James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Original Language Analysis
ταπεινώθητε
Humble yourselves
G5013
ταπεινώθητε
Humble yourselves
Strong's:
G5013
Word #:
1 of 7
to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 7
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Psalms 147:6The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.Matthew 23:12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.1 Peter 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:Luke 14:11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Job 22:29When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.Psalms 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;Luke 1:52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.1 Samuel 2:9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.Psalms 27:6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Historical Context
Oppressed believers longed for relief. James assures them that humility, not retaliation, leads to God's exaltation, echoing themes later repeated by Peter (1 Peter 5:6).
Questions for Reflection
- What situation currently demands humble submission?
- How can you trust God's promise to exalt you in His way?
- Who can you serve quietly as an act of humility?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Humble yourselves (tapeinōthēte, ταπεινώθητε) before the Lord, and He will exalt (hypsōsei, ὑψώσει) you. God's kingdom reverses the world's playbook: those who stoop are lifted.
Reformed believers trust God's timing for vindication. Jesus' own path of humiliation then exaltation guarantees the same pattern for His people.