from ἐπί and αἴρω; to raise up (literally or figuratively):--exalt self, poise (lift, take) up.
Transliteration:epaírō
Pronunciation:ep-ahee'-ro
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπαίρω (epaírō, `{{G1869}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, "upon," "over," "in addition to") and the verb αἴρω (airō, `{{G142}}`, "to lift," "to take up," "to carry away"). This etymology immediately suggests an action of elevation or upward movement.
The core meaning of epaírō is "to lift up," "to raise," or "to elevate." This can be understood in both a literal and a figurative sense:
* **Literal Sense:** It describes a physical act of raising something from a lower to a higher position. This applies to body parts like hands, eyes, or the head, as well as the voice.
* **Figurative Sense:** Metaphorically, epaírō can signify "to exalt oneself," implying arrogance, pride, or a presumptuous elevation of one's own status or importance. Conversely, in certain contexts, it can denote being "lifted up" by an external force, such as God, or an internal spiritual upliftment like hope. The precise nuance depends heavily on the surrounding biblical text. The prefix ἐπί often intensifies the upward direction or the act of placing something upon another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
epaírō appears in various New Testament passages, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Elevation:**
* **Hands:** Jesus "lifted up his hands" to bless his disciples before his ascension in [[Luke 24:50]]. Similarly, [[1 Timothy 2:8]] instructs men to pray "lifting holy hands," symbolizing a posture of reverence and purity in supplication.
* **Eyes:** The act of "lifting up one's eyes" is frequently mentioned, often indicating observation, recognition, or a turning of attention upwards. Examples include the rich man in Hades "lifting up his eyes" and seeing Lazarus ([[Luke 16:23]]) and Jesus instructing his disciples to "lift up your eyes" to see the fields ripe for harvest ([[John 4:35]]).
* **Voice:** To "lift up one's voice" signifies speaking loudly, often in declaration or proclamation. Peter "lifted up his voice" to address the crowd on the day of Pentecost ([[Acts 2:14]]), and the early church "lifted up their voice to God with one accord" in prayer ([[Acts 4:24]]).
* **Head:** In the context of the signs of the end times, believers are exhorted to "lift up your heads" because their redemption is drawing near ([[Luke 21:28]]). This signifies hope, courage, and expectation rather than despair.
* **Figurative Exaltation (Negative Connotation):**
* The most prominent figurative use carries a negative connotation, referring to self-exaltation or pride. In [[2 Corinthians 10:5]], Paul speaks of "every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God," referring to human arrogance or philosophical systems that oppose divine truth. This highlights the spiritual danger of pride.
* Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 11:20]], Paul sarcastically notes how the Corinthians tolerate those who "exalt themselves" over them, indicating a manipulative or domineering attitude. This usage underscores the corrupting influence of human pride within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **αἴρω (airō) `{{G142}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to lift," "take up," or "carry away." epaírō specifically emphasizes the *upward* direction, often with an intensifying nuance.
* **ὑψόω (hypsoō) `{{G5312}}`**: Also means "to lift up" or "to exalt." This word is frequently used with profound theological significance, particularly concerning the exaltation of Christ (e.g., [[John 3:14]], [[Acts 2:33]]) or the principle that those who humble themselves will be exalted by God ([[Matthew 23:12]]). While epaírō can denote elevation, hypsoō more consistently carries the weight of divine or significant exaltation.
* **ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) `{{G450}}`**: "To cause to stand up," often used for resurrection or rising from a seated/lying position.
* **ἐγείρω (egeirō) `{{G1453}}`**: "To raise up," "to awaken," commonly used for raising from the dead.
* **Pride and Humility:** The negative usage of epaírō to describe self-exaltation stands in stark contrast to the biblical virtues of humility and lowliness, which are consistently praised and commanded (e.g., [[James 4:10]], [[1 Peter 5:6]]). The concept of "lifting oneself up" is antithetical to the dependence on God that characterizes true faith.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of epaírō is rich and varied, touching upon worship, eschatology, and ethics.
* **The Posture of Worship and Blessing:** The literal act of "lifting hands" in prayer or blessing (e.g., [[Luke 24:50]], [[1 Timothy 2:8]]) is a profound theological gesture. It symbolizes a turning towards God, an act of surrender, reverence, and expectation of divine favor. It signifies a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a reaching out for His grace. This physical posture reflects an inward spiritual disposition.
* **Eschatological Hope and Vigilance:** The command to "lift up your heads" in [[Luke 21:28]] during discussions of end-time signs is a powerful call to spiritual vigilance and hope. It instructs believers not to be overwhelmed by the world's turmoil but to look with anticipation towards the ultimate redemption and the coming of Christ. This "lifting" is an act of faith that transcends present difficulties.
* **The Condemnation of Pride:** Perhaps the most significant theological implication of epaírō lies in its use to describe self-exaltation. This is a severe warning against pride, which the Bible consistently identifies as a foundational sin and an affront to God. To "exalt oneself" is to usurp God's rightful place, to rely on human strength or wisdom rather than divine truth and grace. It represents a spirit of independence from God and a resistance to His will. This self-exaltation is depicted as something that sets itself "against the knowledge of God" ([[2 Corinthians 10:5]]), highlighting its destructive impact on one's relationship with the Creator.
* **Divine Prerogative:** By condemning human self-exaltation, epaírō implicitly affirms that true and lasting elevation comes only from God. Any attempt by humanity to "lift itself up" outside of God's will is futile and sinful. This reinforces the biblical principle that genuine honor and exaltation are gifts of divine grace, not achievements of human pride.
### Summary
The Greek word epaírō (`{{G1869}}`) fundamentally means "to lift up" or "to raise," stemming from ἐπί and αἴρω. Its usage in the New Testament spans both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it describes physical actions such as lifting hands in prayer ([[Luke 24:50]]), eyes in observation ([[John 4:35]]), or the voice in proclamation ([[Acts 2:14]]). Figuratively, and with significant theological weight, it is most often used to denote "exalting oneself," a strong condemnation of pride and arrogance that stands in opposition to God's truth ([[2 Corinthians 10:5]]). Conversely, it can also convey a positive sense of spiritual upliftment, as in the exhortation to "lift up your heads" in hopeful anticipation of redemption ([[Luke 21:28]]). Thus, epaírō illuminates various aspects of biblical theology, from the posture of worship and eschatological hope to the critical warning against the destructive nature of human pride.
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