Strong's Lexicon tapeinos: Humble, lowly Original Word: ταπεινός Word Origin: Derived from the root word "tapeinóō" (Strong's 5013), meaning "to humble" or "to bring low." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with "tapeinos" is עָנָו (anav, Strong's 6035), which also means humble or meek. Usage: The Greek word "tapeinos" primarily denotes a state of humility or lowliness. It is used to describe a person who is humble in spirit, not seeking self-exaltation, and is often associated with a modest or unpretentious demeanor. In the New Testament, "tapeinos" is frequently used to highlight the virtue of humility as a characteristic of those who are righteous and favored by God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, humility was not typically regarded as a virtue. The culture often valued honor, status, and power. However, the Christian teaching, as reflected in the New Testament, subverts this cultural norm by elevating humility as a key virtue. This reflects the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who exemplified humility and taught His followers to do the same. HELPS Word-studies 5011 tapeinós (an adjective) – properly, low; (figuratively) inner lowliness describing the person who depends on the Lord rather than self. See 5012 (tapeinophrosynē). 5011 /tapeinós ("lowly, humble") means being God-reliant rather than self-reliant – which ironically always exalts a person (brings them true worth, cf. 1 Pet 5:6). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition low-lying, fig. lowly, hence lowly in spirit NASB Translation depressed (1), humble (5), lowly (1), meek (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5011: ταπεινόςταπεινός, ταπεινή ταπεινόν, from (Pindar), Aeschylus, Herodotus down, the Sept. for עָנִי, עָנָו, שָׁפָל, etc., low, i. e. a. properly, not rising far from the ground: Ezekiel 17:24. b. metaphorically, α. as to condition, lowly, of low degree: with a substantive, James 1:9; substantively οἱ ταπεινοί, opposed to δυνάσται, Luke 1:52; equivalent to brought low with grief, depressed (Sir. 25:23), 2 Corinthians 7:6. Neuter τά ταπεινά, Romans 12:16 (on which see συναπάγω, at the end). β. lowly in spirit, humble: opposed to ὑπερήφανος, James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 (from Proverbs 3:34); with τῇ καρδία added, Matthew 11:29 (τῷ πνεύματι, Psalm 33:19 Of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition) -- base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:29 Adj-NMSGRK: εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ NAS: gentle and humble in heart, KJV: meek and lowly in heart: and INT: I am and humble [in] the heart Luke 1:52 Adj-AMP Romans 12:16 Adj-DMP 2 Corinthians 7:6 Adj-AMP 2 Corinthians 10:1 Adj-NMS James 1:9 Adj-NMS James 4:6 Adj-DMP 1 Peter 5:5 Adj-DMP Strong's Greek 5011 |