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

LUKE 14:11KJV
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Luke 14:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:11 mean?

Luke 14:11 teaches that anyone who lifts themselves up in pride will be brought down, but those who lower themselves in humility will be lifted up. This verse highlights a reversal: self-promotion leads to being humbled, while true humility leads to being honored.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to guests at a meal, using everyday social situations to teach about God’s values. He warns against seeking the best seats or highest status, showing that in God’s eyes, humble people are the ones who will be honored in the end. The verse sums up a key lesson about pride and humility that runs through Jesus’ teachings.

The Greek behind Luke 14:11

  • ὑψόω (hypsóō, "exalteth" / "exalted"): This word means to lift up or raise high. In this context, it refers to someone trying to make themselves important or superior.
  • ταπεινόω (tapeinóō, "abased" / "humbleth"): This word means to make low or humble. Here, it describes someone who willingly takes a lower place or does not seek attention.
  • ἑαυτοῦ (heautou, "himself"): This reflexive pronoun makes it clear that the action—either exalting or humbling—is something a person does to themselves, not something done by others.

Why Luke 14:11 matters

  • Luke 14:11 clears up the idea that seeking your own honor or status is the way to get ahead; Jesus says the opposite is true in God’s kingdom.
  • The verse ties directly into the story Jesus tells about choosing seats at a feast, making the lesson practical and easy to picture.
  • This teaching echoes a larger theme in Luke’s Gospel, where God lifts up the lowly and brings down the proud, showing what God values most.

Where else these words appear

“abased” Greek G5013 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
  • Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

“exalteth” Greek G5312 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.