Biblical Definition of Humility: A Deep Dive into Scripture
The biblical definition of humility is far richer and more transformative than most people realize, centering on a heart posture of lowliness, self-forgetfulness, and complete dependence on God.134 In a world that often prizes self-promotion and personal achievement, the Bible calls believers to a radically different way of life—one marked by humility, service, and a recognition of our true place before God.
What Does “Humility” Mean in the Bible?
The Greek word most often translated as “humility” in the New Testament is tapeinophrosynē, literally meaning “lowliness of mind.”17 This is not mere outward modesty or self-deprecation, but an internal attitude—a way of viewing oneself in light of God’s greatness and our utter dependence on Him.
“Humility is a fundamental virtue in Christian theology, characterized by a modest view of one's own importance and a recognition of one's dependence on God. It involves a willingness to submit to God's will and to serve others selflessly.”3
Key Biblical Passages on Humility
Old Testament Foundations:
Proverbs 22:4: “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”3
Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
New Testament Clarity:
Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”14
Being “poor in spirit” is a foundational aspect of humility—recognizing our spiritual need and bankruptcy before God.Philippians 2:3-8:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves… Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who… humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”54
Colossians 3:12: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”157
The Heart of Biblical Humility
1. Lowliness of Mind and Poverty of Spirit
Biblical humility begins with an honest assessment of our own spiritual poverty. Jesus taught that only those who admit their need—who are “poor in spirit”—are fit for the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).14 This means acknowledging our inability to save ourselves, our lack of merit, and our utter dependence on God’s mercy.
2. Self-Forgetfulness, Not Self-Hatred
True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.5 It is not self-loathing or an inferiority complex, but a freedom from the need to focus on oneself at all. C.S. Lewis famously wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”56
3. Submission and Obedience to God
A humble person is marked by a willingness to submit to God’s will and obey His Word, even when it is difficult or costly.4 Isaiah 66:2 says, “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”4
4. Service to Others
Humility is outward-looking. The humble person seeks the good of others, not just their own interests. Jesus taught, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).4 Paul echoes this in Philippians 2:3: “In humility count others more significant than yourselves.”5
5. Freedom from Pride and Self-Justification
Pride is consistently condemned in Scripture as the root of many sins. Humility, by contrast, is the antidote—freeing us from the need to justify ourselves, defend our reputation, or seek our own advancement.134
Jesus Christ: The Perfect Example of Humility
No one exemplified humility more perfectly than Jesus Christ. Though He was “in the form of God,” He “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant… He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).45
Jesus’ entire earthly life was marked by humility:
He was born in a manger, not a palace.
He served others, washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).
He submitted to the Father’s will, even when it led to the cross.
“Christ gave Himself for us and that is true humility. True humility seeks to bring glory and honor to God and looks out for the interests of others.”5
Humility in the Life of the Believer
Entering the Kingdom
Humility is a prerequisite for salvation. We must come to Christ as beggars, admitting our need and receiving His grace with gratitude.14
Living in the Kingdom
Humility is not just the way in; it is the way on. Jesus taught that greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humble service (Matthew 20:26-27). The apostle Paul, despite his gifts and achievements, called himself “the least of the apostles” and “the chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:9).1
Receiving God’s Grace
God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:5).1 If we humble ourselves, God promises to exalt us in due time (Luke 14:11).
Practical Expressions of Humility
Confessing sin and seeking forgiveness (James 5:16)
Serving others without seeking recognition (Matthew 6:1-4)
Submitting to spiritual authority and wise counsel (Hebrews 13:17)
Accepting suffering and hardship as from God’s hand (Job’s example)5
Humility vs. Worldly Views
The world often sees humility as weakness, but the Bible presents it as strength. Humility is not about self-deprecation or lack of ambition; it is about having a right view of oneself in relation to God and others. It is a divine characteristic, produced in us by the Holy Spirit.56
How to Cultivate Biblical Humility
Meditate on God’s greatness and holiness.
The more we see God as He truly is, the more we recognize our need for humility.Remember the cross.
Nothing humbles us like remembering the price Jesus paid for our sin.Practice gratitude.
Thankfulness shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s goodness.Serve others regularly.
Look for ways to put others’ needs above your own.Confess pride quickly.
When you notice pride in your heart, bring it to God in repentance.
Conclusion: The Blessing of Humility
The biblical definition of humility is a call to embrace our true position before God—dependent, grateful, and eager to serve. It is the path to blessing, greatness in God’s eyes, and deep, lasting joy.
“God has promised to give grace to the humble, while He opposes the proud… If we humble ourselves, God gives us more grace and exalts us.”1
Let us, then, seek to clothe ourselves with humility, following Christ’s example, and trusting God to lift us up in His perfect timing.
