The "Humble" music video contains a lot of Christian imagery and visuals associated with biblical references. He begins the video wearing a traditional Catholic pulpit robe inside of what appears to be a church.He is later seen sitting at a table meant to with several other men to recreate "The Last Supper" painting. Though the framing of the shot is to recall Da Vinci's painting, there are several alterations. First, is the number of men seated at table. In this video there are only 7 instead of the 12 and Jesus in the original painting. Though 7 is also a significant number in the Bible, the slight alteration can be defined as the use of "aesthetics" as defined in chapter 9 of the book "Understand Theology and Popular Culture" by Gordon Lynch.
In this book, Lynch makes the argument that another writer, "understands theological aesthetic as being broadly concerned with the study of beauty in in relation to God." (Lynch, 2005, p. 185). By using this argument for the study of this music video, as viewers we can see the connections to past works, compare the two, while also seeing the current piece as its own unique perspective. For example, the shot of the 7 at table references The Last Supper while also offering its own unique commentary.
Lines in the song itself also reference biblical stories. the chorus repeatedly uses the phrase, "Bitch, be humble, sit down" (Duckworth, 2017). This can be connected to the book of Jeremiah 13:18 which states:
"Say to the king and to the queen mother: come down from your throne; From your heads your splendid crowns will fall." (NIV)
Some translations will say "sit down from your throne" in the passage. Through this, Lamar makes the connection that without humility, all that gave one fame and power can be easily taken away. This may come as a bold statement from someone who has much power and influence. This song not only offers advice to others, but is a commentary on the artist himself.
