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Matthew 23:12

Matthew 23:12 in Multiple Translations

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

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

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.

And whoever makes himself high will be made low, and whoever makes himself low will be made high.

Those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great.

For whosoeuer will exalt himselfe, shall be brought lowe: and whosoeuer will humble himselfe, shalbe exalted.

and whoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled, and whoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

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

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

God will humble those who exalt themselves. And he will exalt those who humble themselves.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 23:12

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Matthew 23:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οστις δε υψωσει εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και οστις ταπεινωσει εαυτον υψωθησεται
οστις hostis, hētis G3748 who/which Rel-NSM
δε de G1161 then Conj
υψωσει hupsoō G5312 to lift up Verb-FAI-3S
εαυτον heautou G1438 themself F-3ASM
ταπεινωθησεται tapeinoō G5013 to humble Verb-FPI-3S
και kai G2532 and Conj
οστις hostis, hētis G3748 who/which Rel-NSM
ταπεινωσει tapeinoō G5013 to humble Verb-FAI-3S
εαυτον heautou G1438 themself F-3ASM
υψωθησεται hupsoō G5312 to lift up Verb-FPI-3S
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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 23:12

οστις hostis, hētis G3748 "who/which" Rel-NSM
This word means 'who' or 'which' and is used to ask about someone or something's identity, like in Matthew 5:39. It's often used to make general statements.
Definition: ὅστις, ἥτις, ὅ τι (also written ὅ, τι and ὅτι; see LS, see word; WH, §411; Tdf., Pr., 111), in NT scarcely ever except in nom. (M, Pr., 91), the only instance of the oblique cases being found in ἕως ὅτου (see: ἕως), relative of indef. reference (related to simple ὅς as Lat. quisquis to qui), whoever, anyone who; __(a) of an indef. person or thing: in general statements, Mat.5:39, 41 13:12, and freq., Luk.14:27, Gal.5:4, al.; in relative sentences, Mat.7:26, Luk.15:7, Php.3:7, al.; πᾶς, with indic., Mat.7:24 10:32; ὅ ἄν (ἐάν), with subjc., Mat.12:50 13:12, Jhn.14:13, 1Co.16:2, Gal.5:10, al.; __(b) of a definite person or thing, indicating quality, "either generic, which, as other like things, or essential, which by its very nature" (Hort on 1Pe.2:11), who is such as: Mat.2:6 7:26, Luk.2:10 7:37, Jhn.8:53, Act.7:53, Rom.6:2, 1Co.3:17, Gal.4:24, Eph.1:23, al.; __(with) where the relative sentence expresses a reason, consequence, etc. (M, Pr., 92), seeing that he (it, they), and he (it, they): Luk.8:3 10:42, Act.10:47 11:28, Php.4:3, al.; __(d) as in Ionic and late Greek (Bl., §50, 1; M, Pr., l.with), differing but little from ὅς: Luk.2:4 9:30, Act.17:10, Rev.12:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 136 NT verses. KJV: X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:17; Luke 2:4; 1 Peter 2:11.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
υψωσει hupsoō G5312 "to lift up" Verb-FAI-3S
To lift up or elevate something, used in John 3:14 and Acts 2:33 to describe Jesus being lifted up on the cross or exalted by God. It can also mean to exalt or uplift someone or something.
Definition: ὑψόω, -ῶ (ὕψος), [in LXX chiefly for רוּם, also for גָּבַהּ, נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to lift or raise up: with accusative, Jhn.3:14 8:28 12:32, 34; ἕως τ. οὐρανοῦ, figuratively, pass., Mat.11:23, Luk.10:15. Metaphorical, to exalt, uplift: Act.2:33 5:31, 2Co.11:7, Jas.4:10, 1Pe.5:6; opposite to ταπεινῶ, Luk.1:52; ἑαυτόν, Mat.23:12, Luk.4:11 18:14 (cf. ὑπερ-υψόω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: exalt, lift up See also: 1 Peter 5:6; John 12:32; James 4:10.
εαυτον heautou G1438 "themself" F-3ASM
This reflexive pronoun means 'themself' or 'themselves', referring back to the subject of a sentence, as in Matthew 27:42 and Luke 23:35.
Definition: ἑαυτοῦ, -ῆς, -οῦ, dative -ῷ, etc., accusative -όν, etc., pi. -ῶν, etc. (Att. contr. αὑτοῦ, etc); reflex pron.; __1. prop, of 3rd person (Lat. sui, sibi, se), of himself, herself, itself, etc.: Mat.27:42, Mrk.15:31, Luk.23:35, al.; added to a middle verb, διεμερίσαντο ἑαυτοῖς, Jhn.19:24; to an active verb, Act.14:14 (M, Pr., 157); ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Luk.12:57 21:30, Jhn.5:19, al. (see: ἀπό); δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Rom.14:14; ἐν ἑ., Mat.3:9, Mrk.5:30, al.; εἰς ἑ., Luk.15:17; καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Jas.2:17; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, at his own house, 1Co.16:2; πρὸς ἑ., with, to himself, Luk.18:11; as poss. pron. (with emphasis weakened; see M, Pr., 87f.), τ. ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς, Luk.9:60. __2. As reflexive 1st and 2nd of person(s) (so also frequently in cl., chiefly poetry), Mat.23:31, Mrk.9:50, Rom.8:23, 1Th.2:8, al. __3. In pl., for reciprocal pron., ἀλλήλων, -οις, -ους, of one another, etc.: Mat.21:38, Mrk.16:3, Eph.5:19, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 306 NT verses. KJV: alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:12.
ταπεινωθησεται tapeinoō G5013 "to humble" Verb-FPI-3S
To humble means to lower someone's pride, like Jesus did in Matthew 18:4 and Luke 14:11. It's about making oneself or others lowly in heart. This idea appears in the Bible, especially in the writings of Paul and James.
Definition: ταπεινόω, -ῶ (ταπεινός), [in LXX chiefly for עָנָה, also for שָׁפֵל, כָּנַע, etc. ;] to make low: ὄρος (βουνόν), Luk.3:5 (LXX). Metaphorical, to humble, abase: Mat.18:4 23:12, Luk.14:11 18:14, 2Co.11:7 12:21, Php.2:8; pass., Mat.23:12, Luk.14:11 18:14, Php.4:12; id. with mid. sense, Jas.4:10, 1Pe.5:6.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: abase, bring low, humble (self) See also: 1 Peter 5:6; Luke 14:11; James 4:10.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
οστις hostis, hētis G3748 "who/which" Rel-NSM
This word means 'who' or 'which' and is used to ask about someone or something's identity, like in Matthew 5:39. It's often used to make general statements.
Definition: ὅστις, ἥτις, ὅ τι (also written ὅ, τι and ὅτι; see LS, see word; WH, §411; Tdf., Pr., 111), in NT scarcely ever except in nom. (M, Pr., 91), the only instance of the oblique cases being found in ἕως ὅτου (see: ἕως), relative of indef. reference (related to simple ὅς as Lat. quisquis to qui), whoever, anyone who; __(a) of an indef. person or thing: in general statements, Mat.5:39, 41 13:12, and freq., Luk.14:27, Gal.5:4, al.; in relative sentences, Mat.7:26, Luk.15:7, Php.3:7, al.; πᾶς, with indic., Mat.7:24 10:32; ὅ ἄν (ἐάν), with subjc., Mat.12:50 13:12, Jhn.14:13, 1Co.16:2, Gal.5:10, al.; __(b) of a definite person or thing, indicating quality, "either generic, which, as other like things, or essential, which by its very nature" (Hort on 1Pe.2:11), who is such as: Mat.2:6 7:26, Luk.2:10 7:37, Jhn.8:53, Act.7:53, Rom.6:2, 1Co.3:17, Gal.4:24, Eph.1:23, al.; __(with) where the relative sentence expresses a reason, consequence, etc. (M, Pr., 92), seeing that he (it, they), and he (it, they): Luk.8:3 10:42, Act.10:47 11:28, Php.4:3, al.; __(d) as in Ionic and late Greek (Bl., §50, 1; M, Pr., l.with), differing but little from ὅς: Luk.2:4 9:30, Act.17:10, Rev.12:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 136 NT verses. KJV: X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:17; Luke 2:4; 1 Peter 2:11.
ταπεινωσει tapeinoō G5013 "to humble" Verb-FAI-3S
To humble means to lower someone's pride, like Jesus did in Matthew 18:4 and Luke 14:11. It's about making oneself or others lowly in heart. This idea appears in the Bible, especially in the writings of Paul and James.
Definition: ταπεινόω, -ῶ (ταπεινός), [in LXX chiefly for עָנָה, also for שָׁפֵל, כָּנַע, etc. ;] to make low: ὄρος (βουνόν), Luk.3:5 (LXX). Metaphorical, to humble, abase: Mat.18:4 23:12, Luk.14:11 18:14, 2Co.11:7 12:21, Php.2:8; pass., Mat.23:12, Luk.14:11 18:14, Php.4:12; id. with mid. sense, Jas.4:10, 1Pe.5:6.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: abase, bring low, humble (self) See also: 1 Peter 5:6; Luke 14:11; James 4:10.
εαυτον heautou G1438 "themself" F-3ASM
This reflexive pronoun means 'themself' or 'themselves', referring back to the subject of a sentence, as in Matthew 27:42 and Luke 23:35.
Definition: ἑαυτοῦ, -ῆς, -οῦ, dative -ῷ, etc., accusative -όν, etc., pi. -ῶν, etc. (Att. contr. αὑτοῦ, etc); reflex pron.; __1. prop, of 3rd person (Lat. sui, sibi, se), of himself, herself, itself, etc.: Mat.27:42, Mrk.15:31, Luk.23:35, al.; added to a middle verb, διεμερίσαντο ἑαυτοῖς, Jhn.19:24; to an active verb, Act.14:14 (M, Pr., 157); ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Luk.12:57 21:30, Jhn.5:19, al. (see: ἀπό); δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Rom.14:14; ἐν ἑ., Mat.3:9, Mrk.5:30, al.; εἰς ἑ., Luk.15:17; καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Jas.2:17; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, at his own house, 1Co.16:2; πρὸς ἑ., with, to himself, Luk.18:11; as poss. pron. (with emphasis weakened; see M, Pr., 87f.), τ. ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς, Luk.9:60. __2. As reflexive 1st and 2nd of person(s) (so also frequently in cl., chiefly poetry), Mat.23:31, Mrk.9:50, Rom.8:23, 1Th.2:8, al. __3. In pl., for reciprocal pron., ἀλλήλων, -οις, -ους, of one another, etc.: Mat.21:38, Mrk.16:3, Eph.5:19, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 306 NT verses. KJV: alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:12.
υψωθησεται hupsoō G5312 "to lift up" Verb-FPI-3S
To lift up or elevate something, used in John 3:14 and Acts 2:33 to describe Jesus being lifted up on the cross or exalted by God. It can also mean to exalt or uplift someone or something.
Definition: ὑψόω, -ῶ (ὕψος), [in LXX chiefly for רוּם, also for גָּבַהּ, נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to lift or raise up: with accusative, Jhn.3:14 8:28 12:32, 34; ἕως τ. οὐρανοῦ, figuratively, pass., Mat.11:23, Luk.10:15. Metaphorical, to exalt, uplift: Act.2:33 5:31, 2Co.11:7, Jas.4:10, 1Pe.5:6; opposite to ταπεινῶ, Luk.1:52; ἑαυτόν, Mat.23:12, Luk.4:11 18:14 (cf. ὑπερ-υψόω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: exalt, lift up See also: 1 Peter 5:6; John 12:32; James 4:10.

Study Notes — Matthew 23:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
2 James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
3 Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
4 Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
5 Matthew 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
6 Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
7 Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
8 Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
9 Proverbs 16:18–19 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
10 Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

Matthew 23:12 Summary

This verse teaches us that when we try to make ourselves look important or better than others, God will humble us, but when we are willing to humble ourselves and serve others, God will lift us up and give us honor. This is not about seeking earthly status or recognition, but about having a humble heart before God, as seen in Proverbs 22:4. By choosing to humble ourselves, we can experience the joy and freedom of serving others and living for God's glory, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28 and 1 Peter 5:6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to exalt oneself?

To exalt oneself means to elevate one's own status or importance, often at the expense of others, as seen in the pride of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:13, which is contrary to the humble example of Jesus Christ in Philippians 2:5-8.

How can I humble myself?

Humbling oneself involves recognizing one's place before God and others, acknowledging weaknesses and limitations, and being willing to serve and learn from others, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28 and exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ in John 13:1-17.

What is the promise for those who humble themselves?

The promise for those who humble themselves is that they will be exalted by God, not in a worldly sense, but in a spiritual sense, receiving honor and reward from God, as seen in Luke 14:11 and 1 Peter 5:6.

Is this verse only talking about earthly status or is there a spiritual aspect?

This verse has both earthly and spiritual implications, as our attitude of humility or pride affects our relationships with others and our standing before God, as taught in Proverbs 15:33 and James 4:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do I exalt myself in my daily life, and how can I intentionally humble myself in those areas?
  2. What are some practical ways I can serve others and demonstrate humility, as Jesus taught in Matthew 20:26-28?
  3. How can I balance confidence in my abilities with humility, recognizing that my strengths and accomplishments come from God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:7?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I struggle with pride, and how can I ask God to help me overcome those struggles, as promised in James 4:6-10?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself,.... Above his fellow Christians, or fellow ministers, by entertaining too high an opinion of himself, by boasting of his gifts, as preferable to others, and as if

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 23:12

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 23:12

Ver. 11,12. We have what is in twice in Luke, . These verses expound what went before, and let us know; 1. That it was not a title, but the affectation of a title, which he blamed. 2. Not a doctorship, or mastership, but such a doctorship or mastership as made a man too big for the ministry of the church; such honour as lifted up the man’ s heart above his work. He is an infamous doctor in the church of Christ, who thinks himself too high or too great to be a minister in it. For God will abase, and men shall abase, him who exalteth himself. God resisteth, and men usually contemn and despise the proud, especially ministers who are so. Both God shall exalt, and men shall honour, those that humble themselves, both to men, condescending to those of low degree, and to their work, thinking not the meanest ministry to souls a work beneath them.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 23:12

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Ver. 12. And whosoever shall exalt himself, &c.] Lo here a great miracle, saith Augustine, God is on high, and yet the higher thou liftest up thyself, the farther thou art from him; the lower thou humblest thyself, the nearer he draweth to thee. Low things he looketh close upon, that he may raise them: proud things he knows afar off, that he may depress them. The proud Pharisee pressed as near God as he could: the poor publican, not daring to do so, stood aloof off; yet was God far from the Pharisee, near to the publican. Videte magnum miraculum: altus est Deus, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 23:12

(12) Whosoever shall exalt himself.—The precept seems to have been one which our Lord desired specially to imprint on the hearts of the disciples. It had been spoken at least twice before, as in Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14. The echoes of it in James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6, show that the impression had been made.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 23:12

Verse 12. Whosoever shall exalt himself, c.] The way to arrive at the highest degree of dignity, in the sight of God, is by being willing to become the servant of all. Nothing is more hateful in his sight than pride to bring it into everlasting contempt, God was manifest in the flesh. He who was in the likeness of God took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man, and humbled himself unto death. After this, can God look upon any proud man without abasing him? Spiritual lordship and domination, ecclesiastical luxury, pomp, and pride, must be an abhorrence in the sight of that God who gave the above advices to his followers. Another lesson, which our blessed Lord teaches here, is, that no man is implicitly to receive the sayings, doctrines, and decisions of any man, or number of men, in the things which concern the interests of his immortal soul. Christ, his Spirit, and his word, are the only infallible teachers. Every man who wishes to save his soul must search the Scriptures, by prayer and faith. Reader, take counsel with the pious; hear the discourses of the wise and holy: but let the book of God ultimately fix thy creed.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 23:12

12. Whosoever shall exalt himself — By these various modes of assumption. Shall be abased — By the divine condemnation. Exalted — By the divine approbation, and the honour that cometh from God.

Sermons on Matthew 23:12

SermonDescription
Gbile Akanni Humble Thyself by Gbile Akanni In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding pride in our actions and achievements. He warns against seeking personal glory and attention instead
Keith Green Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t
K.P. Yohannan A Heart After God Is Better Than Skils by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan This sermon shares a powerful testimony from Tripura, India, where the love of Christ transformed warring tribes into brothers and sisters, uniting them in faith. It highlights the
A.W. Tozer He Must Become More and More by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life of John the Baptist and describes him as a great man who became less and less in the eyes of the world. Despite this, John grew spi
A.W. Tozer Message for Youth for Christ by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker presents thirteen key points or "theses" for the evangelical church. The first thesis is about the importance of repentance and how the whole life of a
K.P. Yohannan Dependence Upon the Lord by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all asp
Edgar Reich The Walls Are Down for America and Canada (Conference Call) by Edgar Reich In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of how people, particularly men, are consumed by worldly distractions such as television, jobs, and material possessions. He acknowl

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