ὕψος (hupsos)
hupsos
height
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hupsos literally denotes physical height or elevation. In the New Testament it appears in six verses, primarily in Luke, Ephesians, and Revelation. Its most concrete usage describes the dimensions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, where the city’s length, breadth, and height are equal, emphasizing its perfect, cubic form.
Beyond physical measurement, the word carries metaphorical weight. It often refers to heaven or the divine realm, as seen in Luke 1:78 and 24:49, where God acts from on high. In Ephesians, it describes a spiritual elevation, such as the height of Christ’s ascension in Ephesians 4:8 or the breadth of love reaching to the heights in Ephesians 3:18.
The term also conveys dignity or high station. James 1:9 uses it to contrast the lowly brother with his exalted position, highlighting a reversal of social status through faith. This dual sense of vertical elevation and honor reflects its Old Testament background, where similar Hebrew words bridge the gap between earthly rank and divine majesty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupsos points us toward elevation, whether in physical dimensions or spiritual reality. In Revelation, it describes the perfect cube of the New Jerusalem, where length, width, and height are equal. This geometry suggests a place of complete stability and divine order, far removed from the uneven slopes of our current world.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God acts from above. Luke records Jesus speaking of power coming from on high, inviting believers to wait for strength they cannot generate themselves. It is an invitation to look upward when earthly resources feel insufficient.
You may also find comfort in James’ teaching about social reversal. The brother in humble circumstances is called to glory in his high position. This promise assures you that your standing before God is not defined by worldly status, but by His grace and elevation of the lowly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- height2×
- on high,1×
- on high1×
- high1×
- exaltation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὕψος3×
- ὕψους,1×
- ὕψους1×
- ὕψει1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 21:16
The city is square. Its length is as great as its width. He measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, width, and height are equal.
This verse uses hupsos to describe the physical dimension of the New Jerusalem, emphasizing its perfect cubic shape as a symbol of divine stability.
-
Luke 1:78
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us,
Here the term signifies the source of God's mercy, portraying the dawn from on high as an active visitation rather than a distant concept.
-
James 1:9
Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position;
The word contrasts earthly poverty with spiritual dignity, showing how faith redefines a person's standing before God.