What does ὑψόω (hypsóō) mean in the Bible?
Ὑψόω means to lift up, raise high, or exalt. Jesus warns proud Capernaum that imagined elevation will end in abasement, while Mary's song praises God for exalting the humble and bringing rulers down.
Greek · G5312
ὑψόω
To elevate (literally or figuratively)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
ὑψόω G5312
Pronunciation hypsóō
What does ὑψόω (hypsóō) mean in the Bible?
Ὑψόω means to lift up, raise high, or exalt. Jesus warns proud Capernaum that imagined elevation will end in abasement, while Mary's song praises God for exalting the humble and bringing rulers down.
Reader summary
Full entry for ὑψόω (G5312) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render G5312?
The BSB source-word alignment has 20 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include exalts (3), will be exalted (3), be lifted up (2), Exalted (2), will you be lifted up (2).
Where does ὑψόω (hypsóō) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Matthew 11:23. Its strongest book concentrations include Luke (6), John (5), Acts (3), Matthew (3).
Are there verse guides for ὑψόω (hypsóō)?
This entry includes 1 verse guide that explain exact original-language forms in context.
What This Word Actually Means
Ὑψόω means to lift up, raise high, or exalt. Jesus warns proud Capernaum that imagined elevation will end in abasement, while Mary's song praises God for exalting the humble and bringing rulers down. In John, the Son of Man's lifting up evokes Moses' raised serpent and points to Jesus' crucifixion as the appointed means by which believers receive life. Acts speaks of the risen Jesus exalted to God's right hand, from where He pours out the promised Spirit.
Paul can describe humbling himself so others are elevated through freely preached gospel ministry. Physical elevation, social reversal, saving death, and divine enthronement must be distinguished even when they converge christologically.
How the Bible Uses It
Ὑψόω joins lifting and exaltation across warning, reversal, crucifixion, enthronement, and ministry. God overturns proud self-elevation and uniquely lifts up the crucified Son.
- Matt.11.23
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
Capernaum's exposure to mighty works does not secure heavenly status; unrepentant privilege faces a deeper descent than notoriously judged cities.
- Luke.1.52
He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.
Mary celebrates God's kingdom reversal, where powerful rulers are brought down and the humble are lifted according to His covenant mercy.
- John.3.14
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
Jesus must be lifted up as the wilderness serpent was raised, interpreting His coming cross as God's necessary provision of life for believers.
- Acts.2.33
Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
Peter proclaims the crucified and risen Jesus exalted at God's right hand, and the poured-out Spirit publicly confirms His messianic reign.
- 2Cor.11.7
Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
Paul's self-humbling through unpaid proclamation aims at the Corinthians' true elevation, challenging status measures that mistake financial dependence for apostolic worth.
Passage context
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders It exalts 3× Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14
will be exalted 3× Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14
be lifted up 2× John 3:14, John 12:34
Exalted 2× Acts 2:33, Acts 5:31
will you be lifted up 2× Matthew 11:23, Luke 10:15
exalt you 1× 2 Corinthians 11:7
has exalted 1× Luke 1:52
He made them into a great 1× Acts 13:17
He may exalt 1× 1 Peter 5:6
He will exalt 1× James 4:10
I am lifted up 1× John 12:32
lifted up 1× John 3:14
you have lifted up 1× John 8:28
Show sample aligned rows
Matthew 11:23 ὑψωθήσῃ to will you be lifted up Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular Matthew 23:12 ὑψώσει to exalts Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Matthew 23:12 ὑψωθήσεται to will be exalted Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Luke 1:52 ὕψωσεν to has exalted Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Luke 10:15 ὑψωθήσῃ to will you be lifted up Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular Luke 14:11 ὑψῶν to exalts Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Luke 14:11 ὑψωθήσεται to will be exalted Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Luke 18:14 ὑψῶν to exalts Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Luke 18:14 ὑψωθήσεται to will be exalted Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular John 3:14 ὕψωσεν to lifted up Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned row Matthew 11:23
Aligned rows 20
Books represented 7
Matthew 3 Luke 6 John 5 Acts 3 2 Corinthians 1 James 1 1 Peter 1
Source forms
ὕψωσεν 4x hypsōsen Luke 1:52, John 3:14, Acts 5:31, Acts 13:17
ὑψωθήσεται 3x hypsōthēsetai Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14
ὑψωθῆναι 2x hypsōthēnai John 3:14, John 12:34
ὑψωθήσῃ 2x hypsōthēsē Matthew 11:23, Luke 10:15
ὑψῶν 2x hypsōn Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14
ὑψώσει 2x hypsōsei Matthew 23:12, James 4:10
ὑψωθεὶς 1x hypsōtheis Acts 2:33
ὑψωθῆτε 1x hypsōthēte 2 Corinthians 11:7
Parsing patterns
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular 4x Luke 1:52, John 3:14, Acts 5:31, Acts 13:17
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular 3x Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive 2x John 3:14, John 12:34
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular 2x Matthew 23:12, James 4:10
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular 2x Matthew 11:23, Luke 10:15
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular 2x Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular 1x Acts 2:33
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural 1x John 8:28
Using This Word Well
Be careful not to...
- Do not promise social prominence to every humble believer; God's exaltation is defined by His kingdom, resurrection hope, and union with Christ rather than worldly rank.
Avoid claiming...
- Do not collapse every use of ὑψόω into the crucifixion; that force belongs especially to John's narrative explanation.
- Do not treat Jesus' exaltation as self-promotion or detach it from His obedient humiliation and saving death.
Key Verse and Form Guides
Verse-level guides showing how this original-language form works in its specific context, including grammar, verse function, and guarded interpretation.
Evidence Summary
Greek word. To exalt or elevate to honor; in John, crucifixion paradoxically exalts Christ's glory and power.
Source Gloss
to elevate (literally or figuratively)
Greek Text Appearances
Textus Receptus witness, full corpus Greek token appearances from Scrivener 1894 Textus Receptus in the full New Testament corpus.
16 of 20 Greek text appearances shown. Linked morphology labels have verse guides.
Matthew 11:23 Verb Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Feminine
ὑψωθεῖσα, uywqeisa
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Matthew 23:12 Verb Third Person Singular Future Active Indicative
ὑψώσει uywsei
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Matthew 23:12 Verb Third Person Singular Future Passive Indicative
ὑψωθήσεται. uywqhsetai
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Luke 1:52 Verb Third Person Singular Aorist Active Indicative
ὕψωσε uywsen
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Luke 10:15 Verb Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Feminine
ὑψωθεῖσα, uywqeisa
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Luke 14:11 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
ὑψῶν uywn
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Luke 14:11 Verb Third Person Singular Future Passive Indicative
ὑψωθήσεται. uywqhsetai
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Luke 18:14 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
ὑψῶν uywn
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Luke 18:14 Verb Third Person Singular Future Passive Indicative
ὑψωθήσεται. uywqhsetai
I lift up, exalt
Read verse John 3:14 Verb Third Person Singular Aorist Active Indicative
ὕψωσε uywsen
I lift up, exalt
Read verse uywqhnai
I lift up, exalt
Read verse John 8:28 Verb Second Person Plural Aorist Active Subjunctive
ὑψώσητε uywshte
I lift up, exalt
Read verse John 12:32 Verb First Person Singular Aorist Passive Subjunctive
ὑψωθῶ uywqw
I lift up, exalt
Read verse John 12:34 Verb Aorist Passive Infinitive
ὑψωθῆναι uywqhnai
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Acts 2:33 Verb Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
ὑψωθείς, uywqeiv
I lift up, exalt
Read verse Acts 5:31 Verb Third Person Singular Aorist Active Indicative
ὕψωσε uywsen
I lift up, exalt
Read verseFull New Testament corpus: 260 chapters, 7,957 verses, 140,628 tokens. Data source: honza/textus-receptus (data only), with authority check against byztxt/greektext-textus-receptus.
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups 4 Aligned forms 20 Tenses Aorist, Future, Present Voices Active, Passive
Tenses
Voices
Indicative states a fact or reality 11×
Future Passive Matt 23:12 · Luke 14:11 · Luke 18:14 · Matt 11:23 · Luke 10:15 5×
Aorist Active Luke 1:52 · John 3:14 · Acts 5:31 · Acts 13:17 4×
Future Active Matt 23:12 · Jas 4:10 2×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 3×
Present Active Luke 14:11 · Luke 18:14 2×
Aorist Passive Acts 2:33 1×
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 2×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 4×
Aorist Active John 8:28 · 1 Pet 5:6 2×
Aorist Passive John 12:32 · 2 Cor 11:7 2×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 20 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect
Tense
aorist 11 future 7 present 2
Voice
active 10 passive 10
Mood
indicative 11 subjunctive 4 participle 3 infinitive 2
NT Occurrences
Matthew 11:23 ὑψωθήσῃ future passive indicative prospective Matthew 23:12 ὑψώσει future active indicative prospective Matthew 23:12 ὑψωθήσεται future passive indicative prospective Luke 1:52 ὕψωσεν aorist active indicative completed Luke 10:15 ὑψωθήσῃ future passive indicative prospective Luke 14:11 ὑψῶν present active participle participle Luke 14:11 ὑψωθήσεται future passive indicative prospective Luke 18:14 ὑψῶν present active participle participle Luke 18:14 ὑψωθήσεται future passive indicative prospective John 3:14 ὕψωσεν aorist active indicative completed John 3:14 ὑψωθῆναι aorist passive infinitive infinitive John 8:28 ὑψώσητε aorist active subjunctive subjunctive John 12:32 ὑψωθῶ aorist passive subjunctive subjunctive John 12:34 ὑψωθῆναι aorist passive infinitive infinitive Acts 2:33 ὑψωθεὶς aorist passive participle participle Acts 5:31 ὕψωσεν aorist active indicative completed Acts 13:17 ὕψωσεν aorist active indicative completed 2 Corinthians 11:7 ὑψωθῆτε aorist passive subjunctive subjunctive James 4:10 ὑψώσει future active indicative prospective 1 Peter 5:6 ὑψώσῃ aorist active subjunctive subjunctive
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Selected Scripture Witnesses
Selected passage-level study witnesses for this word. This section is not the full occurrence list.
Witnesses
Luke 10:13–16 ὕψωθῇς hypsóō
Be exalted
Luke 14:7–14 ὑψωθήσεται hypsóō
Will be exalted
Showing 2 selected witnesses from 20 lexical occurrence verses.
Word Origins
ὑψόω is built from this root:
Part of These Phrases
Compound and idiomatic phrases that include this word. Follow a link to study the phrase and how its parts work together.
For the Preacher and Teacher
God's exaltation reverses human estimates without simply exchanging one proud elite for another. Capernaum cannot convert revelation received into automatic status. Mary's song celebrates covenant mercy that brings rulers down and raises the humble. John places the deepest paradox in Jesus: the Son is lifted up on the cross, where public shame becomes God's saving provision and the point toward which faith looks for life.
Acts then proclaims Him exalted at the right hand, pouring out the Spirit as reigning Lord. Paul mirrors the cruciform pattern when his own lowering serves another church's gospel good. Christian hope rests in the exalted Christ, and Christian leadership seeks others' maturity rather than staging its own ascent.
Anchor passage
Matt.11.23
Doctrinal connections
- Matthew 11:20-24, privileged cities brought low
- Luke 1:46-55, kingdom reversal and covenant mercy
- John 3:13-17, the Son lifted up for life
- John 12:27-33, lifting up identified with Jesus' death
- Acts 2:29-36, resurrection, exaltation, and the Spirit
- Philippians 2:5-11, humiliation followed by divine exaltation
Ὑψόω derives from height and can refer to literal lifting or figurative elevation in status and honor. Passive forms may leave the agent implicit, which the wider theological context identifies.
From Old to New Testament
God raises the lowly and opposes proud rulers throughout Israel's songs and prophets. The raised wilderness sign anticipates the crucified Son, whom God exalts as Lord.
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain