Divine Elevation: ὑψηλός (Strong’s G5308: hypselos) Reveals Heavenly Perspective

Strong’s G5308: From hypsos (height), hypselos describes physical or metaphorical elevation. In NT usage, it ranges from literal heights to spiritual exaltation, particularly significant in Satan’s temptation of Jesus and in warnings against proud thinking.

U- Unveiling the Word

The adjective ὑψηλός (hypselos) carries both literal and metaphorical significance in describing elevation or height. First appearing in Matthew’s account of Jesus’ temptation on an “exceeding high mountain,” it bridges physical and spiritual concepts of elevation. Beyond mere physical height, it often carries moral and spiritual implications about pride versus humility. Early church fathers frequently used this word to contrast worldly elevation with spiritual humility, drawing from Paul’s warning about “high thoughts” in Romans. Today, it continues to challenge believers about the nature of true exaltation, reminding us that God often works contrary to worldly perspectives of height and status.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑψηλός, hypselos, hoop-say-LOS
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) – say (as in “say”) – LOS (as in “loss”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:
From ὕψος (hypsos) – height:

• Root word: ὕψος – height, elevation
• -ηλός (-elos) – adjectival suffix indicating quality or state

D – Defining Meanings

• High, lofty (physical)
• Exalted (metaphorical)
• Proud, haughty (moral)

For compound words:
Not a compound word; derived from ὕψος with adjectival suffix

Translation Options:

• “high” – Most common, works for both literal and figurative uses
• “lofty” – Better captures metaphorical elevation
• “exalted” – Best for spiritual or moral contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὕψιστος (hypsistos, HUP-sis-tos) – highest, most high
  See G5310
• μετέωρος (meteoros, me-TE-o-ros) – raised high, lofty
  See G3349
• ὑπερήφανος (hyperephanos, hu-per-AY-fa-nos) – proud, arrogant
  See G5244

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Degree: Positive, Comparative, Superlative

Example forms:

• ὑψηλός (masculine nominative singular)
• ὑψηλή (feminine nominative singular)
• ὑψηλόν (neuter nominative/accusative singular)
• ὑψηλοῦ (masculine/neuter genitive singular)

Related words:

• Noun: ὕψος (hypsos)
• Verb: ὑψόω (hypsoo)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical study reveals ὑψηλός’s rich semantic range. BDAG emphasizes its use in both physical and spiritual contexts. Thayer’s notes its development from literal height to moral elevation. LSJ documents its classical usage in describing physical landmarks and social status. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications, particularly in contexts of pride versus humility. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in architectural descriptions. Strong’s connects it to the concept of elevation or exaltation, while LEH notes its Septuagint usage in describing both physical heights and spiritual pride. This evidence shows a term bridging physical and spiritual elevation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 4:8 “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high [ὑψηλός] mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.”

Additional References:
Mark 9:2, Romans 11:20, Romans 12:16, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 7:26

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑψηλός reminds us that true elevation comes from God, not self-exaltation. Its usage in Jesus’ temptation shows how Satan tries to use elevated perspectives to distort truth. This word proclaims the good news by showing that while the world seeks high positions, true exaltation comes through humility before God. It teaches that Messiah’s kingdom operates on principles opposite to worldly elevation, where the way up is down, and true greatness comes through serving.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears in both Christ’s temptation and transfiguration narratives.
2. Ancient Greek architects used this term to describe imposing buildings.
3. Early Christians used it to contrast worldly and spiritual elevation.

Strong’s G5308: From hypsos (height), hypselos describes physical or metaphorical elevation. In NT usage, it ranges from literal heights to spiritual exaltation, particularly significant in Satan’s temptation of Jesus and in warnings against proud thinking.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: height, elevation, pride, humility, exaltation, mountains, spiritual-pride, temptation, high-places, divine-elevation, worldly-status, spiritual-elevation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​