An entry in the 7 Scrolls Bible Dictionary, with every example verse shown in the Berean Standard Bible.
What is the biblical definition of humility?
Humility in the Bible is an honest view of yourself before God and others: knowing your limits and dependence on God, and putting the good of others ahead of your own status.
How often does the Bible use the word humility?
| Word form (BSB) | Times used | Verses |
|---|---|---|
| humility | 14 | 14 |
| humble | 46 | 46 |
| humbled | 36 | 33 |
| humbles | 6 | 6 |
| humbly | 4 | 4 |
| All listed forms | 106 | 98 |
Books where these words appear in the most verses: 2 Chronicles (12), Psalms (11), Isaiah (11), Proverbs (8), Leviticus (6).
Humbled often describes being brought low by events, enemies or judgment, which is closer to humiliation than to humility. Humble and humility show the chosen virtue more clearly.
How we counted: a whole-word, case-insensitive search of every verse of the Berean Standard Bible (31,086 verses in our data) for each listed English form. Counts describe the English translation, not the Hebrew or Greek behind it, and include every sense of the word.
How does the Bible use humility?
What does humility mean in the Old Testament?
Hebrew uses anav for a humble or lowly person and anavah for humility. The words often describe the poor and the powerless, who have nothing to rely on except God. Isaiah 57:15 says the high and holy God dwells with the humble in spirit.
Proverbs links humility with wisdom and honor. Proverbs 11:2 says wisdom comes with humility, and Proverbs 15:33 says humility comes before honor. Numbers 12:3 calls Moses a very humble man, in a scene where he does not defend himself against his own siblings' criticism.
How does the New Testament teach humility?
Jesus makes a child the picture of greatness in Matthew 18:4. In Luke 14:7–11 he tells guests not to grab the best seats, ending with the saying that those who humble themselves will be exalted. In Matthew 11:29 Jesus describes himself as gentle and humble in heart.
Philippians 2:3–8 is the central passage. Paul asks readers to count others as more important, then points to Jesus, who humbled himself to the point of death on a cross. In the Greek world, lowliness often meant low status. The New Testament turns it into a virtue.
What is the difference between humility and humiliation?
Humiliation is imposed by others and aims to shame. Humility is chosen. James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:6 both tell readers to humble themselves, and both promise that God will lift them up.
Humility is not thinking badly of yourself. Romans 12:3 asks people not to think too highly of themselves but to use sober judgment. Humility is honesty, and it sits close to meekness, gentle strength under pressure.
Key Bible verses about humility
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 BSB
Walking humbly with God appears beside justice and mercy as what God requires.
When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 BSB
Pride leads to disgrace, but humility brings wisdom.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 BSB
Humility means counting others as more important than yourself.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:8 BSB
Jesus humbled himself, the model for the humility Paul asks for.
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6 BSB
Quotes Proverbs 3:34: God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
1 Peter 5:6 BSB
A call to humble yourself under God's hand, with the promise of being lifted up in time.
Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.
Numbers 12:3 BSB
Moses called the most humble man on earth, in the middle of a family conflict.
What are the Hebrew and Greek words behind it?
Hebrew: anav — humble, lowly
Often used of the poor and afflicted who depend on God.
Hebrew: anavah — humility
The noun form, used in Proverbs 15:33 and Zephaniah 2:3.
Greek: tapeinophrosynē — humility, lowliness of mind
Used in Philippians 2:3 and Colossians 3:12. It describes a mindset, not a social rank.
Humility vs meekness: what is the difference?
Humility is about how you see yourself before God and others. Meekness is about how you treat others, especially when provoked: strength held under control. Jesus names both together in Matthew 11:29.
Why does humility matter?
Humility runs against a world that rewards self-promotion. The Bible repeatedly reverses status: the humble are lifted, and the proud are brought low, as Luke 14:11 says. Reading with that pattern in mind changes how many stories land.
Humility also opens the door to grace, according to James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5. It is one of several character words collected in our Bible dictionary, alongside meekness, wisdom and love.
Quick check
Which prophet says God requires people to walk humbly with God?
Micah, in Micah 6:8.
Who does Numbers 12:3 call a very humble man?
Moses.
Which Proverbs verse do James and Peter both quote about grace and the humble?
Proverbs 3:34, quoted in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5.
Related Bible words
In summary
- Humility is an honest view of yourself before God and others.
- In Hebrew it is tied to the lowly, who depend on God.
- Philippians 2 presents Jesus as the model of humility.
- Humility is chosen; humiliation is imposed.
- The Bible links humility with wisdom, honor and grace.