Divine Reversal: ταπείνωσις (Strong’s G5014: tapeinōsis) Reveals Path to Exaltation

Strong’s G5014: A noun meaning “low estate, humiliation,” ταπείνωσις describes both the voluntary acceptance of a humble position and imposed lowliness. In the New Testament, it particularly highlights how God exalts the humble, as exemplified in Mary’s Magnificat.

U- Unveiling the Word

ταπείνωσις represents the state or condition of being brought low, whether through circumstances or choice. In its New Testament context, it appears prominently in contexts where divine reversal transforms lowliness into exaltation. Most notably in Mary’s Magnificat, it expresses how God’s redemptive work often begins with recognizing and embracing one’s humble state. The early church saw this term as expressing a fundamental pattern in God’s kingdom – that He chooses the humble things to confound the mighty. Today, it continues to challenge believers to embrace seasons of lowliness as opportunities for divine exaltation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταπείνωσις, tapeinōsis, /ta-pei-NO-sis/
• Phonetic Guide: “ta” as in “father,” “pei” as in “pay,” “no” as in “no,” “sis” as in “cease”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• From ταπεινόω (tapeinoō) – verb meaning “to humble”
• -σις (-sis) – suffix forming abstract nouns indicating action or state

D – Defining Meanings

• Low estate
• Humiliation
• Humble condition

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derived from ταπεινόω with abstract noun suffix -σις

Translation Options:

• Low estate – emphasizes condition
• Humiliation – captures experience
• Humble state – combines both aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosunē) /ta-pei-no-fro-SOO-nay/ – “humility” as character quality
  See G5012
• ταπεινός (tapeinos) /ta-pei-NOS/ – “humble” as adjective
  See G5011

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Varies (Nominative, Genitive, etc.)
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

As an abstract noun, it follows third declension patterns. In English, it typically appears as “humiliation” or “low estate” with appropriate articles and possessive forms.

• Cross-references: ταπεινόω (tapeinoō) – “to humble”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ταπείνωσις’s dual application to both imposed and voluntary lowliness. Thayer’s traces its development from physical lowness to spiritual state. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for social and political humiliation. Vine’s highlights its appearance in Mary’s song, connecting it to divine reversal. Strong’s connects it to the concept of being brought low. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in papyri describing various forms of social and economic lowliness, showing its practical application in daily life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 1:48: “For He has regarded the [ταπείνωσιν] low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”

Additional References:
Acts 8:33
Philippians 3:21
James 1:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ταπείνωσις powerfully illustrates how God works through apparent weakness and lowliness. This word appears at pivotal moments of divine reversal, showing that God often chooses those in humble circumstances for His greatest works. The good news shines through as we see that no degree of lowliness is beyond God’s notice or use. Mary’s recognition of her “low estate” became the context for the greatest divine intervention in history, reminding us that God specializes in exalting the humble.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term appears in Mary’s Magnificat, one of the earliest Christian hymns.
2. Ancient Greek culture generally viewed ταπείνωσις negatively.
3. Early church fathers often cited this word when discussing God’s preference for the humble.

Strong’s G5014: A noun meaning “low estate, humiliation,” ταπείνωσις describes both the voluntary acceptance of a humble position and imposed lowliness. In the New Testament, it particularly highlights how God exalts the humble, as exemplified in Mary’s Magnificat.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: humiliation, low estate, divine reversal, Mary’s song, humble circumstances, exaltation, spiritual condition, divine choice, God’s favor, kingdom principles​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​