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ὕψωμα

hýpsōma

G5313 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

An elevated place or object; by extension, a state or condition of being raised or exalted; metaphorically, something that is lofty, haughty, or set in opposition in a spiritual or moral sense. The term primarily denotes something set high—either physically (such as a hill, height, or elevation) or abstractly (such as arrogance, pride, or an obstacle elevated against something else). In certain contexts, particularly in Hellenistic and later Jewish and early Christian literature, it can refer to spiritual or ideological structures raised against divine knowledge.

Semantic Range

elevated place, height, high position, act or state of being exalted, arrogance or pride, metaphorical barrier or opposition, lofty argument or obstacle (esp. spiritually or ideologically)

Root / Etymology

From the root ὑψόω (to raise, lift up, exalt), itself based on the root ὕψ- (high, lofty). Ὕψωμα is the noun form, indicating the state or result of being elevated.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ὕψωμα generally referred to any elevated physical location, such as a height, hill, or elevated structure. In Hellenistic usage, it could also refer to metaphorical or abstract elevations, such as pride or lofty thoughts. In the New Testament (notably 2 Corinthians 10:5), ὕψωμα is employed metaphorically for arguments or things that 'exalt themselves' against the knowledge of God—thus, not merely a physical height but ideological or spiritual resistance, a sense not fully captured by English translations like 'high thing.' Earlier Greek utilizes ὕψωμα mainly for tangible elevations, but later Jewish and early Christian Greek adopt its metaphorical applications, especially in contexts of spiritual opposition. Standard English translations often narrow the meaning to 'height,' missing these nuances. Contrast with similar terms such as ὑψηλός (high, lofty) and ὄρος (mountain), which may refer to physical elevations but lack the abstract sense of ideological opposition embedded in ὕψωμα's later usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑψόω; an elevated place or thing, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively):-- height, high thing.

Root Family

ὕψωμα (hypsōma) — that which is raised, height, exalted state, lofty obstacle

Root ὕψ- to raise, to lift, to exalt

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5313-01 ὕψωμα upsoma N NOM N SG height an exalted height an exalted height 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5313-01 Romans 8:39 ὕψωμα upsoma N NOM N SG height an exalted height an exalted height
G5313-01 2 Corinthians 10:5 ὕψωμα upsoma N ACC N SG high thing an exalted height exalted height
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