Lexical Summary huperupsoó: To exalt highly, to elevate above others Original Word: ὑπερυψόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance highly exalt. From huper and hupsoo; to elevate above others, i.e. Raise to the highest position -- highly exalt. see GREEK huper see GREEK hupsoo HELPS Word-studies 5251 hyperypsóō (from 5228 /hypér, "beyond" and 5312 /hypsóō, "elevate") – properly, elevate beyond; make exceedingly high, i.e. to a very high degree; greatly exalt, extol; exalt to the highest place (A-S); "elevate exceedingly" (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom huper and hupsoó Definition to exalt beyond measure NASB Translation highly exalted (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5251: ὑπερυψόωὑπερυψόω, ὑπερυψῶ: 1 aorist ὑπερυψωσα; (Ambrosesuperexalto); metaphorically, a. to exalt to the highest rank arid power, raise to supreme majesty: τινα, Philippians 2:9; passive, Psalm 96:9 b. to extol most highly: Song of the Three etc. 28ff; Daniel 3:34 (Daniel 4:34), Theod.. c. passive, to be lifted up with pride, exalted beyond measure; to carry oneself loftily: Psalm 36:35 Strong’s Greek 5251 appears once in the New Testament and captures the idea of being lifted to the loftiest possible height. It voices God’s decisive action in setting Jesus Christ above every rival power, dignity, or claim. Canonical Occurrence in the New Testament Philippians 2:9 – “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names.” The verb crowns the celebrated Christ-hymn that traces the Lord’s voluntary descent (2:6-8) and the Father’s ensuing exaltation (2:9-11). By placing the word in the aorist, Paul presents the exaltation as a completed, historical event following the resurrection and ascension (Acts 2:33; Ephesians 1:20-22). Old Testament Foundations The Torah, Prophets, and Writings consistently declare that YHWH alone is “exalted” (Psalm 97:9; Isaiah 6:1). Yet the same Scriptures promise that “My Servant will be exalted and lifted up” (Isaiah 52:13, LXX). Paul’s choice of the intensified verb links Jesus with the Servant prophecies, affirming that what God does for His Messiah does not compete with but rather manifests His own unrivaled majesty. Christological Emphasis 1. Vindication of Humiliation – The exaltation validates Christ’s incarnation, obedience, and substitutionary death (Philippians 2:8; Romans 1:4). Trinitarian Dimensions The Father exalts the Son through the agency of the Spirit (Romans 1:4; 8:11). This harmonizes intra-Trinitarian glory: the Father honors the Son (John 5:22-23), the Son glorifies the Father (John 17:4-5), and the Spirit bears witness to the Son (John 15:26). Soteriological and Eschatological Implications • Assurance of Salvation – The risen and exalted Christ guarantees the efficacy of His atonement (Romans 8:34). Ethical and Pastoral Applications 1. Pattern of Humility – Believers are called to “let this mind be in you” (Philippians 2:5). Servanthood precedes honor (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). Historical Reception and Worship Early Christian liturgy likely treated Philippians 2:6-11 as a congregational hymn. The Nicene Creed echoes its cadence in confessing Jesus as “seated at the right hand of the Father.” Classical hymnody (“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns”) and modern worship alike celebrate the same exaltation. Related Biblical Themes • Exalt (ὑψόω) – John 3:14; 12:32 Concluding Synthesis Strong’s 5251 focuses the spotlight on the climactic moment when God installed Jesus Christ as the unrivaled sovereign of the cosmos. Rooted in Israel’s Scriptures, fulfilled in the historical resurrection-ascension, and celebrated in the worship and witness of the church, this single verb calls every believer to bow in humble adoration and rise in confident service, knowing that the One who was super-exalted now reigns forever. |
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