### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὕψωμα (hýpsōma, `{{G5313}}`) is derived from the verb ὑψόω (hypsóō, `{{G5312}}`), meaning "to lift up," "to exalt," or "to raise high." Consequently, its core meaning encompasses the concept of an elevated place or thing. Semantically, it extends from a literal sense of "altitude" or "height" to a more abstract and figurative understanding. In its concrete application, it denotes physical elevation, a spatial dimension of loftiness. Figuratively, however, ὕψωμα can represent anything that is elevated, exalted, or set up, particularly in a manner that implies a barrier, an obstacle, or a stronghold. This dual semantic range—physical height and metaphorical opposition/exaltation—is crucial for understanding its usage in the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὕψωμα (`{{G5313}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
1. **Romans 8:39**: "nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In this profound declaration of God's unwavering love, ὕψωμα is paired with βάθος (báthos, "depth," `{{G899}}`). Here, "height" and "depth" function as merisms, encompassing the entirety of cosmic spatial dimensions. They represent the extremes of the created order, from the highest heavens to the lowest abyss. The context is one of absolute assurance: no power, no dimension, no entity within creation, whether physically elevated or profoundly deep, possesses the capacity to sever the believer from the divine love manifested in Christ. This usage highlights the literal, spatial meaning of ὕψωμα, while simultaneously extending it to symbolize the full range of potential cosmic adversities.
2. **2 Corinthians 10:5**: "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."
Here, ὕψωμα takes on a distinctly figurative and polemical meaning. It is translated as "lofty thing" or "high thing" and is explicitly described as "raised up against the knowledge of God." In this context, ὕψωμα refers not to physical elevation but to intellectual, philosophical, or spiritual strongholds—arguments, proud human reasonings, or systems of thought that exalt themselves in opposition to divine truth. Paul uses military imagery, depicting these "high things" as fortresses or elevated barriers that must be "destroyed" or "pulled down" by the spiritual weapons of the believer. This passage underscores the word's capacity to denote an obstacle or an opposing force, particularly one rooted in human pride or rebellion against God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ὕψωμα (`{{G5313}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ὑψόω (hypsóō, `{{G5312}}`)**: As the verbal root, hypsóō signifies "to lift up," "to exalt," or "to raise high." This connection is vital, as ὕψωμα is the result or state of being lifted up. While hypsóō can describe Christ's exaltation (e.g., [[John 3:14]], [[Acts 2:33]]), ὕψωμα, particularly in 2 Corinthians 10:5, points to a self-exaltation that is antithetical to God.
* **ὕψος (hypsos, `{{G5311}}`)**: This noun also means "height" or "loftiness" and is closely related in meaning to ὕψωμα, sometimes used interchangeably in general contexts of elevation.
* **βάθος (báthos, `{{G899}}`)**: "Depth." This word serves as the direct antonym to ὕψωμα in [[Romans 8:39]], forming a comprehensive pair that signifies the totality of existence.
* **Concepts of Pride and Humility**: The figurative use of ὕψωμα in 2 Corinthians 10:5 directly relates to human pride, arrogance, and intellectual rebellion against God. It stands in stark contrast to the concept of humility and submission to divine truth.
* **Spiritual Warfare**: The context of 2 Corinthians 10:5 places ὕψωμα within the broader theme of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to dismantle strongholds of thought that oppose God's revelation.
* **God's Sovereignty and Love**: In [[Romans 8:39]], ὕψωμα contributes to the overarching theme of God's absolute sovereignty and the unbreakable nature of His love for His elect.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὕψωμα (`{{G5313}}`) is profound, particularly in the two passages where it appears:
1. **Unbreakable Divine Love (Romans 8:39)**: This usage of ὕψωμα is foundational for understanding Christian assurance. It declares that God's love in Christ is utterly unassailable. No created "height"—representing any form of cosmic power, spiritual entity, or adverse circumstance, however exalted or formidable—can separate believers from the steadfast love of God. This testifies to the omnipotence and faithfulness of God, the eternal security of salvation, and the ultimate triumph of divine grace over all opposing forces. It underscores the boundless nature of God's commitment to His people, rooted not in their merit but in His immutable character and the finished work of Christ.
2. **Dismantling Intellectual Strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:5)**: Here, ὕψωμα highlights a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare: the battle for the mind. It reveals that opposition to God often manifests as intellectual pride, philosophical systems, or human reasonings that elevate themselves above divine revelation. These "lofty things" are not merely abstract ideas but active barriers that hinder the "knowledge of God." The theological implication is that true spiritual victory involves identifying and dismantling these intellectual strongholds, bringing every thought into submission to Christ. This passage calls believers to intellectual humility and discernment, recognizing that genuine wisdom comes from God and that any thought system that defies Him must be confronted and brought low by the power of the gospel.
### Summary
The Greek word ὕψωμα (hýpsōma, `{{G5313}}`) carries a dual semantic weight, signifying both literal "height" or "altitude" and, more significantly in its New Testament usage, a figurative "barrier" or "stronghold." In [[Romans 8:39]], paired with "depth," it denotes the comprehensive range of cosmic dimensions, emphasizing that no created "height" can separate believers from the unyielding love of God in Christ. This powerfully affirms the eternal security and divine protection afforded to those in Him. Conversely, in [[2 Corinthians 10:5]], ὕψωμα refers to "every lofty thing" or "high thing" that proudly exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Here, it functions as a metaphor for intellectual and spiritual strongholds, human reasonings, or systems of thought that resist divine truth. This usage underscores the necessity of spiritual warfare against human pride and false wisdom, calling for every thought to be brought into obedience to Christ. Together, these occurrences of ὕψωμα illuminate profound theological truths concerning God's unbreakable love and the nature of the spiritual battle for the mind.
TRV