"low in situation; of condition, humble, poor, mean, depressed, Lk. 1:52; 2 Cor. 7:6; Jas. 1:9; met. of the mind, humble, lowly, modest, Mt. 11:29; Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 10:1; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5*"
Definition and meaning
low in situation; of condition, humble, poor, mean, depressed, Lk. 1:52; 2 Cor. 7:6; Jas. 1:9; met. of the mind, humble, lowly, modest, Mt. 11:29; Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 10:1; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5*
In the original Greek the word is written: ταπεινός
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of tapeinos (G5011) across the King James Bible.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G5011 (tapeinos) is a Greek word that means: low in situation; of condition, humble, poor, mean, depressed, Lk. 1:52; 2 Cor. 7:6; Jas. 1:9; met. of the mind, humble, lowly, modest, Mt. 11:29; Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 10:1; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5* It appears 7 times in the King James Bible.
The word tapeinos (G5011) appears 7 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5011 is tapeinos, a Greek word defined as: low in situation; of condition, humble, poor, mean, depressed, Lk. 1:52; 2 Cor. 7:6; Jas. 1:9; met. of the mind, humble, lowly, modest, Mt. 11:29; Rom. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
tapeinos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.