What Does the Bible Say About Humility?
What Does the Bible Say About Humility? The Bible teaches that humility—recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves—is essential to the Christian life.
Key verse: Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that humility—recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves—is essential to the Christian life.
The Bible teaches that humility—recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves—is essential to the Christian life.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." — Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less, as C.S. Lewis suggested. Jesus said the greatest in His kingdom would be the servant of all (Matthew 23:11). He demonstrated this by washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17). Moses was described as the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3). Paul urged believers to 'in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves' (Philippians 2:3). God promises to exalt the humble (1 Peter 5:6) and to dwell with those of a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15). Humility opens the door to God's grace (James 4:6), makes us teachable, and enables genuine community. It is the foundation upon which all other virtues are built.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Integrity?
What the Bible teaches about honesty, moral character, and living with integrity before God and others.
Key Scripture References
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
The Bible identifies pride as the root of many sins, warns that God opposes the proud, and calls believers to cultivate humility instead.
What Does the Bible Say About Serving Others?
Jesus taught that greatness in God's kingdom comes through humble service—He modeled this by washing His disciples' feet and giving His life for others.
What Is the Fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is the character produced in believers by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Godly Living
Prayer for Humility Before God
Decreasing so Christ may increase.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Philippians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Philippians on day 341 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Humility?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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