Luke 14:11 kjv

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 14:11 nkjv

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

Luke 14:11 niv

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Luke 14:11 esv

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Luke 14:11 nlt

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Luke 14 verses

Luke 14 11 Meaning

Luke 14:11 conveys a fundamental principle of God's Kingdom, contrasting worldly values with divine justice. It states that anyone who seeks to elevate their own status or importance (self-exaltation) will inevitably be brought low or humiliated by God. Conversely, those who willingly lower themselves, practicing humility and recognizing their dependence and true position before God and others (self-humiliation), will ultimately be honored and lifted up by God. This is a reversal of human expectations, emphasizing that true honor comes from God and is given to the humble, while pride leads to a fall.

Luke 14 11 Context

Luke 14:11 is the concluding moral statement of a teaching Jesus gives while at a dinner on the Sabbath, hosted by a prominent Pharisee (Lk 14:1). Jesus observed how guests were choosing the most honorable seats at the table (Lk 14:7). This scene highlights the cultural significance of social status and honor in Jewish society, particularly among religious leaders. In response, Jesus tells a parable (Lk 14:7-10) advising against seeking the highest places, suggesting it is better to choose a lower place and be invited up, than to take a high place and be publicly humiliated by being asked to move down. Verse 11 functions as the profound summary and spiritual generalization of this practical advice, extending beyond table manners to a fundamental principle of spiritual life and the operation of God's Kingdom. It applies not just to social etiquette but to all aspects of human interaction and one's standing before God. The teaching also indirectly critiques the prevailing religious culture of the day, where status, outward show, and self-righteousness often overshadowed genuine humility and devotion.

Luke 14 11 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding parable (Lk 14:7-10). It signifies a logical consequence or explanation, indicating that the principle being stated explains why the advice about choosing the lower seat is beneficial.
• everyone who exalts himself (πᾶς ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτόν - pas ho hypsōn heauton):
  • exalts (ὑψῶν - hypsōn): From hypsoo, meaning "to raise high," "to elevate," "to lift up." In this context, it refers to a volitional act of self-elevation, implying pride, self-importance, or seeking honor and status.
  • himself (ἑαυτόν - heauton): Emphasizes that this is an action originating from within the individual, by their own initiative, motivated by self-interest and a desire for recognition.
• will be humbled (ταπεινωθήσεται - tapeinōthēsetai):
  • humbled (ταπεινόω - tapeinoō): Means "to make low," "to abase," "to bring down to a lower position or state." It suggests humiliation or being brought to a state of insignificance.
  • The passive voice is crucial. It indicates that the action is performed by an unstated agent, which in theological contexts is universally understood as God. This implies divine intervention and judgment: God Himself will perform the humbling.
• and he who humbles himself (καὶ ὁ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτόν - kai ho tapeinōn heauton):
  • humbles (ταπεινῶν - tapeinōn): Again from tapeinoo, but here it is in the active voice. This denotes a deliberate and conscious choice to abase oneself, to adopt a low position, to be meek, or to act without pride. It is a posture of humility and self-denial.
  • himself (ἑαυτόν - heauton): Underscores that this is a proactive choice, not merely a state forced upon someone. True humility is self-chosen.
• will be exalted (ὑψωθήσεται - hypsōthēsetai):
  • exalted (ὑψόω - hypsoo): Similar to the first hypsoo but refers to being lifted up to honor or high position.
  • Again, the passive voice is vital, indicating divine agency. God will be the one who lifts up and honors the humble. This implies true honor and lasting glory come from God alone, not from human effort or status-seeking.

Luke 14 11 Bonus section

The passive voice throughout this verse ("will be humbled," "will be exalted") is a significant grammatical feature known as the "divine passive." This rhetorical device implies God as the unstated agent of the action. It communicates that God Himself is the one who carries out the humbling of the proud and the exaltation of the humble. This emphasizes divine sovereignty and active involvement in the moral order of His creation. This principle is not unique to Jesus' teaching but echoes deeply throughout both Old and New Testaments, forming a core aspect of biblical wisdom and theological truth regarding God's character and justice. The ultimate demonstration of this principle is seen in the life of Jesus Christ Himself, who humbled Himself by becoming obedient unto death on the cross and was subsequently highly exalted by God (Php 2:5-11). His example provides the definitive illustration and foundation for this Kingdom ethic.

Luke 14 11 Commentary

Luke 14:11 presents a paradoxical yet foundational principle of divine reversal. In a world that often rewards ambition and self-promotion, Jesus declares that God operates by different rules. This verse is not just a lesson in social etiquette; it's a profound statement about the character of God's Kingdom. Self-exaltation, rooted in pride, sets oneself up against God's sovereign authority, leading inevitably to God bringing one low. This is a judgment upon arrogance. Conversely, true humility – a genuine willingness to step down, serve, or defer – aligns one with God's will and positions one for God's divine favor and elevation. This humbling can take many forms: self-denial, recognizing one's sinfulness, valuing others above oneself, or accepting a low position in service. The exaltation is also multifaceted, ranging from gaining respect and honor in the eyes of others, to ultimate glorification and reward in the Kingdom of Heaven. The teaching underscores that God is the ultimate judge and dispenser of honor, and true glory is not found in human accolades but in God's approval, as perfectly exemplified in Christ's own humble obedience unto death and His subsequent glorious exaltation.