ὑψόω (hupsoō)
hupsoō
to lift up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupsoō means to lift up or raise high, appearing sixteen times in the New Testament with a strong presence in the Gospels of Luke and John. Its core sense is physical elevation, but it carries significant theological weight when applied to people or events. For instance, Jesus uses the image of being lifted up to describe his impending death on the cross (John 3:14; 12:32), linking physical height with spiritual significance.
Lexical sources note that hupsoō often contrasts with taipinoō, the word for humbling oneself. This dynamic is clear in Luke’s Gospel, where God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud (Luke 1:52; 18:14). The term also describes exaltation to honor or dignity, as seen when Peter speaks of Jesus being exalted at God’s right hand (Acts 2:33; 5:31). Translators typically render it as "lift up" or "exalt," capturing both the literal act of raising and the metaphorical elevation of status.
Its root connects to hupsos, meaning height or high place, reinforcing the idea of moving from low to high. This movement is not merely physical but often symbolic of divine favor or judgment. The word’s usage in passages like Matthew 11:23 and Luke 10:15, where cities are said to be "lifted up" to heaven only to be cast down, highlights its dual potential for honor or downfall depending on one’s relationship with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupsoō invites us to look at life from a different angle. It describes lifting something high, but in Scripture, this action is deeply tied to humility. Jesus used it to describe His own death on the cross, showing that true elevation comes through self-giving love. When we feel low or overlooked, this word reminds us that God sees our hearts and values our quiet faithfulness.
It also offers a gentle correction to our pride. The Bible consistently shows that those who try to lift themselves up often fall, while those who trust in God’s timing are raised up by Him. This is not about worldly status, but about a spiritual height found in grace. We can rest in the knowledge that God honors humility and brings hope to the lowly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be exalted.3×
- exalted3×
- to be lifted up2×
- is exalting2×
- you may have lifted up1×
- will you be lifted up?1×
- will exalt1×
- will be exalted?1×
- may be exalted,1×
- lifted up1×
- having been exalted1×
- I shall be lifted up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὕψωσεν4×
- ὑψωθήσεται.¶3×
- ὑψῶν2×
- ὑψώσει2×
- ὑψωθῆναι2×
- ὑψωθήσῃ;2×
- ὑψώσῃ1×
- ὑψώσητε1×
- ὑψωθῶ1×
- ὑψωθῆτε,1×
- ὑψωθεὶς1×
Key Verses
-
John 12:32
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
This verse links the physical act of being lifted up on the cross with the spiritual goal of drawing all people to Christ.
-
Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Here the word contrasts self-exaltation with humility, showing that God justifies those who recognize their need for Him.
-
Acts 5:31
God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
This occurrence highlights how God exalted Jesus to give repentance and forgiveness, connecting His height with our salvation.