from נָשָׂא; (used as abstractly) supreme exaltation; exalted.
Transliteration:mithnassêʼ
Pronunciation:mith-nas-say'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מִתְנַשֵּׂא (mithnassêʼ, `{{H4984}}`) is a Hithpael participle derived from the root נָשָׂא (nasaʼ, `{{H5375}}`). The root `{{H5375}}` carries a broad semantic range, encompassing meanings such as "to lift," "to carry," "to bear," "to take," "to support," and metaphorically, "to forgive" or "to exalt." The Hithpael stem, in this context, typically denotes a reflexive or intensive action, or a state of being. Thus, `{{H4984}}` signifies "one who exalts himself" or, more commonly, "one who is exalted" or "supreme exaltation." It conveys a profound sense of elevated status, preeminence, and majesty. Unlike a simple "lifting," the Hithpael participle suggests an established or inherent state of being supremely high, rather than merely the act of being raised.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The specific form מִתְנַשֵּׂא (mithnassêʼ, `{{H4984}}`) is remarkably limited in its direct occurrences within the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only a few profound declarations. In every instance where this particular Hithpael participle is used, it refers exclusively to the exaltation of God.
* In [[2 Samuel 22:47]] and its parallel in [[Psalm 18:46]], the word appears in a doxological declaration: "The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation!" Here, `{{H4984}}` (מִתְנַשֵּׂא אֱלוֹהַּ יִשְׁעִי) functions as an acclamation, affirming God's supreme and unassailable position as the source of salvation. It is not merely a wish for God to be exalted, but a declarative statement of His inherent state of being exalted.
* Similarly, in [[1 Chronicles 29:11]], King David's prayer of praise attributes ultimate sovereignty to God: "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all." The phrase "וְאַתָּה מִתְנַשֵּׂא לְכֹל לְרֹאשׁ" (v'attah mithnassêʼ l'khol l'rosh) unequivocally declares God's supreme headship and preeminence over all creation.
These contexts consistently portray God as inherently and supremely exalted, not by external force, but by His very nature and sovereign rule. The word underscores His unique position as the Most High.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of `{{H4984}}` is נָשָׂא (nasaʼ, `{{H5375}}`), which has a wide semantic field. Other forms of this root, particularly in the Hithpael, can describe human actions of self-exaltation, often in a negative light, highlighting pride or arrogance (e.g., Daniel 11:36, though not using `{{H4984}}` specifically, but the Hithpael of `{{H5375}}`). This contrast is crucial: while the specific participle `{{H4984}}` is reserved for God's rightful exaltation, the broader Hithpael of the root can depict the sinful human tendency to elevate oneself.
Other Hebrew words that convey concepts of exaltation, greatness, or highness include:
* רוּם (rûm, `{{H7225}}`): "to be high, exalted," frequently used to describe God's elevated status (e.g., [[Psalm 99:5]], [[Psalm 99:9]]).
* גָּדַל (gāḏal, `{{H1361}}`): "to be great, grow, magnify," often referring to God's greatness and majesty (e.g., [[Psalm 145:3]]).
* שָׂגַב (śāḡaḇ, `{{H7682}}`): "to be high, inaccessible," emphasizing God's transcendence and protection.
While these words share a semantic overlap, `{{H4984}}` through its Hithpael participle form, uniquely emphasizes an enduring state of supreme exaltation, particularly as an inherent attribute of the Divine.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4984}}` is profound, primarily because of its exclusive application to God in the biblical text.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence:** The word powerfully affirms God's absolute sovereignty and transcendence. He is not merely "high" or "great," but "supremely exalted" above all. This signifies His unique and unparalleled position as the Creator and Ruler of the universe, with ultimate authority over all things.
2. **Object of Worship and Praise:** The occurrences in Samuel and Psalms are embedded within declarations of praise and worship. `{{H4984}}` underscores God's inherent worthiness of adoration. Humanity's proper response to such a supremely exalted God is profound reverence, awe, and worship. His exaltation is a foundational truth that elicits praise.
3. **God as Savior and Rock:** Linking God's exaltation to His role as "God of my salvation" (2 Samuel 22:47, Psalm 18:46) reveals that His supreme status is not abstract but intimately connected to His active work of deliverance and faithfulness to His people. He is exalted because He is the reliable Rock and the effective Savior.
4. **Contrast with Human Pride:** By consistently applying `{{H4984}}` to God, the biblical text implicitly contrasts His rightful and inherent exaltation with any human attempt at self-exaltation. While the root `{{H5375}}` can describe human pride, this specific participle form reserves the concept of "supreme exaltation" for the Divine alone, highlighting the sinfulness of human pride that seeks to usurp God's unique glory.
### Summary
מִתְנַשֵּׂא (mithnassêʼ, `{{H4984}}`) is a Hithpael participle meaning "supremely exalted." Its rare but potent occurrences in the Hebrew Bible are exclusively applied to God, declaring His inherent and unparalleled state of being elevated above all creation. This word underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His transcendence, and His ultimate worthiness of worship and praise as the "God of salvation" and "head over all." It stands as a powerful theological affirmation of God's unique and rightful position, implicitly contrasting His divine glory with any form of human pride or self-exaltation.
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