Theological Term for God's Humility in Scripture
The Concept of God's Humility in Scripture
The concept of God's humility is rooted in biblical teachings, particularly in the person and actions of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:6-8 is a key passage that describes Christ's humility, where he "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" and "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death" [1]. This passage is often cited as a prime example of Christ's humility.
In Scripture, humility is considered a vital Christian virtue, pleasing to God and essential for a right relationship with Him (1 Peter 3:4; 5:5) [1, 4]. The biblical concept of humility involves recognizing one's limitations and dependence on God, as well as a willingness to submit to His will. Christ's humility is exemplified in his incarnation, life, and death, demonstrating a willingness to serve and obey God, even to the point of sacrifice [2].
Theological traditions interpret God's humility in various ways. Some emphasize Christ's condescension in taking on human nature and experiencing human infirmities (Hebrews 4:15; 5:7) [2]. Others highlight the importance of human humility in response to God's kindness and love (Titus 3:3-4) [5]. one commentary tradition on Psalms notes that "humble penitents are objects of God's special tender regard" (Psalm 51:19; Isaiah 57:15) [6].
The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, emphasizes the importance of humility in the Christian life, citing passages such as 1 Peter 5:6 and Ephesians 3:8 [7, 8]. According to Gill, humility involves having "mean thoughts of oneself" and being willing to receive instruction and admonition from others.
The biblical concept of God's humility is closely tied to his condescension and love for humanity. As Proverbs 25:2 notes, "the honour of God is to hide a thing" [3], suggesting that God's humility involves a willingness to veil his glory and majesty in order to relate to humanity.
Sources
- 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”
- 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”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 25:2 (YLT) — The honour of God <FI>is<Fi> to hide a thing, And the honour of kings to search out a matter.”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:6 (Geneva1599) — Humble your selues therefore vnder the mightie hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 34:17: Humble penitents are objects of God's special tender regard (Psa 51:19; Isa 57:15).”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves therefore,.... Or be ye humbled before God, and in his sight; quietly submit to his will; patiently bear every affliction without murmuring, repining, or replying against him; be still under the rod, and despise not the chastening of the Lord; mourn over sin as the cause, acknowledge your vileness and unworthiness, and stand in awe of his majesty, considering yourselves as under the mighty hand of God a phrase expressive of his omnipotence which cannot be stayed, and it would be madness to oppose it; and which is able to cast down the proud, and da”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 3:8: Unto me who am less than the least of all saints,.... This is an instance of the great humility of the apostle, and indeed the greatest saints are generally speaking, the most humble souls, as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and others; these have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; they rejoice in the grace of God manifested to others; they are willing to receive instruction, nay admonition, from the meanest believer; they have the least opinion of their own works, and are the greatest admirers of the grace of God; and do most contentedly subm”