Ministry of Grace Church

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,

Truth to Learn

Being poor and unimportant is humbling. As a Christian, you have been elevated to the position of a child of God. God’s children are neither unimportant or poor.

Behind the Words

The word translated “humble” is the word tapeinos which means “not rising far off the ground” and metaphorically means one who is “depressed, humbled, or lowly.” In this verse it is expressed as “the brother, the lowly one.” This word order emphasizes the fact that he is a brother, not of physical relation but of spiritual relation as a child of God, and only secondarily that he is lowly.

“Glory” is translated from kauchaomai which can mean “to boast” or “to glory,” either in a good sense or a bad sense. In this verse it is used in a good sense. Once again, we see James using the imperative mood of the verb indicating a command of encouragement, therefore, the translation “glory” is most appropriate.

The word translated “exaltation” is hupsos which is from the root huper or hyper meaning “over or above.” It refers to a position of elevation or dignity, so it could be translated as being “elevated” or “lifted up.”

Meaning Explained

This verse seems to introduce a new topic for James, and yet it should be tied in to the previous section, particularly with:

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2)

Although there is some disagreement as to what James meant by “lowly,” it seems most natural that he is making a reference to a Christian brother who does not have riches or who has a lowly station in life. This is based primarily on the fact that in the next verse James speaks to the one who has much of the world’s goods, that is, a rich person. The thesis of this entire section of James’ letter is that we should find delight in trials and among the most difficult trials are being in poverty and/or lacking health.

Being poor can be humbling and at times it can even be humiliating. James commands those of us who are in a humble station in life to glory in it. His reason for glorying is that the lowly person is actually elevated, or lifted up, by God when he becomes a Christian. In Christ we are all on the same level and God receives the glory.

If you read the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) you will see that while on this earth the rich man had all this world had to offer, while Lazarus had nothing, not even health. After death, because of his faith, Lazarus was elevated to an exalted position by the side of Abraham, while the rich man, due to his lack of faith, was reduced to the torment of hell fire.

Application

If you are lacking in the things that this world has to offer, then you know how humbling it can be. Instead of complaining about it, however, you should give God the glory for raising you up in Christ Jesus and making you His child.

One day when this life is over, you will assuredly give glory to God for His having made you His child! Why not do it now!