ὑψηλός (hupsēlos)
hupsēlos
high
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective hupsēlos simply means high or lofty, describing physical elevation as well as spiritual or social prominence. In the New Testament, it appears in twelve verses, often modifying concrete objects like mountains (Matthew 4:8; 17:1) or walls (Revelation 21:10, 12). This literal usage grounds the word’s broader metaphorical sense of being exalted or eminent in influence and honor.
Its theological weight emerges when applied to God or Christ. Hebrews 1:3 describes the Son as sitting at the right hand of Majesty on high, while Revelation 21:10 shows the angel transporting John to a great and high mountain to reveal the New Jerusalem. The word also carries a cautionary tone in Romans 11:20 and 1 Timothy 6:17, where believers are warned against being haughty or setting their minds on lofty things like wealth rather than God.
The term’s range spans from the physical height of a mountain to the exalted status of Christ and the prideful ambition that Scripture critiques. Translators typically render it as "high," "lofty," or "exalted" depending on context, preserving its dual capacity to describe divine elevation and human arrogance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupsēlos describes things that are high or lofty, whether they are physical mountains or spiritual realities. In Scripture, it often points to God’s majesty and the exalted status of Christ, who sits at the right hand of Majesty on high. This reminds us that our hope is grounded in a Savior who reigns above all earthly powers.
At the same time, the word carries a warning against pride. When believers are told not to set their minds on high things, it is a call to humility rather than ambition for status or wealth. True greatness in God’s eyes is found in lowliness of heart, not in being elevated by human standards.
As you read these passages, notice how height can reveal both divine glory and human folly. Let this shape your perspective: seek the exalted Christ, but walk humbly with those around you, trusting that God lifts up the meek in His perfect time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- high7×
- uplifted1×
- higher1×
- high,1×
- haughty1×
- [is] exalted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑψηλὸν6×
- ὑψηλὰ2×
- ὑψηλότερος1×
- ὑψηλόν,1×
- ὑψηλοῦ1×
- ὑψηλοῖς1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 1:3
His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,
This verse uses hupsēlos to describe Christ’s exalted position at the right hand of God, highlighting His supreme authority and divine nature.
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Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Here, the high mountain serves as the setting for Satan’s temptation, showing how physical elevation can be used to display worldly power and glory.
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Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
Paul warns believers not to set their minds on high things, using the word to caution against prideful ambition and self-exaltation.