Recognition of God's greatness and one’s own limitations.
Humility Before God
Recognition of God’s greatness and one’s own limitations
Humility before God is not self-hatred, weakness, or passivity. It is a clear-eyed recognition of who God is in His majesty, and who we are in our utter dependence on Him. True humility is the doorway to grace, authority, and spiritual power. God does not anoint pride. He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
1. The Biblical Definition
Key Hebrew and Greek Words
Hebrew – “ʿānāw / ʿānî” (עָנָו / עָנִי)
Often translated “humble,” “meek,” “poor,” or “afflicted.”
It carries the idea of being lowly, bowed down, dependent, and often oppressed—yet trusting in God.
Example: “Now the man Moses was very meek (ʿānāw), more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3, ESV).
Hebrew – “kanaʿ” (כָּנַע)
Means “to be humbled, subdued, brought low.”
Used of hearts that are softened and yielded to God (2 Chronicles 7:14).
“Tapeinos”: lowly, not rising far from the ground; figuratively, lowly in spirit, not self-exalting.
“Tapeinoō”: to humble, to bring low, to make oneself of low degree.
“Humble yourselves (tapeinōsate) before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).
Greek – “praus” (πραΰς) – Meek
Not weakness, but strength under control.
Used of Jesus: “I am gentle (praus) and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29).
A Working Definition
Humility before God is the heart posture in which a person:
Acknowledges God’s absolute greatness, holiness, wisdom, and authority.
Recognizes their own limitations, weakness, and dependence.
Submits willingly to God’s word, will, and ways.
Relies on God’s grace and power rather than self-effort or self-glory.
Humility is not thinking you are worthless; it is thinking God is worthy of everything, and aligning your life accordingly.
2. Old Testament Foundation
Humility is woven through the entire story of Israel. God consistently resists the proud and draws near to the humble.
a) The Law: A Humble People Under a Great God
Deuteronomy 8:2–3 – God led Israel in the wilderness “to humble you and test you… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but… by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”
The wilderness was God’s classroom for humility: dependence on manna, water from the rock, and His presence.
Deuteronomy 10:12–16 – Israel is commanded to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, love Him, serve Him, and “circumcise the foreskin of your heart.”
Heart-circumcision is a picture of inner humility, cutting away stubbornness.
b) The Prophets: God Exalts the Humble, Humbles the Proud
Isaiah 57:15 – God dwells “in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.”
The infinite God chooses the humble as His dwelling place.
Isaiah 66:2 – “This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
Humility is expressed in how we treat God’s word: do we tremble or argue?
Micah 6:8 – “What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Humility is not just an attitude; it is a way of walking.
c) Israel’s History: Humility Brings Deliverance
King Hezekiah
When he was sick and cried out to God, he humbled himself, and God added 15 years to his life (Isaiah 38:1–5).
When he humbled himself after a proud act, God delayed judgment (2 Chronicles 32:26).
King Manasseh
One of Judah’s worst kings, yet when taken captive, “he humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers” and God brought him back and restored him (2 Chronicles 33:12–13).
2 Chronicles 7:14 – A national promise built on humility:
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Humility is the first step to revival and national healing.
The Old Testament shows a clear pattern: Humility attracts God’s attention, mercy, and intervention. Pride invites His resistance and judgment.
3. The Fulfillment in Christ
Jesus is the perfect revelation of humility before God. He is both our model and our mediator.
a) The Incarnation: The Ultimate Descent
Philippians 2:5–8 – Though Jesus was in the form of God, He “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
The eternal Son chose the path of downward mobility: from glory to manger, from worshiped to despised, from life to death.
2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
His humility opened the door for our spiritual riches.
b) His Earthly Life: Dependence and Obedience
John 5:19 – “The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.”
Jesus, though sinless and divine, modeled total dependence on the Father.
John 6:38 – “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
Humility is expressed in obedience, even when it costs everything.
Matthew 11:29 – “Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”
Jesus invites us not only to believe in Him, but to learn His humility.
c) The Cross and Exaltation
Philippians 2:9–11 – Because He humbled Himself, “God has highly exalted him.”
The kingdom principle is clear: humility precedes exaltation.
Hebrews 5:7–9 – Jesus “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears… and he was heard because of his reverence.”
Even the Son of God approached the Father with deep reverence and submission.
In Christ, we see that humility is not opposed to authority or power. Rather, it is the pathway to true spiritual authority.
4. The Power for Today: The Holy Spirit and Humility
This is where humility moves from theory to living fire. The Holy Spirit is the One who forms the humility of Christ in us and releases power through it.
a) Humility Attracts the Spirit’s Presence
James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Grace is not only unmerited favor; it is divine enablement, the power of God at work in us (1 Corinthians 15:10).
1 Peter 5:5–6 – “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another… Humble yourselves… under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
To “clothe” yourself with humility is to put it on intentionally, like a garment. The Spirit helps us do this.
Where humility is present, the Holy Spirit finds a resting place. Where pride rules, the Spirit is grieved (Ephesians 4:30).
b) Humility and Spiritual Authority
Many desire power, miracles, and authority over demons and sickness. God desires humble vessels.
Acts 3:12–16 – After the lame man is healed, Peter refuses to take credit:
“Why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?”
He points all glory to Jesus. This is humility in action, even in the midst of a mighty miracle.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – Paul boasts in his weaknesses so that “the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
The Spirit’s power is perfected in weakness—not in self-confidence, but Christ-confidence.
Humility is not denying that God can use you; it is denying that you are the source. You boldly expect God to move, while clearly recognizing it is His power, His name, His glory.
c) Humility and Faith
Humility and faith are inseparable:
Humility says, “I cannot, but God can.”
Faith says, “Because God can, I will trust and obey.”
Mark 9:23–24 – The desperate father cries, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
This is humble faith: acknowledging weakness, yet reaching for God’s power.
Luke 18:9–14 – The Pharisee trusts in himself; the tax collector cries, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
Jesus says the humble man went home justified. Humility opens the door for justification, cleansing, and answered prayer.
d) Humility and Revival Power
Every genuine move of God has been marked by deep humility:
Conviction of sin.
Brokenness before God.
Willingness to repent and obey.
2 Chronicles 7:14 is still a pattern for revival: humility → prayer → seeking God’s face → turning from wicked ways → God hears, forgives, heals.
In a continuationist, Spirit-filled life, humility is not a side issue—it is the atmosphere in which the gifts, power, and presence of the Spirit flourish. The more we see His greatness and our dependence, the more boldly we will:
Lay hands on the sick (Mark 16:18).
Cast out demons (Mark 16:17).
Speak in tongues and prophesy (Acts 2:17–18).
Expect God to confirm His word with signs following (Mark 16:20).
The truly humble believer is not afraid to step out in faith, because they know the outcome is in God’s hands and the glory belongs to Him.
5. Practical Application: Walking in Humility Before God
Here are concrete steps to cultivate humility that releases grace and power.
1. Exalt God Daily in Worship and the Word
Humility grows as we see God clearly.
Spend time daily magnifying God in worship: speak out His attributes, His greatness, His holiness (Psalm 95:1–7).
Meditate on passages that reveal His majesty (Isaiah 40; Revelation 4–5).
As you see His greatness, you naturally recognize your dependence.
Practice: Begin your prayer time each day by spending at least 5–10 minutes exalting God before asking for anything.
2. Embrace Dependence: Confess Your Need and Weakness
Humility is honest.
Regularly confess to God your need for His wisdom, strength, and guidance (Proverbs 3:5–6; John 15:5).
Do not hide your weaknesses from God; bring them into the light and ask for His power in those areas (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
Practice: Pray specifically: “Lord, I cannot live this Christian life in my own strength. I depend on Your Spirit. Fill me and lead me today.”
3. Submit to God’s Word, Even When It Confronts You
Humility trembles at God’s word (Isaiah 66:2).
When Scripture challenges your opinions, habits, or traditions, choose obedience over argument.
Let the Word correct you, not the other way around (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Practice: When you read a command or correction in Scripture, pause and say: “Yes, Lord. I submit to Your word. Show me how to obey this today.”
4. Choose the Low Place in Relationships
Humility before God is proven in how we treat people.
Serve others without seeking recognition (Mark 10:43–45).
Be quick to repent and ask forgiveness when wrong (Matthew 5:23–24).
Refuse to compare yourself or compete for spiritual status (Philippians 2:3–4).
Practice: Each week, intentionally do one act of service or kindness for someone who cannot repay you, and do it unto the Lord, not for praise.
5. Give God All the Glory for Every Victory
When God uses you—whether in preaching, healing, prophecy, or any form of ministry—immediately turn the glory upward.
Verbally acknowledge: “This is the Lord’s doing” (Psalm 118:23).
Guard your heart against subtle pride: replay the testimony as God’s work, not your achievement.
Practice: After any ministry or answered prayer, take a moment alone with God and say: “All glory is Yours. Without You I can do nothing. Thank You for using a weak vessel.”
6. Key Scriptures with Brief Commentary
1. James 4:6–10
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble… Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
This passage shows the spiritual warfare dimension: pride puts us in opposition to God; humility brings greater grace. Humbling ourselves is our responsibility; exalting us is God’s.
2. 1 Peter 5:5–7
“Clothe yourselves… with humility toward one another… Humble yourselves… under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Humility is linked with casting our cares on God. Worry often reveals hidden pride—trying to carry what only God can carry.
3. Micah 6:8
“What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Humility is not just a moment at the altar; it is a lifestyle of walking with God, marked by justice and mercy.
4. Isaiah 57:15
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit…”
The transcendent God chooses the humble heart as His dwelling place. This is a powerful promise for intimacy and presence.
5. Philippians 2:5–11
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death… Therefore God has highly exalted him…”
Jesus’ humility is both our example and our inheritance. The same mindset is given to us in Christ by the Spirit.
6. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…”
Humility is the first step in God’s pattern for corporate healing and revival. It precedes effective prayer and true repentance.
7. Luke 18:13–14
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!… this man went down to his house justified… everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus contrasts religious pride with broken humility. The humble man is justified; the proud man is not. This principle applies to salvation and ongoing spiritual life.
Closing Exhortation
Humility before God is not optional for the Spirit-filled believer; it is foundational. The more clearly we see God’s greatness and our dependence, the more we will:
Yield to the Holy Spirit.
Move in genuine spiritual authority.
Expect God to confirm His word with power.
Live in a continual flow of grace.
Ask the Holy Spirit to form in you the humility of Jesus. As you go low before God, you will find His mighty hand lifting you, empowering you, and using you for His glory in this generation.
“Lord, teach us to walk humbly with You, that Your power may rest upon us and Your name be glorified through us. Amen.”