Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 23:12

"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted." — Matthew 23:12 (ASV)

The substance of v.11 is in 20:26: Matthew often repeats Jesus’ statements on humility. For instances of exalting oneself, see comments on 20:20–28; of humbling oneself, see comment on 18:4. The principle enunciated here reflects not natural law but kingdom law: the eschatological reward will humble the self-exalted and exalt the self-humbled (cf. Ezekiel 21:26). What is commended are humility and service. The supreme example—the Messiah himself—makes this clear (20:26–28); for his astonishing humility and service to others were untainted by servility and were perfectly compatible with exercising the highest authority. Having done the greatest service, he has been most highly exalted.