a consistent theme throughout the Epistles. In the Greco-Roman world many regarded humility as a sign of weakness or even a character flaw; its meanings of “lowly” or “servile” were often used disparagingly. That Christians should view humility as a virtue was therefore quite striking. Paul writes that humility is at the heart of Christ’s character (Phil. 2:3-8; Gk. tapeinós, “lowly,” “downcast”). It is an attitude of Paul himself (2 Cor. 10:1), an attitude of Christian community (Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12), a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:23), which finds its source in agápē (1 Cor. 4:21; cf. 13:4-5). Humility is the appropriate attitude toward God (Jas. 4:10) and toward each other (1 Pet. 3:8; 5:5).

T. J. Jenney

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HUMILITY

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)