ὑπεραίρω (huperairō)
huperairō
be haughty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb huperairō describes a person lifting themselves up in pride or arrogance. Its literal sense is to raise something over or above, but in Scripture it is used almost exclusively in the middle voice, meaning "to uplift oneself." This self-elevation is not neutral; it carries a negative connotation of haughtiness and insolent behavior toward others.
With only two occurrences in the New Testament, the word appears in contexts warning against spiritual pride. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 12:7 to describe a "thorn" given to keep him from becoming conceited after receiving great revelations. He also references it in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 regarding the man of lawlessness who exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship.
The word combines huper ("over") and airō ("to lift"). This etymology highlights the act of placing oneself higher than one's proper station. Unlike simple confidence, huperairō implies an unjustified elevation that disregards humility before God and respect for neighbors.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face great blessings or spiritual insights, it is easy to feel lifted up. The Greek word huperairō captures this specific danger: a self-elevation that crosses from confidence into pride. It describes the act of lifting oneself above one’s proper place, often leading to arrogance toward others and independence from God.
Paul experienced this tension deeply. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, he received such profound revelations that he feared becoming conceited. To keep him grounded, a thorn was given to remind him of his dependence on grace rather than his own stature. This shows that even the most spiritual leaders need safeguards against pride.
We can find comfort in knowing that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. When we feel the urge to elevate our status or opinions, we can turn to God’s grace. It is a gift that keeps us humble and connected to Him, rather than isolated by our own achievements.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- exalting himself1×
- I may become conceited.1×
- I may become conceited,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπεραίρωμαι.1×
- ὑπεραίρωμαι,1×
- ὑπεραιρόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 12:7
By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.
Paul uses this word to describe the specific danger of excessive pride that could arise from his unique spiritual revelations.
-
II Thessalonians 2:4
He opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God.
The figure of lawlessness is defined by this act of setting himself up as God, showing the ultimate end of self-exaltation.