Matthew 23:12 - Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

For whoever exalts himself
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 Proverbs 16:18, 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 Daniel 4.

will be humbled
The promise of being humbled serves as a divine principle of justice. In the biblical context, God actively opposes the proud (James 4:6) 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.

and whoever humbles himself
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 (Matthew 20:26-28). 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 (Philippians 2:5-8).

will be exalted
Exaltation is presented as a divine reward for humility. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in 1 Peter 5:6, 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 (Philippians 2:9-11). This promise of exaltation provides hope and encouragement for believers to pursue humility, trusting in God's justice and timing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the crowds and His disciples, warning them about the behavior of the Pharisees and scribes.

2. Pharisees and Scribes
Religious leaders of the time who are criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and pride.

3. Jerusalem
The setting of this discourse, where Jesus often taught and confronted the religious leaders.

4. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who are being taught about the values of humility and servanthood.

5. Crowds
The general public who are listening to Jesus' teachings and witnessing His confrontations with the religious leaders.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pride leads to downfall. Jesus warns against self-exaltation, which is a common temptation for those in positions of authority or influence.

The Virtue of Humility
True greatness in the Kingdom of God is achieved through humility. Jesus exemplifies this through His life and teachings.

God's Reversal Principle
God's kingdom operates on principles that often reverse worldly values. Those who humble themselves will be exalted by God in due time.

Practical Humility
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.

Eternal Perspective
The exaltation promised by God may not always be immediate or visible in this life, but it is assured in the eternal kingdom.

(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, 1Peter 5:6, show that the impression had been made.

Verse 12. - Whosever shall exalt himself shall be abased (ταπεινωθήσεται, shall be humbled); and he that shall humble (ταπεινώσει) himself shall be exalted. 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" (Hebrews 12:2). St. Peter draws the lesson, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:5, 6). Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

whoever
Ὅστις (Hostis)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

exalts
ὑψώσει (hypsōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5312: (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.

himself
ἑαυτὸν (heauton)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

will be humbled,
ταπεινωθήσεται (tapeinōthēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5013: To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

whoever
ὅστις (hostis)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

humbles
ταπεινώσει (tapeinōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5013: To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.

himself
ἑαυτὸν (heauton)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

will be exalted.
ὑψωθήσεται (hypsōthēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5312: (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.

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