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Exposition of James 1:9 on Humility

James 1:9 states, "Let the brother of low degree glory in his exaltation" (KJV). This verse introduces a significant theme in the Epistle of James concerning the reversal of fortunes for the humble and the wealthy, particularly within the Christian community [9].

The immediate literary context of James 1:9-11 presents a contrast between the "brother of low degree" and the "rich man." While the humble brother is to "glory in his exaltation," the rich man is to "glory in his humiliation" because he will pass away like a flower [9]. This passage follows James's opening exhortation to consider trials as joy, as they produce steadfastness (James 1:2-4). The epistle is addressed to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion," indicating a Jewish-Christian audience scattered outside of Palestine [9].

The phrase "brother of low degree" (Greek: ho adelphos ho tapeinos) refers to a Christian who is poor or of humble social standing [4]. The term tapeinos denotes lowliness, not necessarily in spirit, but in outward circumstances [4]. John Gill notes that this refers to a spiritual brother, a member of Christ's family and the household of faith, whose low degree pertains to his worldly state, being poor and mean in his outward circumstances [4].

The instruction for this humble brother to "glory in his exaltation" (Greek: kauchasthō en tē hypsōsei autou) is a key interpretive point. In the New Testament, "boasting" or "glorying" is often viewed negatively, particularly when it is self-centered [9]. However, here it refers to boasting in what God has done [9]. The exaltation of the humble is a recurring theme in biblical thought, where God regards the humble and lifts them up [2, 3]. For instance, Psalm 138:6 states that God regards the lowly, and Isaiah 57:15 speaks of God dwelling with the humble [2, 3]. Jesus himself taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11; 18:14) [2].

Adam Clarke interprets this exaltation as the poor, destitute Christian glorying in the cross of Christ and the blessed hope of heaven, recognizing that as a child of God, he is an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ [7]. This perspective aligns with the broader Christian understanding that humility is a prominent grace, well-pleasing to God, and a path to honor [3]. Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example of humility, taking on human nature and becoming a servant (Philippians 2:5-8) [1, 2, 3].

The patristic writers also emphasized humility. Clement of Rome, for example, exhorted believers to be of humble mind, laying aside haughtiness and pride, and to glory in the Lord by diligently seeking Him and doing judgment and righteousness [5]. He also cited Abraham, who, despite being called the friend of God, humbly declared, "I am but dust and ashes" [8]. Augustine linked humility with confession, stating that humility strengthens charity and extinguishes sins, not merely as a verbal declaration to avoid arrogance, but as a genuine recognition of one's sinfulness [10].

The concept of humility is closely linked with the fear of the Lord in wisdom literature, where a humble person understands they are not the center of the universe [6]. Proverbs 22:4 connects the fear of the Lord with humility, suggesting it is more valuable than wealth [6]. James's instruction for the humble to glory in their exaltation, therefore, does not promise material wealth but rather announces a future reversal of status in heaven, where their spiritual standing will be recognized and celebrated by God [9]. This divine recognition and lifting up of the humble is a consistent biblical promise [2].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  3. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
  4. James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 1:9: Let the brother of low degree,.... By "the brother" is meant, not one in a natural, but in a spiritual relation; one of Christ's brethren, and who is of that family that is named of him; of the household of faith, and is in church communion: and whereas he is said to be of "low degree", or "humble", this regards not the affection of his mind, or his conduct and deportment, he being meek and lowly, and clothed with humility, as every brother is, or ought to be; but his outward state and condition, being, as to the things of this world, poor, and mean in his outward circu”
  5. Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 9: Gospel of Peter, Diatessaron, Origen's Commentaries — CHAP. XIII.--AN EXHORTATI0N TO HUMILITY.: Let us therefore, brethren, be of humble mind, laying aside all haughtiness, and pride, and foolishness, and angry feelings; and let us act according to that which is written (for the Holy Spirit saith, "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, neither let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in the Lord, in diligently seeking Him, and doing judgment and righteousness"(1)), being especially mindful of the words o”
  6. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 22:4: 22:4 Fear of the Lord (see 1:7; 9:10) goes hand in hand with humility. A humble person knows that he is not the center of the universe. Humility is more valuable than wealth (16:19; see also 11:2; 15:33; 18:12).”
  7. James (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on James 1:9: Let the brother of low degree - The poor, destitute Christian may glory in the cross of Christ, and the blessed hope laid up for him in heaven; for, being a child of God, he is an heir of God, and a joint heir with Christ.”
  8. Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 9: Gospel of Peter, Diatessaron, Origen's Commentaries — CHAP. XVII.--THE SAINTS AS EXAMPLES OF: HUMILITY. Let us be imitators also of those who in goat-skins and sheep-skins(7) went about proclaiming the coming of Christ; I mean Elijah, Elisha, and Ezekiel among the prophets, with those ethers to whom a like testimony is borne [in Scripture]. Abraham was specially honoured, and was called the friend of God; yet he, earnestly regarding the glory of God, humbly declared, "I am but dust and ashes."(8) Moreover, it is thus written of Job, "Job was a righteous man, and blameless, truthful,”
  9. James (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on James 1:9: 1:9-11 Poverty and wealth are a recurring theme (cp. ch 2; 4:13–5:11). James does not promise material wealth to the righteous poor but announces a future reversal in heaven. 1:9 something to boast about: In the New Testament, boasting is usually viewed negatively (3:14; 4:16; Eph 2:9), but here it means boasting about what God has done (Jas 2:5; Rom 15:18; 1 Cor 1:31; Gal 6:14).”
  10. Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — 1 JOHN I. 1.--II. 11. (part 9): charity: therefore humility strengtheneth charity; charity extinguisheth sins Humility goes along with confession, the humility by which we confess ourselves sinners: this is humility, not to say it with the tongue, as if only to avoid arrogancy, lest we should displease men if we should say that we are righteous. This do the ungodly and insane: "I know indeed that I am righteous, but what shall I say before men? If I shall call myself righteous, who will bear it, who tolerate? let my righteousness be known unto God: I”
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