The term "abases" refers to the act of lowering or humbling oneself or another. In the context of the Bible, it often pertains to the humbling of individuals or nations by God or through personal humility. The concept of abasement is closely tied to themes of pride, humility, and divine justice.

Biblical References:

1. Philippians 4:12 : The Apostle Paul speaks of his ability to be content in all circumstances, whether in abundance or in need. He states, "I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need." Here, the term "live humbly" is synonymous with being abased, indicating a state of humility and reliance on God regardless of external circumstances.

2. Luke 14:11 : Jesus teaches about humility, saying, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." This passage highlights the divine principle that those who seek to elevate themselves will be brought low, while those who willingly abase themselves will be lifted up by God.

3. Job 22:29 : In the discourse of Eliphaz, he mentions, "When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly." This verse suggests that God responds to the abasement of individuals with salvation and deliverance, emphasizing His favor towards the humble.

4. Isaiah 2:11 : The prophet Isaiah declares, "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be abased; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." This prophecy speaks to the ultimate humbling of human pride and the exaltation of God, underscoring the theme of divine justice.

Theological Significance:

The concept of abasement in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of humility before God. It is a recurring theme that illustrates the consequences of pride and the blessings of humility. Abasement is often portrayed as a necessary process for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. Through abasement, individuals and nations are brought to a recognition of their dependence on God, leading to repentance and restoration.

Related Concepts:

· Humility: The quality of being humble, which is often associated with abasement. Humility is a virtue that is highly valued in the biblical narrative and is seen as essential for a right relationship with God.
· Pride: The opposite of humility, pride is frequently condemned in the Bible. It is often the precursor to abasement, as those who are proud are warned of eventual humbling by God.
· Divine Justice: The principle that God will ultimately humble the proud and exalt the humble, reflecting His righteous judgment and sovereign will.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, abasement could also refer to the literal lowering of status or position, often as a result of military defeat or social disgrace. In the biblical narrative, abasement is not only a physical or social condition but also a spiritual state that calls for introspection and transformation.

Concerning the Outward Manifestations by which this Second ...
... Therefore, while it abases the man, it raises him; while it covers him with squalor,
it renders him more clean; while it accuses, it excuses; while it condemns ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter ix concerning the outward manifestations.htm

Fifteenth Letter
... When we see them in the hand of GOD, who dispenses them: when we know that it is
our loving FATHER, who abases and distresses us: our sufferings will lose ...
/.../lawrence/the practice of the presence of god/fifteenth letter.htm

On the Feast of St Agatha, or the Holy virgins
... vineyard with patience, in the pure ground of a humble heart, in which God only
dwells; for God only dwells in the heart of a virgin who abases herself, from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon viii on the feast.htm

Holy Scripture Magnifies the Flesh, as to Its Nature and Its ...
... in which it is ennobled. You read whatever passage abases it; direct your
eyes also to that which elevates it. "All flesh is grass ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter x holy scripture magnifies the.htm

They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his ...
... might annihilate self-righteousness. It does the same in the soul; it abases,
weakens and covers it with wretchedness. But why does ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 they all hold swords.htm

Whether Humility Has to do with the Appetite?
... against God. He that abases himself before Him, him He raiseth up; he that
raises himself up against Him, him He casteth down.". Reply ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether humility has to do.htm

Christian Contentment.
... Another practiseth a sweet hypocrisy That love and praise secures, and him on high
upraises, While in the lurch the world thee leaves, and much abases. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/christian contentment.htm

"We have Found the Messias"
... be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God,
with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 14 we have found.htm

The Christ of the Gospels.
... Whosoever will be greatest among you, let him be your servant. God exalts the humble,
and abases the proud.". This is the first moral principle of Jesus. ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... Because the Lord does not cast away for ever; for when He abases, He is gracious,
according to the multitude of His tender mercies [4386] .' For though all ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

Abases (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Abases (3 Occurrences). Matthew 23:12 and one who exalts
himself shall be abased, while one who abases himself shall be exalted. (WEY) ...
/a/abases.htm - 7k

Abased (17 Occurrences)

/a/abased.htm - 11k

Abaseth (1 Occurrence)

/a/abaseth.htm - 6k

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