ὑψηλός
hupsēlos
high
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ὑψηλός (hupsēlos) is consistently defined as "high," suggesting a straightforward description of physical positioning or elevation. Its primary attribute is an upward or vertical orientation, as opposed to a downward or lower position. Its 12 occurrences in the Bible reveal a range of usage that highlights both literal and metaphorical applications. In these contexts, ὑψηλός often appears in descriptions of natural environments, such as mountains or heavens, but it also is used figuratively to describe pride, arrogance, or divine majesty. This versatility indicates that the word can connote a sense of grandeur or dominance, depending on the specific context. The significance of ὑψηλός lies in its ability to capture nuanced aspects of spatial relationships and social dynamics. By acknowledging verticality and elevation, it sheds light on human experiences, perceptions, and understandings of the world.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
12 total occurrences across the text
Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory.
Matthew 17:1After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.
Mark 9:2After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them.
Luke 4:5The devil, leading him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
Luke 16:15He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Acts 13:17The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it.
Romans 11:20True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear;
Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
Hebrews 1:3His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Hebrews 7:26For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Revelation 21:10He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
Revelation 21:12having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.