Supreme Exaltation: ὑπερυψόω (Strong’s G5251: hyperypsoō) Reveals Messiah’s Glory

Strong’s G5251: A compound verb combining hyper (beyond) with hypsoō (to lift up), denoting the highest possible exaltation. Used specifically of the Messiah’s supreme exaltation by God the Father following His humiliation and death, emphasizing His ultimate authority and glory.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπερυψόω (hyperypsoō) represents the ultimate expression of exaltation in biblical Greek, combining the intensifier ὑπέρ (hyper, “beyond”) with ὑψόω (hypsoō, “to lift up”). This compound verb appears prominently in Philippians 2:9, where it describes God the Father’s response to the Messiah’s voluntary humiliation and obedient death. The early church frequently used this term in their hymns and liturgical texts to emphasize the supreme exaltation of Jesus above all creation. Today, this word continues to testify to the Messiah’s unique position and authority, reminding believers of His supreme sovereignty and the Father’s complete vindication of His Son.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερυψόω, hyperypsoō, hoop-er-hoop-SO-oh
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoo (as in “hoop”) + per (as in “pair”) + hoop (as in “hoop”) + so (as in “so”) + oh (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπέρ (hyper) – prefix meaning “above, beyond”
• ὑψόω (hypsoō) – verb meaning “to lift up, exalt”
• ὕψος (hypsos) – base noun meaning “height”
• -όω (-oō) – verbal suffix indicating causative action

D – Defining Meanings

• To exalt to the highest degree
• To raise to supreme majesty
• To elevate beyond all others

For compound words:

• ὑπέρ (hyper) indicates elevation beyond normal limits
• ὑψόω (hypsoō) contributes the meaning of upward movement or exaltation
• Combined, they express the ultimate possible exaltation

Translation Options:

• “Highly exalted” – captures the supreme nature of the exaltation
• “Super-exalted” – maintains the compound nature of the word
• “Raised to supreme majesty” – emphasizes the resulting status

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑψόω (hypsoō, hoop-SO-oh) – “to lift up, exalt” – lacks the “beyond” intensity
  See G5312
• μεγαλύνω (megalynō, meg-al-OO-no) – “to make great, magnify”
  See G3170
• δοξάζω (doxazō, dox-AD-zo) – “to glorify”
  See G1392

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑπερυψόω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Aorist (in its NT usage)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Perfective

This word would morph in English as:

• Present: super-exalts
• Past: super-exalted
• Perfect: has super-exalted
• Future: will super-exalt

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons emphasize the unique significance of ὑπερυψόω. BDAG highlights its exclusive use for divine exaltation, particularly in reference to the Messiah’s glorification. Thayer’s notes its intensive force, suggesting it represents the highest possible degree of exaltation. LSJ observes its rare usage in classical literature, indicating its special theological significance. Vine’s emphasizes its connection to the Messiah’s exaltation following His voluntary humiliation. Strong’s connects it to the concept of elevation beyond measure, while Moulton and Milligan note its appearance in early Christian hymns and liturgical texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Philippians 2:9: “Therefore God also [ὑπερυψόω] has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπερυψόω stands as a powerful testimony to the supreme exaltation of King Jesus. This unique compound word captures the Father’s response to the Son’s perfect obedience and sacrificial death. The good news embedded in this word is that our King, who humbled Himself to death on a cross, has been vindicated and exalted to the highest place of authority. His exaltation guarantees our salvation and future glorification, as we are united with Him through faith.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπερυψόω appears in early Christian hymns known as the “Carmen Christi”
• The word influenced the development of Christological doctrine in the early church
• It’s one of the few Greek words used exclusively in reference to divine exaltation

Strong’s G5251: A compound verb combining hyper (beyond) with hypsoō (to lift up), denoting the highest possible exaltation. Used specifically of the Messiah’s supreme exaltation by God the Father following His humiliation and death, emphasizing His ultimate authority and glory.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: exaltation, glory, supremacy, Christology, Philippians, hymn, worship, authority, sovereignty, vindication, resurrection, ascension​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​