Prideful Exaltation: ὑπεραίρω (Strong’s G5229: hyperairō) Warns Against Self-Elevation

Strong’s G5229: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (over/beyond) and αἴρω (to lift/raise), meaning “to lift oneself above” or “to be exalted above measure.” Used in contexts warning against spiritual pride and self-exaltation, particularly in Paul’s writings about spiritual safeguards.

U – Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑπεραίρω powerfully expresses the concept of lifting oneself above proper bounds. As a compound word combining “over/beyond” (ὑπέρ) with “to lift” (αἴρω), it describes the act of exalting oneself beyond appropriate limits. In the New Testament, Paul uses this word specifically in the context of spiritual pride and the dangers of self-exaltation. The early church understood this term as a warning against the spiritual danger of pride, particularly in connection with spiritual gifts and revelations. Today, this word continues to serve as a crucial reminder of the need for humility in spiritual life, warning against the tendency to become puffed up with spiritual pride.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπεραίρω, hyperairō, /hy.per.ai.rō/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-ī’-rō (where ü as in German über)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “over, beyond”
• Root: αἴρω (airō) meaning “to lift, raise”
• Combined meaning: “to lift above measure”

D – Defining Meanings

• To lift oneself above
• To exalt oneself
• To become conceited
• To rise above proper limits

For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ adds the sense of excess or going beyond limits to αἴρω’s basic meaning of lifting or raising.

Translation Options:

• “to become overly proud” – emphasizes the spiritual danger
• “to exalt oneself unduly” – captures the excessive nature
• “to rise above proper bounds” – highlights transgression of limits

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑψόω (hypsoō) /hyp.so.ō/ – to lift up, exalt – See G5312
• ἐπαίρω (epairō) /e.pai.rō/ – to lift up – See G1869
• φυσιόω (physioō) /phy.si.o.ō/ – to puff up with pride – See G5448

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this verb:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive
• Mood: Subjunctive
• Person: First/Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The verb can appear as:

• ὑπεραίρομαι – I exalt myself
• ὑπεραίρηται – he/she might exalt themselves
• ὑπεραιρόμενος – exalting oneself (participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπεραίρω’s meaning and usage. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts warning against spiritual pride. Thayer’s notes its connection to self-exaltation beyond proper limits. LSJ traces its classical usage in contexts of exceeding bounds or proper measure. Vine’s highlights its particular usage in Paul’s writings about spiritual dangers. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of excessive lifting up. Moulton and Milligan document its use in contexts where overstepping proper bounds is being warned against.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 12:7: “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself [ὑπεραίρω], there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself [ὑπεραίρω]!”

Additional References:
2 Thessalonians 2:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπεραίρω powerfully warns against the danger of spiritual pride and self-exaltation. Paul’s use of this word in connection with his thorn in the flesh reveals how even the most profound spiritual experiences can become occasions for pride. This word proclaims the good news by showing that God, in His grace, provides safeguards against pride, helping us maintain proper humility. It reminds us that true greatness in the Kingdom comes through humility, not self-exaltation.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπεραίρω appears three times in the New Testament
• It’s used twice in one verse (2 Corinthians 12:7) for emphasis
• The word influenced early Christian teachings on humility

Strong’s G5229: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (over/beyond) and αἴρω (to lift/raise), meaning “to lift oneself above” or “to be exalted above measure.” Used in contexts warning against spiritual pride and self-exaltation, particularly in Paul’s writings about spiritual safeguards.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: pride, self-exaltation, humility, spiritual danger, Paul’s teachings, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, spiritual growth, warnings, sanctification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​