Tapeinophrosune is the disposition expressed in serving, mutual regard, endurance, and considering others above oneself.

The dominant usage presents a disposition practiced in service and relationships: serving amid trials, bearing with others, regarding others above oneself, and being clothed with it. Two Colossians verses also place the term in descriptions of a claimed or displayed quality that the surrounding clauses criticize as false or ineffective.

1. Humble conduct toward others · dominant

   In Acts 20:19, the genitive singular form occurs in the clause about serving the Lord amid tears and trials; the APB renders the clause "Serving the Lord with all humility." In Ephesians 4:2 and 1 Peter 5:5, it stands with conduct toward others—enduring one another in love and being clothed toward one another—while Philippians 2:3 links it with considering others higher than oneself. Colossians 3:12 includes it among qualities to "Put on."

   Acts 20:19Ephesians 4:2Philippians 2:3Colossians 3:121 Peter 5:5
2. A claimed quality criticized in context · occasional

   In Colossians 2:18, the dative singular form occurs in a warning about someone taking delight in "false humility" while being puffed up. In Colossians 2:23, the same form appears in a description of practices having an appearance of wisdom but being "of no value against the gratification of the flesh."

   Colossians 2:18Colossians 2:23

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the term with "humility," including service, mutual conduct, and a list of qualities to put on. In Colossians 2:18 it adds "false" from the verse's critical context.