For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
But woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites,.... It seems from hence, that the Scribes and Pharisees had not left him, at least not all of them, notwithstanding the confusion they were thrown into; but were still about him, observing what he said to the people, and watching an opportunity to take every advantage against him; whom he addresses in a very awful manner, calling...
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased--See on Luk 18:14. What follows was addressed more immediately to the scribes and Pharisees.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (l) He seems to allude to the position of the rabbis, for rabbi signifies one that is in a high position.