Humility
עֲנָוָה (anavah)
Lowliness of mind — a modest, submissive posture before God and others.
Anavah is the Hebrew word for humility, describing a lowly, gentle, and teachable spirit. It is the opposite of pride and is repeatedly honored in Scripture as essential for receiving God's grace.
"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?" — Micah 6:8 (KJV)
Key Verses
Micah 6:8
“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?”Read in context
Philippians 2:3
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Anavah derives from the Hebrew root anav, meaning 'poor,' 'afflicted,' or 'lowly.' It describes those who are not puffed up with self-importance but who recognize their dependence on God. Moses, the greatest leader in Israel's history, was described as the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3) — demonstrating that humility is strength under control, not weakness.
Humility in the Old Testament
Micah summarizes God's requirements: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). Proverbs teaches that 'before honour is humility' (Proverbs 15:33) and 'by humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life' (Proverbs 22:4). God consistently chose the humble — David the shepherd boy, Gideon the least in his family — to accomplish His greatest works.
Christ's Humility
Philippians 2:5-8 presents the supreme example of humility: Christ, being God, did not grasp at equality but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. He washed His disciples' feet (John 13), rode a donkey rather than a warhorse, and submitted to crucifixion. His humility was not self-deprecation but voluntary self-giving love.
Practicing Humility
Humility is a fruit of knowing God — the closer one draws to His greatness, the smaller one's self-importance becomes. It is cultivated through prayer, service, receiving correction, and esteeming others above oneself (Philippians 2:3). God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6), making humility the posture that unlocks divine favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does humility mean in the Bible?
Humility (anavah) is a lowly, teachable, God-dependent spirit. It means recognizing one's need for God, not thinking more highly of oneself than one ought, and serving others willingly.
Why does God value humility?
Because humility reflects an accurate view of God's greatness and our dependence on Him. God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6) and exalts those who humble themselves (Luke 14:11).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Humility"?
Micah 6:8 — "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?" (KJV). It also appears in James 4:6, Philippians 2:3.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Humility" matter?
Anavah derives from the Hebrew root anav, meaning 'poor,' 'afflicted,' or 'lowly.' It describes those who are not puffed up with self-importance but who recognize their dependence on God. English uses one word, "Humility", where the Hebrew עֲנָוָה (anavah) carries the fuller sense: lowliness of mind — a modest, submissive posture before god and others.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Humility (עֲנָוָה (anavah))
Lowliness of mind — a modest, submissive posture before God and others.
Biblical Meaning of Babies in a Dream (KJV)
New beginnings, dependence, and something God is birthing.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Humility vs. Low Self-Esteem — What's the Biblical Difference?
Daily Living
Prayer for Humility
Walking humbly before God and others.
Prophet (נָבִיא (Navi) / προφήτης (Prophētēs))
One who speaks God's message; a mouthpiece of the divine
Where to go next
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