ὑψόω

hypsóō /hoop-so'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ὕψος
Meaningto elevate (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageexalt, lift up.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word hypsóō, represented by G5312, means to elevate (literally or figuratively). It appears 22 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. The term carries a dual meaning, referring both to a physical lifting and a figurative exaltation to a higher status or position of honor.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5312 is used in several distinct contexts. It is notably used to describe the lifting up of the Son of Man, drawing a parallel to how "Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness" John 3:14. Jesus states that when he is lifted up from the earth, he will draw all men to himself John 12:32. The word also expresses a core spiritual principle: "whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" Matthew 23:12. Furthermore, it describes God's sovereign action, such as when he exalted the people of Israel during their time in Egypt Acts 13:17.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide contrast and clarify the meaning of being exalted:

  • G5013 tapeinóō (to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)): This word is the direct antonym to exaltation and is frequently used to establish the principle that one must first humble oneself before the Lord to be lifted up James 4:10.
  • G2601 katabibázō (to cause to go down, i.e. precipitate): This term describes the consequence of arrogant self-exaltation. The city of Capernaum, which was exalted to heaven, is warned it will be brought down to hell Matthew 11:23.
  • G2507 kathairéō (to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)): This word signifies a forceful bringing down, often used to describe God's reversal of worldly power structures, where He has "put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree" Luke 1:52.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5312 is significant and multifaceted:

  • The Elevation of Christ: The term is crucial to understanding Christ's work. His being lifted up refers to his crucifixion and subsequent glorification, an event through which salvation is offered John 3:14. After this, God exalted him with His right hand as Prince and Saviour Acts 5:31.
  • The Principle of Humility: Scripture repeatedly uses G5312 to teach that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Self-exaltation leads to being abased, while humbling oneself before God leads to being exalted by Him in due time (1 Peter 5:6, Luke 14:11).
  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The word highlights God's authority to reverse human hierarchies. Cities that exalt themselves in pride face judgment Luke 10:15, while God sovereignly chooses to exalt the humble and those of low degree Luke 1:52.

Summary

In summary, G5312 is a pivotal term that moves beyond a simple definition of elevation. It theologically connects the crucifixion of Christ to His glorification, establishes the spiritual law that humility precedes divine exaltation, and demonstrates God's ultimate power to judge pride and elevate the humble. The word illustrates a divine economy where true exaltation is a gift from God, not a human achievement.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 20 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 4×
  • Future Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Aorist Passive Infinitive 2×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Future Passive Indicative 2nd Singular 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 1st Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
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.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
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 16 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Luke (4 verses).

2
Matthew
4
Luke
4
John
3
Acts
1
2 Corinthians
1
James
1
1 Peter

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