ABASE

a-bas':

The English rendition of shaphel (Job 40:11; Ezekiel 21:26), and of its derivative shephal (Daniel 4:37) = "bring down," "debase," "humble"; of `anah (Isaiah 31:4) = "abase self," "afflict," "chasten self," "deal harshly with," etc.; and of tapeinoo = "to depress"; figure "to humiliate" (in condition or heart): "abase," "bring low," "humble self" (Philippians 4:12). The word is always employed to indicate what should be done to or by him who nurtures a spirit and exhibits a demeanor contrary to the laudable humility which is a natural fruit of religion. Such a person is warned that the most extravagant audacity will not daunt Yahweh nor abate His vengeance (Isaiah 31:4), and good men are exhorted to employ their powers to bring him low (Job 40:11; Ezekiel 21:26). If men are not able to curb the arrogant, God is (Daniel 4:37); and He has so constituted the world, that sinful arrogance must fall (Matthew 23:12;

Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14).



Frank E. Hirsch

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Bibliography Information

Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'ABASE'".  "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia".  1915.