Heavenly Dawn: ὕψος (Strong’s G5311: hypsos) Reveals Divine Visitation

Strong’s G5311: From a derivative of huper (over), hypsos denotes height, elevation, or exalted position. In NT usage, it describes both physical and spiritual elevation, particularly God’s dwelling place and the source of divine visitation and spiritual power.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun ὕψος (hypsos) represents both literal and metaphorical heights, carrying profound theological significance in its New Testament usage. Its first appearance in Luke’s Gospel connects it to divine visitation through the “dayspring from on high.” The word bridges physical elevation and spiritual exaltation, often referring to heaven as God’s dwelling place and the source of spiritual power. Early church fathers extensively used this term when discussing the incarnation, seeing in it both Christ’s descent from and ascension to heavenly heights. Today, it continues to remind believers of both God’s transcendence and His willingness to reach down to humanity, while also pointing to our spiritual elevation in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὕψος, hypsos, HUP-sos
• Detailed Pronunciation: HUP (as in “hoop”) – sos (as in “sauce”)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)

Etymology:
From ὕψι (hypsi):

• Root word: ὕψι – high
• -ος (-os) – nominal suffix forming abstract nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Height, elevation
• Heaven, the heights
• Exalted position or state

For compound words:
Not a compound word; basic noun form of height concept

Translation Options:

• “height” – Most literal translation
• “on high” – Traditional rendering in certain contexts
• “exalted position” – Captures metaphorical usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὕψωμα (hypsoma, HUP-so-ma) – high thing, elevation
  See G5313
• ἀνάβασις (anabasis, an-AB-a-sis) – ascent, going up
  See G305
• μετέωρον (meteoron, me-TE-o-ron) – high place
  See G3349

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Example forms:

• ὕψος (nominative/accusative singular) – height
• ὕψους (genitive singular) – of height
• ὕψει (dative singular) – to/in height
• ὕψη (nominative/accusative plural) – heights

Related words:

• Adjective: ὑψηλός (hypselos)
• Verb: ὑψόω (hypsoo)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical study reveals ὕψος’s rich theological significance. BDAG emphasizes its use for both physical and spiritual elevation. Thayer’s notes its special reference to heaven as God’s dwelling. LSJ documents its classical usage for physical height and moral elevation. Vine’s highlights its importance in describing divine power and presence. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in architectural contexts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of elevation or dignity, while LEH notes its Septuagint usage for God’s dwelling place. This evidence shows a term bridging physical and spiritual concepts of elevation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 1:78 “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high [ὕψος] hath visited us.”

Additional References:
Ephesians 3:18, Ephesians 4:8, James 1:9, Revelation 21:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὕψος beautifully captures both God’s transcendent majesty and His gracious condescension. It reminds us that while God dwells in the heights, He has visited us in Christ. This word proclaims the good news by showing how God bridges the gap between heaven and earth, raising believers to spiritual heights through union with Christ. It teaches that true elevation comes not through human striving but through divine visitation and grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word is used to describe the dimensions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.
2. Early Christians saw in this word a picture of both Christ’s descent and ascension.
3. The term influenced early Christian architecture, particularly in church design pointing heavenward.

Strong’s G5311: From a derivative of huper (over), hypsos denotes height, elevation, or exalted position. In NT usage, it describes both physical and spiritual elevation, particularly God’s dwelling place and the source of divine visitation and spiritual power.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: height, elevation, heaven, divine-dwelling, spiritual-exaltation, transcendence, incarnation, ascension, divine-visitation, heavenly-places, spiritual-heights, divine-power​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​