Lexical Summary hupsos: Height, high place, exaltation Original Word: ὕψος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exalted, height, on high. From a derivative of huper; elevation, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, (specially), the sky, or (figuratively) dignity -- be exalted, height, (on) high. see GREEK huper NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupsi (on high, aloft) Definition height NASB Translation height (2), high (3), high position (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5311: ὕψοςὕψος, ὕψους, τό, from Aeschylus and Herodotus down, the Sept. for מָרום, קומָה, גֹּבַה, etc., height: properly, of measure, Ephesians 3:18; Revelation 21:16; of place, heaven (A. V. on high), Ephesians 4:8 (from Psalm 67:19 Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope ὕψος (hupsos) denotes height in either a literal or figurative sense. The term can describe physical elevation, the transcendent realm of God, or the exalted status granted by His grace. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 1:78 – “because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high (ὕψους).” Heavenly Origin of Salvation Luke 1:78 pictures salvation as a dawn breaking “from on high,” linking Christ’s incarnation to the lofty place of God’s mercy. The phrase echoes Isaiah’s promise that light would shine on those in darkness, reinforcing that redemption descends from God rather than arising from human effort. Power Bestowed from On High In Luke 24:49 Jesus promises the disciples empowerment by the Holy Spirit, “from on high.” The expression underscores the Spirit’s divine source and the believer’s dependence on heaven-sent enablement for ministry. Pentecost fulfills this promise, establishing a pattern: authentic Christian service flows from God’s initiative, not human ingenuity. The Exalted Status of the Lowly James 1:9 reverses worldly assessments. The materially poor believer can “exult in his high position.” Here ὕψος conveys a spiritual elevation rooted in union with Christ (compare Ephesians 2:6). Earthly status is transient; heavenly standing is permanent. The verse offers lasting encouragement to marginalized Christians. The Multidimensional Love of Christ Ephesians 3:18 places “height” alongside length, width, and depth to illustrate the boundless love of Christ. Paul prays that believers will grasp this love experientially, not merely intellectually. ὕψος evokes the vertical dimension reaching to the throne of God, assuring the church that no barrier can separate them from divine affection (Romans 8:39). Christ’s Triumphant Ascension and Gift-Giving Ephesians 4:8 cites Psalm 68:18 to describe Jesus “ascending on high” after His resurrection. ὕψος emphasizes His supreme victory over every hostile power. From that exalted position He distributes spiritual gifts, equipping the church for unity and maturity. The verse ties Christ’s heavenly height to the practical outworking of ministry on earth. Eschatological Fulfillment in the New Jerusalem Revelation 21:16 measures the New Jerusalem’s height equal to its length and width, forming a perfect cube. ὕψος here signals architectural perfection, reminiscent of the Most Holy Place (1 Kings 6:20). The city’s symmetry signifies completed redemption: God’s dwelling with humanity is elevated, secure, and glorious. Old Testament Background Old Testament usage of “height” (Hebrew רוּם, gābōaḥ) frequently describes God’s exalted throne (Isaiah 6:1), His dwelling place (Deuteronomy 26:15), and the lifting up of His people (Psalm 113:7–9). These themes converge in the New Testament applications of ὕψος, revealing a consistent biblical witness to God’s transcendence and His gracious condescension. Doctrinal and Practical Implications • Christology: ὕψος affirms Jesus’ heavenly origin, victorious ascent, and ongoing lordship. Historical Usage in Christian Thought Early church fathers like Athanasius cited “on high” texts to defend Christ’s divinity and ascension. Medieval commentators connected the cube of Revelation 21 to the beatific vision. Reformers employed James 1:9 to comfort persecuted believers, and modern missions literature often references Luke 24:49 to emphasize Spirit-empowered witness. See Also • βάθος (bathos, depth) – complementary term in Ephesians 3:18 Forms and Transliterations υψει ύψει ὕψει ύψεσι υψέων ύψη υψος ύψος ὕψος υψους ύψους ὕψους hypsei hýpsei hypsos hýpsos hypsous hýpsous upsei upsos upsousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 1:78 N-GNSGRK: ἀνατολὴ ἐξ ὕψους NAS: the Sunrise from on high will visit KJV: from on high hath visited INT: [the] sunrise from on high Luke 24:49 N-GNS Ephesians 3:18 N-NNS Ephesians 4:8 N-ANS James 1:9 N-DNS Revelation 21:16 N-NNS Strong's Greek 5311 |
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