ὑψηλός
high, lofty
Definition
The adjective ὑψηλός primarily means 'high' or 'lofty,' describing physical elevation, such as a high mountain (Matthew 4:8, Matthew 17:1). It also carries metaphorical meanings of exalted status or pride. In Luke 16:15, it describes what is 'highly esteemed' among people, contrasting with God's values. In Hebrews 1:3, it refers to Christ's exalted position at the 'right hand of the Majesty on high,' denoting supreme heavenly authority.
Biblical Usage
ὑψηλός is used 11 times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. It often describes literal high places like mountains (Mark 9:2, Luke 4:5). In Acts 13:17, it refers to God lifting up the people of Israel with a 'high arm,' symbolizing power. The word is used metaphorically in Romans 12:16, warning against being 'high-minded' or arrogant, and in Hebrews 1:3 for Christ's heavenly exaltation.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek root ὕψος (hypsos, G5311), meaning 'height' or 'elevation.' It is an adjective form indicating the quality of being high. The word family includes ὑψόω (hypsóō, G5312), meaning 'to lift up' or 'exalt,' showing a connection between physical height and the concept of exaltation.
Semantic Range
ὑψηλός is theologically significant as it describes both divine exaltation and human pride. It highlights Christ's supreme, heavenly position (Hebrews 1:3), central to the doctrine of His ascension and reign. Conversely, it warns against spiritual arrogance (Romans 12:16), contrasting human 'high' status with God's perspective (Luke 16:15). Understanding this range enriches reading by revealing tensions between worldly elevation and godly humility.
In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, 'high' places (literal mountains) were often associated with divine encounters, revelation, or idolatrous worship (e.g., the 'high mountain' of temptation in Matthew 4:8). The metaphorical sense of being 'high-minded' reflected a cultural concern with honor, status, and pride, which biblical writers frequently challenged.
μετέωρος (meteōros, G3329) — literally 'raised up,' often implying something hanging or lofty, less common for moral exaltation. ὕψιστος (hypsistos, G5310) — 'highest' or 'most high,' used as a title for God, emphasizing supreme elevation. ὑπερήφανος (hyperēphanos, G5244) — 'arrogant' or 'proud,' focusing on the negative moral quality rather than the state of being high.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →