ἐπαίρω

epaírō /ep-ahee'-ro/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐπί and αἴρω
Meaningto raise up (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageexalt self, poise (lift, take) up.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epaírō, represented by G1869, means to raise up, either literally or figuratively. It is derived from ἐπί and αἴρω. Appearing 19 times in 19 unique verses, this term describes actions ranging from a simple physical lift to the act of exalting oneself.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G1869 is frequently used to describe physical actions that signify an internal state or focus. Jesus is described as having lifted up his eyes to heaven in prayer John 17:1, and his hands to bless his disciples Luke 24:50. The apostles also lifted up their voices to speak Acts 2:14. Figuratively, the term can carry a negative connotation, describing a high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God 2 Corinthians 10:5, or betrayal, as when one hath lifted up his heel against another John 13:18. A pivotal use of the word is in describing the ascension, where Jesus was taken up while his disciples watched Acts 1:9.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the action of lifting up:

  • G3788 ophthalmós (the eye): This is often the object of the verb, indicating a change in focus or a posture of prayer. Jesus often lifted up his eyes before speaking to the Father or a crowd (John 17:1, Luke 6:20).
  • G5495 cheír (the hand): Lifting the hands is an act of worship or blessing. Believers are instructed to pray by lifting up holy hands 1 Timothy 2:8.
  • G5456 phōnḗ (voice): This term is used when someone begins to speak boldly or make a public declaration, as when Peter lifted up his voice on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:14.
  • G352 anakýptō (to unbend, i.e. rise): This verb is used in parallel with G1869 to convey a sense of hope and expectation, commanding believers to look up and lift up their heads as redemption approaches Luke 21:28.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1869 is demonstrated in several key themes:

  • Acts of Worship and Prayer: The physical act of lifting the eyes, hands, or voice is a recurring outward expression of inward devotion, prayer, and blessing, as modeled by Christ himself (Luke 24:50, John 17:1) and instructed for the church 1 Timothy 2:8.
  • Spiritual Pride: In its figurative sense, G1869 warns against arrogance that exalteth itself against God's authority. This pride is something to be cast down by believers 2 Corinthians 10:5.
  • Christ's Ascension: The word is used for the literal moment of Christ's ascension into heaven, signifying the culmination of his earthly ministry as he was taken up into a cloud Acts 1:9.
  • Eschatological Hope: Believers are commanded to lift up their heads as a sign of hopeful expectation for their coming redemption G629, transforming a physical posture into a symbol of faith Luke 21:28.

Summary

In summary, G1869 is a versatile verb that captures a spectrum of biblical actions and attitudes. It illustrates both the literal gestures of worship and petition directed toward God and the figurative posture of pride that sets itself against Him. From a simple glance toward heaven to the profound moment of Christ's ascension, epaírō defines actions that reveal the orientation of the human heart.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 19 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 5×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Participle Accusative Singular Neuter 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 19 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Luke (6 verses).

1
Matthew
6
Luke
4
John
5
Acts
2
2 Corinthians
1
1 Timothy

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