Sacred Humility: ταπεινός (Strong’s G5011: tapeinos) Models Messiah’s Heart

Strong’s G5011: An adjective meaning “lowly, humble, meek,” ταπεινός represents Christ-like humility. Initially carrying negative connotations in Greek culture, it was transformed in the New Testament to describe the essential Christian virtue modeled by the Messiah Himself.

U- Unveiling the Word

ταπεινός represents a radical revaluation of humility in human character. While Greek culture viewed this quality negatively as servile or weak, the New Testament transforms it into the quintessential Christian virtue. The Messiah’s self-description as ταπεινός in Matthew’s Gospel marks a revolutionary shift in understanding true greatness. In its biblical context, it describes not merely external position but internal disposition – a genuine lowliness of heart that reflects divine character. The early church embraced this term as expressing the heart of Christian spirituality, seeing in it both the pattern of the Messiah and the path of discipleship. Today, it continues to challenge prevailing cultural values by presenting humility as strength rather than weakness.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταπεινός, tapeinos, /ta-pei-NOS/
• Phonetic Guide: “ta” as in “father,” “pei” as in “pay,” “nos” as in “nose”
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From τάπος (tapos) – “low-lying”
• -εινος (-einos) – adjectival suffix indicating quality or state

D – Defining Meanings

• Humble
• Lowly
• Meek

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but formed from root meaning “low” with qualitative suffix

Translation Options:

• Humble – emphasizes character quality
• Lowly – captures both position and disposition
• Meek – highlights gentle strength

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosunē) /ta-pei-no-fro-SOO-nay/ – “humility” as a noun
  See G5012
• ταπεινόω (tapeinoō) /ta-pei-NO-o/ – “to humble” as a verb
  See G5013

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Variable
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

As an adjective, it agrees with its noun in case, number, and gender:

• Masculine: ταπεινός (humble man)
• Feminine: ταπεινή (humble woman)
• Neuter: ταπεινόν (humble thing)
• Cross-references: ταπεινόω (tapeinoō) – “to humble”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ταπεινός’s transformation from negative connotation in classical Greek to positive Christian virtue. Thayer’s traces its semantic development, noting how Christianity elevated humble status to spiritual ideal. LSJ documents its classical usage for low social position and servile character. Vine’s highlights its appearance as Christ’s self-description, marking its theological significance. Strong’s connects it to physical lowness and moral humility. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in papyri, showing its common application to social status before its Christian elevation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am [ταπεινός] meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Additional References:
Luke 1:52
Romans 12:16
2 Corinthians 7:6
James 1:9
James 4:6
1 Peter 5:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ταπεινός powerfully captures the revolutionary nature of Christian character. The Messiah’s embrace of this term transforms it from a mark of shame to a badge of honor. The good news shines through as we see that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humble service. It reminds us that the path to exaltation passes through voluntary humility, following the pattern of our Lord who humbled Himself for our salvation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Greek aristocrats considered ταπεινός a negative quality unworthy of free men.
2. The term appears frequently in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew words for humility.
3. Early Christian writers used this word to contrast Christian and pagan values.

Strong’s G5011: An adjective meaning “lowly, humble, meek,” ταπεινός represents Christ-like humility. Initially carrying negative connotations in Greek culture, it was transformed in the New Testament to describe the essential Christian virtue modeled by the Messiah Himself.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: humility, meekness, Christ-like character, lowliness, spiritual virtue, divine character, Christian values, servant heart, spiritual transformation, godly attitude​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​