5554 status

A person’s standing in society in the sight of others. The status of individuals in the sight of the world often differs radically from their status in the sight of God, but it is the latter that really matters.

Factors contributing to high social status

High status associated with a position of secular authority Da 2:37-38 See also 2Sa 15:1-6; 1Ch 29:26-28

High status based upon a position of domestic authority Mal 1:6 See also Ps 123:2; Lk 17:7-10; 1Co 11:3

High status owing to recognition of religious authority Ac 5:34 See also Mt 23:1-2,8-10; Ac 23:1-5

High status owing to pious conduct Mt 23:5-7 pp Mk 12:38-39 pp Lk 20:45-46 See also Mt 6:2,5,16; Lk 7:4-5

High status based on wealth Pr 19:4 See also 1Ki 10:4-7 pp 2Ch 9:3-6; Job 1:1-3; Jas 2:1-4

Factors contributing to low social status

Low status on account of occupation Mt 9:11 pp Mk 2:16 pp Lk 5:30 See also Lk 15:1-2; Lk 18:11

Low status through sickness Lev 13:45-46 See also Mt 20:29-31 pp Mk 10:46-48 pp Lk 18:35-39; Lk 17:12-13

Low status through poverty Am 5:11-12 See also Job 24:1-12; Lk 16:20; Jas 2:1-4

Status in God’s kingdom

The reversal of human status Mt 5:3-6 pp Lk 6:20-21 See also Mt 19:13-15 pp Mk 10:13-16 pp Lk 18:15-17; Mt 19:16-30 pp Mk 10:17-31 pp Lk 18:18-30; Lk 1:52-53; Lk 16:19-26; 1Co 1:26-29

Believers must take the lowest status Mt 18:1-5 pp Mk 9:33-37 pp Lk 9:46-48 See also Mt 20:20-28 pp Mk 10:35-45; Lk 14:7-11; Jn 13:12-15; Php 2:3-5

All believers enjoy equal status before God Gal 3:28 See also 1Co 7:22; 1Co 11:11-12; Phm 15-17; Jas 1:9-10

See also