What Is Humility in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Humility is perhaps the most countercultural virtue in Scripture, appearing consistently as the mark of godliness and the pathway to divine favor. The biblical concept is not self-deprecation or groveling inferiority but an accurate self-assessment in light of God's greatness. Paul instructs believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought but to think soberly, according to the measure of faith God has distributed. True humility recognizes that every good gift comes from above, that we are creatures dependent upon our Creator, and that our righteousness is filthy rags apart from Christ. Jesus provided the ultimate model of humility. Though He was 'in the form of God,' He 'made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.' This passage in Philippians 2 is the clearest exposition of Christian humility — the eternal Son emptying Himself of divine privilege to serve and save rebellious humanity. God responds to humility with grace. 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.' 'Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.' Moses was praised as 'very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.' David's humility before Saul, even when he had the opportunity to kill him, demonstrated a heart after God's own. The Beatitudes begin with 'Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' Pride, the root of all sin, was Satan's downfall and Adam's temptation. Humility is the antidote — not thinking less of oneself but thinking of oneself less, and thinking more of God and His glory. It expresses itself in teachability, willingness to serve, gratitude for grace, and contentment with God's assignments.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages