Matthew 23:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus states the divine reversal: self-exaltation ends in humbling, while humility ends in being lifted up.
What Does Matthew 23:12 Mean?
This proverb seals Jesus' teaching on greatness and runs throughout Scripture. To exalt oneself is to grasp at honor; to humble oneself is to take the lowly place willingly. The two paths lead to opposite ends, for God himself sets things right.
The promise here is steadying for anyone tempted to push for recognition. The lifting that matters is not the kind we seize but the kind God gives. Jesus lived this truth and was raised to the highest place after the lowest descent. For his followers, the call is to release the need to be noticed and to trust that the One who sees in secret will exalt in his own time. Humility is the doorway, and God himself holds the reward.
Matthew 23:12 in the Original Language
tapeinoo (ταπεινόω), 'humble' -- to make low, to bring down or lower oneself in rank and spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 23:12
What does Matthew 23:12 mean?
Jesus states the divine reversal: self-exaltation ends in humbling, while humility ends in being lifted up.