ἐπαίρω (epairō)
epairō
to lift up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epairō means to lift up or raise something physically high. In the New Testament, it describes concrete actions like raising hands in prayer (Luke 24:50), lifting eyes to see Jesus (John 6:5), or hoisting a ship’s anchor (Acts 27:40). It also appears when people raise their voices in speech or song, such as the crowd shouting in Jerusalem (Acts 2:14).
Its meaning shifts metaphorically toward pride. When used reflexively, it describes someone lifting themselves up in arrogance, a warning found in Paul’s letters about those who exalt themselves against God’s truth (2 Corinthians 10:5). This negative sense contrasts with the positive image of looking upward for hope, as Jesus tells his disciples to lift their heads when redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).
The word combines the prefix epi- (“upon”) with a root meaning “to raise.” Its usage in Scripture often involves physical elevation that carries spiritual significance. Whether lifting hands in blessing or eyes in expectation, the action points to attention directed toward heaven. Translators typically render it as “lift up,” preserving the simple physicality of the original Greek.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epairō describes the simple physical act of lifting something up, but Scripture uses it to show where our attention rests. When we lift our eyes or hands, we are directing our focus toward a specific reality. In Luke 24:50, Jesus lifts His hands to bless His followers before ascending. This gesture reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, offering grace and peace even as He moves forward with His plan.
We also see this word used to describe how we look at the world around us. In John 6:5, Jesus lifts His eyes to see the crowd, showing care for their needs. Similarly, Luke 21:28 invites us to lift our heads when times are hard, not because life is easy, but because hope is near. This physical action becomes a spiritual habit: looking up instead of down, seeking God’s perspective rather than being overwhelmed by circumstances.
There is also a warning in this word. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it describes pride lifting itself up against God. The contrast is clear. We can lift ourselves up in arrogance, or we can lift our eyes to heaven in trust. Choosing the latter changes how we face every day. It shifts our burden from our own strength to God’s faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having lifted up5×
- lifted up2×
- do lift up2×
- Having lifted up2×
- to lift up1×
- they lifted up1×
- lifting up1×
- lifting itself up1×
- he lifted up1×
- having hoisted1×
- exalts himself,1×
- He was taken up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπάρας4×
- ἐπῆρεν2×
- ἐπῆραν2×
- ἐπάρατε2×
- ἐπάραντες2×
- Ἐπάρας1×
- ἐπᾶραι1×
- ἐπήρθη1×
- ἐπάρασά1×
- ἐπαίροντας1×
- ἐπαίρεται,1×
- ἐπαιρόμενον1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 24:50
He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
This verse captures the word in a moment of blessing, showing Jesus actively imparting grace through the physical act of lifting His hands.
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John 6:5
Jesus therefore, lifting up his eyes and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?”
Here the word highlights Jesus’ compassionate awareness of the crowd’s needs, demonstrating how lifting one’s eyes reveals a heart attentive to others.
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Luke 21:28
But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
This occurrence connects the physical action of lifting heads with the spiritual reality of approaching redemption, offering hope in difficult times.
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II Corinthians 10:5
throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
The word is used metaphorically here to describe pride exalting itself against God, contrasting human arrogance with humility before divine truth.
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I Timothy 2:8
I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.
This reference links the physical posture of lifting holy hands with the internal state of prayer, free from anger or doubt.