What is the definition of humble?
- Humble means to submit yourself under the Authority of Almighty God.
- A humble person is a person that submits to the Word of God in their lives, living as God would have them to live.
- Having humility is in stark contrast to being a prideful person because a proud person lives the way that he wants to live with no regard to the will of God.
- A humble or meek person lives for God, but a proud person lives for himself.
Neccessity of Humility for Answers To Prayer and Breakthrough in lifeHumility is one of the topics in scripture that I often focus on because it is the key to receiving faith and the grace that God gives.
The Bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God in Romans 10:17, and sometimes people mistake that faith is something that they muster up.
No, faith to get the victory in life and to get the victory, and the breakthrough that you're looking for, requires God to send that faith to you.
But the way that that faith is sent to you is through the Lord doing His thing, and then on your side, what you have to do is exactly as this word says.
You have to be humble. Humility is how you get the grace and faith to do the work of God and to get breakthrough and blessing.
The Bible in James 4:6 says that God opposes the proud, but he gives grace unto the humble.
And so, when living life as a believer, since faith is essential, humility is likewise essential, because without that humility, you won't get the faith and the grace that you need in order to be effective and productive in the work that God wants you to do and in the life that he wants you to live.
So lets commit to being humble so God can show Himself strong in our lives in Jesus' Name.
Greek Word Study on Humble and other related words found in Scripture:
1. ταπεινόω (tapeinoō)Part of Speech: Verb
Root: ταπεινός (tapeinos) – low, humble
Meaning: To make low; to humble oneself; to bring down; to act with humility; to submit willingly.
Humility is often used in the New Testament in spiritual contexts where a person actively humbles themselves before God or others. Indicates voluntary lowering of status or attitude.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 11:29 – “I am meek and humble (praus kai tapeinos) in heart”
James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord”
Humility is connected with receiving grace and favor from God; God exalts those who humble themselves.
2. ταπεινότης (tapeinotēs)Part of Speech: Noun
Root: ταπεινός (tapeinos) – low, humble
Meaning: Lowliness of mind; humility; the quality of being humble.
The word humble here focuses on disposition or character, not just actions. Often paired with virtues like meekness and gentleness.
Scriptures:
Colossians 3:12 – “Put on…humility (tapeinotēs) toward one another”
Humility as a character trait is essential for Christian community life and moral conduct.
3. πραΰς (praus)Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Gentle, meek, humble; mild in spirit or disposition.
This word for humble emphasizes inner gentleness rather than outward acts; often used as a moral or spiritual characteristic.
Scriptures:
Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek (praus), for they shall inherit the earth”
Matthew 11:29 – “I am meek and humble (praus kai tapeinos) in heart”
Meekness here is a hallmark of Christlike character and a prerequisite for inheriting God’s promises.
4. ταπεινόφρων (tapeinophrōn)Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Humble-minded; lowly in thought; not conceited.
This word for humble-minded refers to the attitude of the mind, showing internal humility that shapes behavior.
Scriptures:
Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind (tapeinophrosynē) let each esteem others better than themselves”
True humility manifests in thought, attitude, and social conduct.
How About Scriptures That Define Humility?
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
- Psalm 131:1 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
- Matthew 23:8-12 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Church Father's on Humility:
| Church Father (Time Period) | View with Scriptural Reference on Being Humble |
|---|---|
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) | Meekness arises from recognizing all goodness comes from God, not self. (James 4:6) |
| John Chrysostom (347–407) | Lowliness of heart softens human interactions and avoids contention. (Philippians 2:3) |
| Jerome (347–420) | Self-effacement before God allows divine grace to flourish. (1 Peter 5:6) |
| Gregory of Nyssa (335–395) | Modesty of spirit opens the path toward spiritual ascent. (Matthew 18:4) |
| Basil the Great (329–379) | Humbleness is demonstrated through serving others without seeking reward. (Matthew 23:11) |
| Ambrose of Milan (340–397) | Meekheartedness clears the mind for wisdom and divine understanding. (Proverbs 16:18–19) |
| Cyril of Alexandria (376–444) | Lowliness restrains anger and aligns one with God’s will. (Proverbs 15:1) |
| Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373) | Imitating Christ’s humbleness reveals true spiritual greatness. (Philippians 2:5–8) |
| Ephrem the Syrian (306–373) | Self-effacement protects the soul from pride and arrogance. (Proverbs 29:23) |
| Isidore of Pelusium (d. 436) | Esteeming others above oneself cultivates inner peace and meekness. (Romans 12:10) |
| Leo the Great (400–461) | Obedience to God strengthens the soul more than worldly power. (1 Corinthians 15:33) |
| Peter Chrysologus (c. 380–450) | Meekness fosters gentleness and prevents unnecessary disputes. (Colossians 3:12–13) |
| Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310–367) | Recognizing human insufficiency prepares the heart for God’s mercy. (2 Corinthians 12:9) |
| Gregory Nazianzen (329–390) | A spirit of modesty invites divine wisdom and insight. (James 3:13) |
| John of Damascus (675–749) | Gentle restraint and meekness guide a soul toward God. (Galatians 5:22–23) |
| Maximus the Confessor (580–662) | Conforming one’s will to God’s purposes expresses humbleness of spirit. (Romans 12:2) |
| Bede the Venerable (673–735) | Obedience, patience, and meekheartedness cultivate spiritual depth. (Hebrews 12:11) |
| Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109) | Meekness inclines the heart to trust God rather than self. (Proverbs 3:5–6) |
| Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) | Admitting weakness deepens reliance on God’s mercy. (Psalm 34:18) |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) | Moderation in seeking honor aligns human desire with divine order. (Matthew 23:12) |
| John Cassian (360–435) | Honest self-assessment fosters meekness and obedience. (Psalm 51:3–4) |
| Gregory of Tours (538–594) | Speaking little of oneself and praising God reflects humility. (1 Corinthians 10:31) |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (130–202) | Lowliness in imitation of Christ teaches obedience and love. (Philippians 2:8) |
| Tertullian (155–240) | Modesty preserves spiritual integrity against vanity. (Proverbs 16:18) |
| Origen (184–253) | Directing the mind toward God rather than human praise demonstrates humility. (Colossians 3:23–24) |
| Cyprian of Carthage (200–258) | Obedience and love of brethren nurture meekheartedness. (Romans 12:10) |
| Clement of Alexandria (150–215) | Self-effacement elevates the soul above worldly attachments. (Matthew 6:19–21) |
| John Climacus (579–649) | Subduing self promotes spiritual advancement and meekness. (Luke 14:11) |
| Leo the Great (400–461) | Gentleness and modesty guide the exercise of authority. (1 Peter 5:3–6) |
| Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373) | Lowliness allows obedience to God to become natural and joyful. (James 4:10) |
| Ephrem the Syrian (306–373) | Recognizing human insufficiency fosters dependence on God. (Proverbs 3:7) |
| Isidore of Pelusium (d. 436) | Preferring God’s honor over personal praise keeps the heart humble. (Galatians 1:10) |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) | Meekheartedness grows when we acknowledge our reliance on God. (John 15:5) |
| John Chrysostom (347–407) | Avoiding rivalry and envy strengthens communal peace. (Romans 12:16) |
| Jerome (347–420) | Detachment from worldly status enhances modesty of spirit. (Matthew 6:24) |
| Gregory of Nyssa (335–395) | Seeing one’s weakness alongside God’s strength cultivates lowliness. (2 Corinthians 10:17–18) |
| Basil the Great (329–379) | Accepting correction demonstrates meekness and openness to growth. (Proverbs 9:9) |
| Ambrose of Milan (340–397) | Redirecting attention from self to others embodies humility. (Philippians 2:4) |
| Cyril of Alexandria (376–444) | Patience and gentleness are signs of a humble heart. (Proverbs 15:18) |
| Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373) | Subduing self makes obedience to God pleasant. (Psalm 37:4) |
| Ephrem the Syrian (306–373) | Recognizing limits strengthens meekheartedness and receptivity to God. (Psalm 131:1–2) |
| Isidore of Pelusium (d. 436) | Valuing God’s approval over human praise fosters meekness. (1 Corinthians 10:31) |
| Leo the Great (400–461) | Leadership guided by gentleness reflects inner lowliness. (1 Peter 5:3) |
| Peter Chrysologus (c. 380–450) | Harmony grows when each esteems others above self. (Romans 12:10) |
| Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310–367) | Letting go of pride allows the mind to receive divine insight. (James 1:5) |
| Gregory Nazianzen (329–390) | Wisdom enters hearts that practice modesty and meekness. (Proverbs 11:2) |
| John of Damascus (675–749) | Gentleness and restraint indicate a soul aligned with God. (Colossians 3:12) |
| Maximus the Confessor (580–662) | Conforming to Christ’s meekness strengthens spiritual life. (Philippians 2:5–8) |
| Bede the Venerable (673–735) | Serving others demonstrates humility and lowliness. (Matthew 25:40) |
| Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109) | Dependence on God exceeds self-reliance, fostering meekness. (Proverbs 3:5–6) |
| Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) | Admitting weakness invites God’s assistance. (2 Corinthians 12:9) |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) | Moderation in seeking esteem aligns desires with divine order. (Matthew 23:12) |
| John Cassian (360–435) | Self-awareness and obedience guide spiritual advancement. (Psalm 51:10) |
| Gregory of Tours (538–594) | Focusing on God rather than self glorifies Him. (1 Corinthians 10:31) |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (130–202) | Following Christ’s meekness exemplifies obedient love. (Philippians 2:8) |
| Tertullian (155–240) | Avoiding vanity sustains meekheartedness. (Proverbs 16:18) |
| Origen (184–253) | Attention to God rather than human judgment ensures spiritual clarity. (Colossians 3:23–24) |
More Scriptures That Define Humility and Meekness
- Romans 12:3For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
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