### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ὑψόω (hypsóō - `{{G5312}}`) derives from ὕψος (hypsos - `{{G5311}}`), meaning "height" or "loftiness." At its most fundamental level, hypsóō signifies "to lift up," "to raise high," or "to elevate." This elevation can be understood both literally and figuratively. Literally, it refers to a physical raising, such as lifting an object or a person. Figuratively, its semantic range expands significantly to include:
1. **Exaltation or Glorification:** To raise to a position of honor, prominence, power, or divine glory. This is a key usage, particularly in reference to Christ.
2. **Promotion or Advancement:** To elevate someone in status or authority.
3. **Drawing or Attracting:** As seen in John's Gospel, where being "lifted up" implies drawing people to oneself.
4. **Spiritual Elevation:** While less direct, it can imply being raised to a higher spiritual state or understanding, often as a result of divine favor or humility.
The word carries a strong sense of upward movement, whether physical, social, or spiritual, often implying a position of visibility or authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hypsóō appears frequently in the New Testament, revealing rich theological layers across various contexts:
* **The Exaltation of Christ (John's Gospel):** In John, hypsóō is uniquely applied to Jesus' crucifixion, presenting it not merely as a humiliating death but as the moment of His glorification and drawing power. In [[John 3:14]], Jesus states, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up," directly linking His crucifixion to the saving act in [[Numbers 21:9]]. Similarly, [[John 12:32]] declares, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself," indicating the cross as the magnetic center of salvation. This perspective views the cross as Jesus' throne, the ultimate display of His love and authority, rather than solely an instrument of suffering.
* **Divine Exaltation of Jesus (Acts):** The book of Acts uses hypsóō to describe God's active role in elevating Jesus post-resurrection. Peter proclaims in [[Acts 2:33]], "Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing." Again in [[Acts 5:31]], "God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." Here, hypsóō signifies Jesus' ascension to supreme divine authority and honor, confirming His messianic identity and sovereign rule.
* **The Paradox of Humility and Exaltation (Synoptic Gospels & James):** A recurring ethical principle articulated by Jesus is the inverse relationship between self-exaltation and true exaltation. In [[Matthew 23:12]], [[Luke 14:11]], and [[Luke 18:14]], Jesus states, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This teaching underscores a fundamental kingdom value where humility (often expressed by ταπεινόω - tapeinoō - `{{G5013}}`) before God and others is the prerequisite for divine elevation. James echoes this in [[James 4:10]], "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." This highlights that true honor and promotion come from God, not from human striving or self-aggrandizement.
* **Mary's Magnificat (Luke):** In [[Luke 1:52]], Mary praises God, "He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate." This verse beautifully encapsulates God's redemptive justice, where the proud are abased and the humble are elevated, reflecting a divine reversal of worldly power structures.
* **Paul's Self-Humiliation (2 Corinthians):** In [[2 Corinthians 11:7]], Paul asks rhetorically, "Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?" Here, Paul uses hypsóō to describe the Corinthians' spiritual benefit, which came about through his own self-abasement and sacrificial ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding hypsóō is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Antonym:** The most direct antonym is ταπεινόω (tapeinoō - `{{G5013}}`), meaning "to humble" or "to abase." The frequent pairing of hypsóō and tapeinoō in Jesus' teachings (e.g., [[Matthew 23:12]]) creates a powerful antithesis, highlighting the divine principle of humility leading to exaltation.
* **Root Word:** ὕψος (hypsos - `{{G5311}}`), "height," "loftiness," "dignity." This noun forms the semantic core from which hypsóō derives its meaning of elevation.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* δοξάζω (doxazō - `{{G1392}}`): "to glorify," "to honor." Often used in parallel with Christ's exaltation, as His being "lifted up" is inherently an act of glorification.
* ἀναβαίνω (anabainō - `{{G305}}`): "to go up," "to ascend." Used for Christ's ascension into heaven, which is a key aspect of His exaltation.
* καθίζω (kathizō - `{{G2523}}`): "to sit down." Used in contexts of Christ sitting at the right hand of God, signifying His enthronement and authority, a consequence of His exaltation.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The Hebrew Bible frequently speaks of God "lifting up" (רום - rum - `{{H7311}}` or נשא - nasa' - `{{H5375}}`) the humble, the poor, or His chosen servants, and conversely, bringing down the proud. The imagery of the bronze serpent in [[Numbers 21:9]] being "lifted up" is a direct Old Testament prefigurement of Christ's crucifixion as an act of salvation, explicitly referenced by Jesus in [[John 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hypsóō is profound, particularly in its Christological and ethical dimensions:
* **Christological Apex:** Hypsóō is central to understanding the full scope of Christ's redemptive work. In John's Gospel, it uniquely frames the crucifixion as the moment of Christ's glorification, not merely a humiliation. The "lifted up" Christ on the cross is simultaneously the suffering servant and the reigning King, drawing all humanity to Himself through His sacrificial love. This concept elevates the cross from a symbol of defeat to the ultimate expression of divine power and love. Furthermore, in Acts, hypsóō underscores the post-resurrection exaltation of Jesus to God's right hand, signifying His supreme authority, universal Lordship, and ongoing intercessory ministry. This divine act of exaltation confirms Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and establishes His reign.
* **Soteriological Foundation:** The "lifted up" Christ is the source of salvation. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, so too are believers saved by faith in the Christ lifted up on the cross. His exaltation is inextricably linked to the provision of repentance and forgiveness of sins.
* **Kingdom Ethics and Discipleship:** The recurring theme of "whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (e.g., [[Matthew 23:12]]) establishes a core principle of Kingdom ethics. It challenges worldly values of self-promotion and ambition, asserting that true greatness and honor in God's economy are achieved through humility, service, and self-denial. This paradox is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching, inviting disciples to embrace a counter-cultural path where God is the ultimate bestower of honor.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Ultimately, hypsóō points to God's sovereign agency. It is God who exalts Christ, and it is God who exalts the humble. Human efforts to exalt oneself are futile and lead to abasement; true exaltation is a divine gift bestowed upon those who align with God's will and embrace humility.
### Summary
The Greek word ὑψόω (hypsóō - `{{G5312}}`) signifies "to lift up" or "to exalt," encompassing both literal elevation and profound figurative meanings. Its most significant theological application is found in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus Christ: first, as He is "lifted up" on the cross, a unique Johannine perspective that frames His crucifixion as the moment of His glorification and universal drawing power; and second, as He is divinely "exalted" to the right hand of God after His resurrection, signifying His supreme authority and Lordship. Beyond Christology, hypsóō is central to Kingdom ethics, articulating the paradox that true exaltation for believers comes through humility and self-abasement before God. This divine principle underscores God's sovereignty as the ultimate bestower of honor, challenging human tendencies toward self-promotion and inviting a life of reverent submission.
TRV