CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/23-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/40_Mat_23_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 23:12 - Woes to Scribes and Pharisees" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/23-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/23-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/23-11.htm" title="Matthew 23:11">◄</a> Matthew 23:12 <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm" title="Matthew 23:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And whoever shall exalt himself will be humbled, and whoever shall humble himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever honors himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be honored.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Whoever makes himself great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be made great. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And whoever shall exalt himself, shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself, shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and one who exalts himself shall be abased, while one who abases himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and whoever will exalt himself will be humbled, and whoever will humble himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And whoever shall exalt himself will be humbled, and whoever shall humble himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and whoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled, and whoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And whoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whoever shall humble himself, shall be exalted.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But whoever has exalted himself, shall be humbled. And whoever has humbled himself, shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Whoever will exalt himself will be humbled and whoever will humble himself will be exalted.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But whosoever shall exalt himself, shall be abased; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and whosoever abaseth himself shall be exalted.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for whosoever exalts himself, shall be abased; and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and one who exalts himself shall be abased, while one who abases himself shall be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and whosoever will humble himself shall be exalted.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/23-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6769" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Woes to Scribes and Pharisees</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>The greatest among you shall be your servant. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: Hostis (RelPro-NMS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/5312.htm" title="5312: hypsōsei (V-FIA-3S) -- (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.">exalts</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heauton (RefPro-AM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">himself</a> <a href="/greek/5013.htm" title="5013: tapeinōthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.">will be humbled,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hostis (RelPro-NMS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/5013.htm" title="5013: tapeinōsei (V-FIA-3S) -- To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.">humbles</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heauton (RefPro-AM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">himself</a> <a href="/greek/5312.htm" title="5312: hypsōthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.">will be exalted.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a></span><br />For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a></span><br />Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6</a></span><br />Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Proverbs 29:23</a></span><br />A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Proverbs 18:12</a></span><br />Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Isaiah 2:11-12</a></span><br />The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a></span><br />For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-26.htm">Ezekiel 21:26</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/22-29.htm">Job 22:29</a></span><br />When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-37.htm">Daniel 4:37</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-27.htm">Psalm 18:27</a></span><br />For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Psalm 147:6</a></span><br />The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></b></br> Blessed <i>are</i> the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4</a></b></br> Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-29.htm">Job 22:29</a></b></br> When <i>men</i> are cast down, then thou shalt say, <i>There is</i> lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Abased</a> <a href="/job/22-29.htm">Abases</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-4.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/hosea/11-7.htm">Exalts</a> <a href="/matthew/21-45.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/21-5.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/hosea/7-10.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Humbles</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Low</a> <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Makes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Abased</a> <a href="/job/22-29.htm">Abases</a> <a href="/acts/5-31.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/luke/1-46.htm">Exalts</a> <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">High</a> <a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Humbles</a> <a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Low</a> <a href="/matthew/23-17.htm">Makes</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">His disciples must beware of their ambition.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For whoever exalts himself</b><br>This phrase addresses the human tendency towards pride and self-promotion. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, religious leaders often sought honor and recognition, as seen in the practices of the Pharisees and scribes. This behavior is contrasted with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility. The concept of self-exaltation is also addressed in <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>, which warns that pride precedes destruction. The biblical narrative consistently portrays pride as a precursor to downfall, as seen in the stories of figures like King Nebuchadnezzar in <a href="/daniel/4.htm">Daniel 4</a>.<p><b>will be humbled</b><br>The promise of being humbled serves as a divine principle of justice. In the biblical context, God actively opposes the proud (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>) and brings them low. This humbling can occur through various means, including personal failure, public disgrace, or divine intervention. The historical context of Israel includes numerous examples where God humbled nations and leaders who exalted themselves, such as Pharaoh in the Exodus narrative. This principle underscores the biblical theme that God is sovereign and will not tolerate human arrogance.<p><b>and whoever humbles himself</b><br>Humility is a central virtue in biblical teaching, often associated with wisdom and righteousness. In the cultural setting of Jesus' time, humility was not always valued, as honor and status were highly sought after. However, Jesus redefined greatness as servanthood (<a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a>). The act of humbling oneself is a voluntary submission to God's will and an acknowledgment of one's dependence on Him. This is exemplified in the life of Jesus, who, though divine, took on human form and served others (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>).<p><b>will be exalted</b><br>Exaltation is presented as a divine reward for humility. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6</a>, which encourages believers to humble themselves under God's mighty hand so that He may lift them up in due time. The exaltation may occur in this life or the next, as God honors those who honor Him. The ultimate example of this is Jesus Christ, who, after humbling Himself through death on the cross, was exalted by God to the highest place (<a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a>). This promise of exaltation provides hope and encouragement for believers to pursue humility, trusting in God's justice and timing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the crowds and His disciples, warning them about the behavior of the Pharisees and scribes.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_scribes.htm">Pharisees and Scribes</a></b><br>Religious leaders of the time who are criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and pride.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The setting of this discourse, where Jesus often taught and confronted the religious leaders.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who are being taught about the values of humility and servanthood.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/crowds.htm">Crowds</a></b><br>The general public who are listening to Jesus' teachings and witnessing His confrontations with the religious leaders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Pride leads to downfall. Jesus warns against self-exaltation, which is a common temptation for those in positions of authority or influence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_virtue_of_humility.htm">The Virtue of Humility</a></b><br>True greatness in the Kingdom of God is achieved through humility. Jesus exemplifies this through His life and teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_reversal_principle.htm">God's Reversal Principle</a></b><br>God's kingdom operates on principles that often reverse worldly values. Those who humble themselves will be exalted by God in due time.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_humility.htm">Practical Humility</a></b><br>Humility is not just an attitude but is demonstrated through actions. Serving others and putting their needs above our own are practical ways to live out this teaching.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>The exaltation promised by God may not always be immediate or visible in this life, but it is assured in the eternal kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'humble_exalted'_mean.htm">What does "humble themselves will be exalted" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_sin_habit_affect_salvation.htm">What does 'humble themselves will be exalted' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_realm_of_the_spirit.htm">How can I conquer my pride?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_i_conquer_my_pride.htm">How can I conquer my pride?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Whosoever shall exalt himself.</span>--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 <a href="/luke/14-11.htm" title="For whoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.">Luke 14:11</a>; <a href="/luke/18-14.htm" title="I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.">Luke 18:14</a>. The echoes of it in <a href="/james/4-10.htm" title="Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.">James 4:10</a>, <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm" title="Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:">1Peter 5:6</a>, show that the impression had been made.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whosever shall exalt himself shall be abased</span> (<span class="greek">ταπεινωθήσεται</span>, <span class="accented">shall be humbled</span>); <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>and he that shall humble</span> (<span class="greek">ταπεινώσει</span>) <span class="cmt_word">himself shall be exalted.</span> It is not clear why the rendering of the verb is not uniform in this verse. The antithesis certainly requires it. The gnome, so often repeated (see references), seems to be, as it has been called, "an axiom in the kingdom of God." It is indeed a universal law in God's dealings with men. Olshausen quotes a saying! of Hillel to the same purport, "My humility is my exaltation, and my exaltation is my humility." The first clause was prophetic of the speedy overthrow of the haughty Pharisees; the second is grandly illustrated in the example of Christ, who humbled himself to the death of the cross, and is now highly exalted; who "for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (<a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>). St. Peter draws the lesson, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (<a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5, 6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/23-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whoever</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὅστις</span> <span class="translit">(Hostis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> </span><span class="str2">Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">exalts</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑψώσει</span> <span class="translit">(hypsōsei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5312.htm">Strong's 5312: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">himself</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(heauton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be humbled,</span><br /><span class="grk">ταπεινωθήσεται</span> <span class="translit">(tapeinōthēsetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5013.htm">Strong's 5013: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">whoever</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅστις</span> <span class="translit">(hostis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> </span><span class="str2">Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">humbles</span><br /><span class="grk">ταπεινώσει</span> <span class="translit">(tapeinōsei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5013.htm">Strong's 5013: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">himself</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(heauton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be exalted.</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑψωθήσεται</span> <span class="translit">(hypsōthēsetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5312.htm">Strong's 5312: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/23-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 23:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/23-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 23:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>