ὑψόω

I lift up, exalt

Definition

The verb ὑψόω means 'to lift up' or 'to exalt,' and it is used in both a literal and a figurative sense in the New Testament. Literally, it refers to the physical act of lifting something high, as seen in John 3:14 where Jesus compares his crucifixion to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. Figuratively, it denotes exaltation to a position of honor or authority, often in a spiritual or eschatological context, such as God exalting the humble (Luke 1:52) or Jesus being exalted to the Father's right hand. In some passages, like John 8:28, it carries a double meaning, referring both to Jesus' physical lifting on the cross and his exaltation in glory.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 16 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (Matthew, Luke, John) and once in Acts (2:33) and James (4:10). Its usage often contrasts human pride with divine reversal: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and the humble will be exalted (Luke 14:11, 18:14). In John's Gospel, it is uniquely tied to Jesus' crucifixion and glorification, where 'lifted up' signifies both his death and exaltation (John 3:14, 12:32). The pattern emphasizes God's sovereign action in exalting the lowly and the paradoxical exaltation through suffering.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek adjective ὕψος (hypsos, G5311) meaning 'height' or 'high place,' ὑψόω is a verb formed to express the action of making something high or exalted. It is related to the noun ὑψωμα (hypsōma, G5313) meaning 'height' or 'exalted position.' The root conveys the concept of elevation, whether physical, social, or spiritual, and its meaning developed in biblical Greek to include the theological idea of divine exaltation, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the paradox of Christ's work: his humiliation on the cross is simultaneously his exaltation (John 12:32-33). It underscores the biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:10), reversing worldly values. Understanding ὑψόω enriches reading by revealing how Jesus' crucifixion is not defeat but the means of his glorification and the drawing of all people to himself, highlighting the unity of salvation history from the serpent in the wilderness to Christ's victory.

In the Greco-Roman world, exaltation was often associated with military triumph, political promotion, or social prestige. However, the New Testament subverts this by linking exaltation with humility and suffering, a concept countercultural to both Greek and Roman ideals of honor. The 'lifting up' language in John would also resonate with Jewish audiences familiar with the Isaiah servant songs and the story of Moses, connecting Jesus' death to prophetic patterns of redemption.

ἐπαίρω (epairō, G1869) — to lift up or raise, often physically or in pride; μεγαλύνω (megalynō, G3170) — to magnify or make great, focusing on increase in importance or praise; δοξάζω (doxazō, G1392) — to glorify, emphasizing the bestowal of honor and splendor.

Word Details

Scripture References