Strong's Lexicon tapeinophrosune: Humility, lowliness of mind Original Word: ταπεινοφροσύνη Word Origin: Derived from ταπεινός (tapeinos, meaning "humble" or "lowly") and φρήν (phren, meaning "mind" or "understanding"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for tapeinophrosune, the concept of humility is present in the Old Testament, often expressed through words like עָנָו (anav, Strong's H6035) meaning "humble" or "meek." Usage: Tapeinophrosune refers to a mindset characterized by humility and modesty. It is the quality of having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one's moral littleness, and a modest view of one's importance. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the attitude believers should have towards God and others, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and servitude. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, humility was not typically seen as a virtue. The culture often valued honor, status, and self-promotion. However, the Christian teaching, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, turned this cultural norm on its head by elevating humility as a key virtue. The early Christian community was called to embody this counter-cultural value, reflecting the humility of Christ in their relationships and community life. HELPS Word-studies 5012 tapeinophrosýnē (a noun, derived from 5011 /tapeinós, "low, humble" and 5424 /phrḗn, "moderation as regulated by inner perspective") – properly, low; humility, "lowliness" of human pride (self-government); that quality of mindset of "having a humble opinion of oneself, i.e. a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness – i.e. lowliness of mind" (J. Thayer). In Scripture, 5012 /tapeinophrosýnē ("lowliness, humility") is an inside-out virtue produced by comparing ourselves to the Lord (rather than to others). This brings behavior into alignment with this inner revelation to keep one from being self-exalting (self-determining, self-inflated). For the believer, 5012 /tapeinophrosýnē ("humility") means living in complete dependence on the Lord, i.e. with no reliance on self (the flesh). [5012 (tapeinophrosýnē) is atypically used of false humility in Col 2:18,23.] Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5012: ταπεινοφροσύνηταπεινοφροσύνη, ταπεινοφροσύνης, ἡ (ταπεινόφρων; opposed to μεγαλοφροσύνη, ὑψηλοφροσύνη (cf. Winers Grammar, 99 (94))), "the having a humble opinion of oneself; a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness; modesty, humility, lowliness of mind"; (Vulg.humilitas, Luth. Demuth): Acts 20:19; Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:3; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5; used of an affected and ostentatious humility in Colossians 2:18, 23. (The word occurs neither in the O. T., nor in secular authors — (but in Josephus, b. j. 4, 9, 2 in the sense of pusillanimity; also Epictetus diss. 3, 24, 56 in a bad sense. See Trench, N. T. Synonyms, § xlii.; Lightfoot on Philippians, the passage cited; Zezschwitz, Profangräcität, as above w., pp. 20, 62; Winer's Grammar, 26).) 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).) From a compound of tapeinos and the base of phren; humiliation of mind, i.e. Modesty -- humbleness of mind, humility (of mind, loneliness (of mind). see GREEK tapeinos see GREEK phren Englishman's Concordance Acts 20:19 N-GFSGRK: μετὰ πάσης ταπεινοφροσύνης καὶ δακρύων NAS: with all humility and with tears KJV: all humility of mind, and INT: with all humility and tears Ephesians 4:2 N-GFS Philippians 2:3 N-DFS Colossians 2:18 N-DFS Colossians 2:23 N-DFS Colossians 3:12 N-AFS 1 Peter 3:8 Adj-NMP 1 Peter 5:5 N-AFS Strong's Greek 5012 |