King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:12 Mean?

Matthew 23:12 in the King James Version says “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

Matthew 23:12 · KJV

Context

10

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

11

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

13

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

14

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted—this perfectly balanced chiasm uses hypsōsei (ὑψώσει, will exalt) and tapeinōthēsetai (ταπεινωθήσεται, will be humbled/abased) in divine passive voice—God does the exalting and abasing. The verbs hypsōn (ὑψῶν, exalting) and tapeinōn (ταπεινῶν, humbling) are present participles describing habitual actions, not isolated incidents.

Jesus articulates a fundamental spiritual law: self-promotion leads to divine demotion, while self-humbling precedes divine elevation. This principle runs throughout Scripture (Proverbs 29:23; Luke 14:11, 18:14; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6). The Pharisees' self-exaltation guaranteed their judgment, while Jesus's own self-humiliation to death resulted in His name above every name (Philippians 2:8-9). This verse provides the theological ground for the woes that follow—God will humble those who exalted themselves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean honor culture drove constant competition for public recognition and social status. Self-praise was common among philosophers and orators. Jesus's teaching that God humbles the self-exalting and exalts the humble contradicted cultural norms that encouraged aggressive self-promotion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride manifest in religious contexts, especially among those considered spiritually mature?
  2. Why must genuine humility precede true exaltation in God's kingdom?
  3. What does Jesus's own humiliation-then-exaltation pattern teach about the path of discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὅστις1 of 10

“he”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑψωθήσεται3 of 10

“shall be exalted”

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτὸν4 of 10

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ταπεινώσει5 of 10

“shall be abased”

G5013

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

καὶ6 of 10

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅστις7 of 10

“he”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ταπεινώσει8 of 10

“shall be abased”

G5013

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

ἑαυτὸν9 of 10

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ὑψωθήσεται10 of 10

“shall be exalted”

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 23:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 23:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:5James 4:6Luke 14:11Proverbs 29:23Matthew 18:4Luke 18:14

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