ὑψηλός
hypsēlós
G5308 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having great height, being elevated or high; used both literally for physical elevation (of places or objects) and figuratively for status, rank, quality, or character (e.g., high, exalted, noble). In various contexts can indicate that which stands above the ordinary, either in position or in honor.
Semantic Range
high (in physical location), lofty, elevated (in position or status), exalted, noble, esteemed, sublime
Root / Etymology
From the root ὕψ- (“height, high, elevation”), with the adjectival suffix -ηλός, forming an adjective meaning 'high' or 'lofty.' Cognate with the noun ὕψος ('height').
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὑψηλός appears in classical Greek to denote literal height (e.g., a high mountain or wall) as well as metaphorically (high in rank, esteemed, sublime). In the Septuagint, it often renders Hebrew terms for 'high' places or objects, including 'high places' of worship, which were prominent in Israelite religious practice. In Koine and New Testament usage, it continues to be used both in literal and figurative senses; e.g., in Luke 1:52, describing those of 'high' status or power. The word functions as the standard term for 'high' or 'lofty' in Greek literature and is set over against ταπεινός ('low, humble'). Standard English translations as 'high' or 'lofty' generally capture the main range, though the figurative senses ('exalted,' 'proud,' 'noble') may be more or less emphasized depending on context. Rarely, context may lend a negative connotation (arrogantly high), but this is not inherent in the word itself. The semantic breadth remains consistent from classical through Koine Greek.
Translation Consistency
Most common and natural English equivalent across literal and figurative uses (physical elevation, status, or exalted quality). 'High' matches the dominant P2 renderings (7 of 10) and is flexible and idiomatic for both concrete and metaphorical contexts, supporting consistent translation of all forms of ὑψηλός.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὕψος; lofty (in place or character):--high(-er, -ly) (esteemed).
Root Family
ὕψ- (hypsēlós) — to be high, elevated, exalted
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G5313 | ὕψωμα | an exalted height |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5308-03 |
ὑψηλὸν | upselon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
high | a high thing | high | 6 |
G5308-01 |
ὑψηλὰ | upsela | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
highminded | lofty things | high things | 2 |
G5308-02 |
ὑψηλοῖς | upselois | ADJ.S DAT N PL |
high | to lofty things | heights | 1 |
G5308-04 |
ὑψηλοῦ | upselou | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
high | of a lofty one | high | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
10 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5308-03 |
Matthew 4:8 | ὑψηλὸν | upselon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
high | a high thing | high |
G5308-03 |
Matthew 17:1 | ὑψηλὸν | upselon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
high | a high thing | high |
G5308-03 |
Mark 9:2 | ὑψηλὸν | upselon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
high | a high thing | high |
G5308-03 |
Luke 16:15 | ὑψηλὸν | upselon | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
is highly esteemed | a high thing | a high thing |
G5308-04 |
Acts 13:17 | ὑψηλοῦ | upselou | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
high | of a lofty one | high |
G5308-01 |
Romans 11:20 | ὑψηλὰ | upsela | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
highminded | lofty things | high things |
G5308-01 |
Romans 12:16 | ὑψηλὰ | upsela | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
high things | lofty things | high things |
G5308-02 |
Hebrews 1:3 | ὑψηλοῖς | upselois | ADJ.S DAT N PL |
high | to lofty things | heights |
G5308-03 |
Revelation 21:10 | ὑψηλόν | upselon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
high | a high thing | high |
G5308-03 |
Revelation 21:12 | ὑψηλόν | upselon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
high | a high thing | high |