The Meaning of tapeinoo: Humility in Action

The Meaning of Tapeinoo

The Greek verb *tapeinoo* (ταπεινόω) derives from the adjective *tapeinos* (ταπεινός), meaning 'low' or 'humble,' and signifies the act of voluntarily lowering oneself in attitude or status.

Unlike *tapeinosis* (ταπεινωσις), which denotes the state of being humbled, *tapeinoo* emphasizes active self-abasement for spiritual or relational purposes. It contrasts with forced humiliation, focusing instead on intentional humility, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4 where believers are urged to 'consider others better than themselves.'

Tapeinoo in Philippians 2:3-4

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul urges believers to embody humility by using *tapeinoo* to describe the mindset of self-abasement modeled by Christ in the Christ-hymn (Phil 2:6-8).

Paul applies *tapeinoo* to Jesus in the hymn, where Christ 'emptied himself' (Phil 2:7), taking the form of a servant and humbling himself to the point of death on a cross (Phil 2:8). This voluntary self-emptying (*kenosis*) reflects Jesus’ radical humility, which Paul presents as the ultimate example for followers of Christ.

By linking *tapeinoo* to Jesus’ self-giving, Paul calls believers to prioritize others over themselves (Phil 2:3-4), framing humility not as weakness but as a transformative, Christlike virtue central to Christian community.

Broader Biblical Usage of Tapeinoo

The New Testament extends the call to humility beyond Philippians, emphasizing its role in shaping Christian community and character.

Colossians 3:12 explicitly links *tapeinoo* to the 'putting on' of compassion, kindness, humility, and other virtues, framing humility as an essential garment for believers living in unity. Similarly, 1 Peter 5:5 urges followers of Christ to 'clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,' directly connecting *tapeinoo* to mutual submission and resisting the cultural hierarchies of the Greco-Roman world. In both contexts, the term underscores a communal ethic where self-abasement mirrors Christ’s example and fosters relational harmony. These passages reveal a theological pattern: humility is a transformative posture that aligns believers with God’s redemptive priorities, as 1 Peter notes, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5b).

Putting 'Tapeinoo' into Practice

Applying the biblical call to humility in today’s world requires intentional reflection on how pride, service, and community shape Christian character.

Believers can embody *tapeinoo* by actively prioritizing others’ needs over their own, as Philippians 2:3-4 instructs: 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.' This involves embracing service, as seen in Jesus’ example of washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:5), and fostering relationships marked by mutual respect rather than competition, as Colossians 3:12 emphasizes 'putting on' humility alongside compassion and kindness.

Challenges to practicing *tapeinoo* often stem from cultural values that equate humility with weakness or self-deprecation. Yet 1 Peter 5:5 clarifies that 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,' urging believers to resist pride while recognizing humility as a transformative, grace-enabled posture. The closing sentence invites readers to consider how *tapeinoo* might reshape their interactions, preparing them for deeper exploration of humility’s role in spiritual growth.

Going Deeper

Exploring the Old Testament roots of humility can enrich your understanding of *tapeinoo*’s New Testament significance.

Consider passages like Proverbs 11:2 (‘When pride comes, then comes disgrace’), Proverbs 15:33 (‘The fear of the Lord teaches a person wisdom’), and Proverbs 22:4 (‘Humility brings honor’), which frame humility as a divine virtue. These themes echo in Paul’s exhortations and 1 Peter 5:5, where humility aligns believers with God’s grace-giving character.