STRONGS NT 5012a: ταπεινόφρωνταπεινόφρων, ταπεινοφρον (ταπεινός and φρήν), humble-minded, i. e. having a modest opinion of oneself: 1 Peter 3:8, where Rec. φιλόφρονες. (Proverbs 29:23; in a bad sense, pusillanimous, mean-spirited, μικρούς ἡ τύχῃ καί περιδηις ποιεῖ καί ταπεινόφρονας, Plutarch, de Alex. fort. 2, 4; (de tranquill. animi 17. See Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3 and references under the word ταπεινοφροσύνη, at the end).)

Strong’s 5012 expresses a settled attitude of “lowliness of mind”—the deliberate refusal to advance oneself, coupled with a readiness to esteem God and others above self. It is active, not passive: a chosen mindset that governs words, decisions, and relationships.

Background in Israel’s Scriptures

Although the Greek term is New Testament-specific, its spiritual root lies in the Hebrew picture of the “lowly” who rely on the LORD (for example, Psalm 34:2; Isaiah 57:15). Biblical humility never means self-hatred; it means conscious dependence on God’s mercy and strength.

New Testament Distribution and Emphases

Acts 20:19 anchors the word in apostolic ministry: “serving the Lord with great humility and with tears and with trials”. Paul’s personal example sets the baseline—humility is indispensable for authentic leadership.

Ephesians 4:2 extends the quality to congregational life: “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Unity is maintained not by structural systems but by shared lowliness of mind.

Philippians 2:3 moves to motivation: “in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” The verse serves as the gateway to the great Christ-hymn (2:5-11), showing that humility is the soil in which imitation of Christ grows.

Colossians 2:18 and Colossians 2:23 expose a counterfeit. False teachers peddled ascetic practices marketed as “humility,” yet such self-made piety “lacks any value in restraining the indulgence of the flesh.” Scripture therefore distinguishes true, Christ-centered humility from religious self-abasement.

Colossians 3:12 lists humility among the “garments” God’s elect must consciously put on, inseparable from compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience—a full relational wardrobe.

1 Peter 3:8 urges believers to be “humble,” and 1 Peter 5:5 intensifies the call: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” Peter links humility to receptivity of grace; without it, divine opposition is inevitable.

Christological Dimension

Philippians 2:5-8 presents Jesus Christ as the supreme embodiment: though possessing equality with God, He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” The incarnation, obedience unto death, and exaltation together craft the definitive paradigm. Christian humility is therefore not mere etiquette; it is conformity to the cruciform life of the Savior.

Ecclesial and Pastoral Application

1. Leadership: Shepherds must mirror Acts 20:19, refusing celebrity culture and embracing sacrificial service.
2. Conflict Resolution: Humility disarms rivalry (Philippians 2:3) and heals divisions (Ephesians 4:2-3).
3. Worship and Spiritual Formation: Genuine worship arises from dependence, not from ascetic spectacle (Colossians 2:18). Disciplines are valuable only when they amplify Christ, not the self.
4. Discipleship: Clothing oneself (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5) implies daily, intentional practice—examining motives, confessing pride, and choosing the lower place.

Historical Theology

Early Christian apologists noted that Greco-Roman culture prized honor, status, and public acclaim, whereas Christian communities exalted the cross-shaped virtue of humility. Church Fathers such as Augustine taught that pride is the root of sin, humility the root of virtue, echoing 1 Peter 5:5. Monastic excesses later illustrated Colossians 2’s warning, proving that outward self-denial divorced from gospel truth morphs into pride.

Contemporary Relevance

In an era of self-branding and digital self-promotion, Strong’s 5012 challenges believers to resist curating an image and instead pursue Christlike servanthood. Ministries thrive when staff, volunteers, and congregants value hidden faithfulness over platform visibility. Families flourish when spouses and parents heed Philippians 2:3 within the home. Evangelism gains credibility when delivered by people who, like Paul, serve “with great humility and with tears.”

Summary

Strong’s 5012 marks the heart posture God honors, Satan despises, and the world desperately needs to see. It calls every follower of Jesus Christ—leaders and laity alike—to bow low before God, lift up one another, and in so doing magnify the grace that “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”