ἐπαίρω
epaírō
G1869 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To lift or raise up, either physically (e.g., raising an object or one's voice) or figuratively (e.g., elevating oneself in pride or status). The verb carries both a straightforward, literal sense as well as extended metaphorical connotations in context, such as being lifted up with pride or having one's spirits or status elevated. In the New Testament, it most commonly refers to a physical raising (such as lifting one's eyes or voice), but can also convey figurative senses of being puffed up or exalted.
Semantic Range
to lift up, to raise (physically), to elevate, to raise one’s eyes or voice, to set sail (lift anchor), to exalt, to be proud or conceited (figurative), to be puffed up
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐπί ('upon, over') and the verb αἴρω ('to lift, to take up'). The compound structure adds a nuance of lifting upwards or upon something.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐπαίρω often refers to the physical action of raising or lifting something. In the Septuagint and New Testament Greek, the verb can be used both literally (lifting the eyes, hands, or anchor) and metaphorically (as in becoming proud or exalted). The figurative usage frequently carries a negative evaluation, particularly with regard to pride or arrogance ('to exalt oneself'). English translations such as 'exalt,' 'lift up,' or 'raise' may sometimes obscure the negative connotation associated with self-exaltation present in some New Testament passages. The verb is distinct from simple αἴρω, which lacks the intensive or directional prefix; ἐπαίρω emphasizes the upward movement or raising upon. Usage shifts from classical to Koine are not dramatic but do reflect greater metaphorical extension in later texts. Earliest known attestation is in classical authors; usage continues regularly through Hellenistic and Christian texts. The noun ὕψος (height, exaltation) and other compounds such as ὑψόω (to exalt) are frequently semantically related but not synonymous.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and αἴρω; to raise up (literally or figuratively):--exalt self, poise (lift, take) up.
Root Family
ἐπαίρω (epairō) — to lift, to raise, to elevate, to exalt
Word Forms
11 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1869-06 |
ἐπάρας | eparas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
lifting up | having lifted up | 5 |
G1869-10 |
ἐπῆρεν | eperen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
has lifted up | he/she lifted up | 2 |
G1869-09 |
ἐπῆραν | eperan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
lifted up | they lifted up | 2 |
G1869-08 |
ἐπάρατε | eparate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
lift up | Lift up | 2 |
G1869-05 |
ἐπάραντες | eparantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having hoisted | having lifted up | 2 |
G1869-01 |
ἐπαίρεται | epairetai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
he lifts himself up | 1 | |
G1869-07 |
ἐπάρασά | eparasa | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
having lifted up | having lifted up | 1 |
G1869-02 |
ἐπαιρόμενον | epairomenon | V PRS MID PTCP ACC N SG |
lifting itself up | 1 | |
G1869-03 |
ἐπαίροντας | epairontas | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL |
lifting up | lifting up | 1 |
G1869-11 |
ἐπήρθη | eperthe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
he was taken up | was lifted up | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
19 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1869-05 |
Matthew 17:8 | ἐπάραντες | eparantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having lifted up | |
G1869-06 |
Luke 6:20 | ἐπάρας | eparas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
lifted up | having lifted up |
G1869-07 |
Luke 11:27 | ἐπάρασά | eparasa | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
having lifted up | having lifted up |
G1869-06 |
Luke 16:23 | ἐπάρας | eparas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having lifted up | having lifted up |
G1869-04 |
Luke 18:13 | ἐπᾶραι | eparai | V AOR ACT INF |
to lift | to lift up |
G1869-08 |
Luke 21:28 | ἐπάρατε | eparate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
lift up | Lift up |
G1869-06 |
Luke 24:50 | ἐπάρας | eparas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
lifting up | having lifted up |
G1869-08 |
John 4:35 | ἐπάρατε | eparate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
lift-up | Lift up |
G1869-06 |
John 6:5 | ἐπάρας | eparas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
lifting up | having lifted up |
G1869-10 |
John 13:18 | ἐπῆρεν | eperen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
has lifted up | he/she lifted up |