Greek · G5011 · unreviewed

ταπεινός

Lowly

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ταπεινός G5011
Pronunciation tapeinós

What does ταπεινός (tapeinós) mean in the Bible?

ταπεινός (tapeinós) is a Greek word meaning "lowly". ταπεινός, -ή, -όν [in LXX for שָׁפָל, עָנִי, etc. Refers to social and economic lowliness, highlighting reversal through spiritual exaltation.

Full entry for ταπεινός (G5011) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

lowly
Extended definition

Low in social status or humble in spirit; NT reframes as virtue rather than disgrace.

low-lying; metaphorically,

alowly, of low degree, brought low: Jas.1:9, 2Co.7:6 (cf. Sir.25:23); οἱ τ., opposite to δυνάσται, Luk.1:52; τ. ταπεινοῖς (neut., R, txt.; masc., R, mg.; see ICC, in l), Rom.12:16;
blowly in spirit, humble, in cl. usually in a slighting sense (see Tr., Syn., § xlii; but see also Abbott, Essays, 81), in NT in an honourable sense: 2Co.10:1; before τ. καρδίᾳ, Mat.11:29 (cf. Psa.34:19); opposite to ὑπερήφανος, Jas.4:6, 1Pe.5:5" (LXX) .
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Refers to social and economic lowliness, highlighting reversal through spiritual exaltation. James 1:9–11
Grammatical Forms

How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.

Nominative · Singular · Masculine Matt 11:29 · 2 Cor 10:1 · Jas 1:9
Dative · Plural · Masculine Rom 12:16 · Jas 4:6 · 1 Pet 5:5
Accusative · Plural · Masculine Luke 1:52 · 2 Cor 7:6
Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources