Key Verse Spotlight
Matthew 23:12 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. "
Matthew 23:12
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
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From This Chapter
Matthew 23:1
"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,"
Matthew 23:2
"Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:"
Matthew 23:3
"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not."
Matthew 23:4
"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
Matthew 23:5
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,"
Matthew 23:6
"And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,"
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