Luke 14:11
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 11
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ταπεινῶν
he that humbleth
G5013
ταπεινῶν
he that humbleth
Strong's:
G5013
Word #:
6 of 11
to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταπεινῶν
he that humbleth
G5013
ταπεινῶν
he that humbleth
Strong's:
G5013
Word #:
9 of 11
to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)
Cross References
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.Proverbs 29:23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.Matthew 23:12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.James 4:6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Proverbs 18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.Psalms 138:6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.James 4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.Isaiah 2:17And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Psalms 18:27For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
Historical Context
Spoken at a Pharisee's dinner where Jesus observed guests seeking places of honor, this teaching subverted the honor-shame culture of first-century Judaism where social status and seating arrangements carried enormous significance. Jesus transformed a common social scenario into an eternal spiritual principle.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you seeking to exalt yourself rather than trusting God to vindicate you?
- How does this principle challenge contemporary culture's emphasis on self-promotion and personal branding?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This principle appears multiple times in Luke's Gospel (18:14) and throughout Scripture, establishing a divine law that operates in both earthly and eternal realms. The Greek words 'hupsoō' (exalt) and 'tapeinoō' (humble) are theological terms describing both self-promotion versus self-abasement and God's action of elevation versus demotion. This teaching follows Jesus' parable about seeking the lowest place at a feast, applying spiritual truth through common social situations. The passive voice 'shall be abased' and 'shall be exalted' indicates God's sovereign action, teaching that ultimate vindication comes from Him alone, not self-promotion.