Understanding the meaning of “exalted” in the Bible can deepen our spiritual journey and connection with God. In the Bible, “exalted” means to be lifted up to a place of great honor, authority, or power. This term is used to describe God’s supreme position, the elevation of Jesus Christ, and how we as believers can exalt God through our actions and humility.
Throughout scripture, we see numerous examples of God exalting the humble and bringing down the proud. By serving others and living a life of humility, we align ourselves with God’s will and allow Him to lift us up in His timing. For instance, God will exalt us if we humble ourselves, much like He did with Jesus when He washed the disciples’ feet.
By digging into the concept of being exalted, we uncover a powerful message about our spiritual lives. We learn that true exaltation comes not through self-promotion, but by honoring and lifting up God in everything we do (learn more about exaltation). This sets the stage for understanding our roles and how best to live in a way that brings glory to Him.
Exaltation in Biblical Language
Exaltation in the Bible involves specific Hebrew and Greek terms that illustrate lifting up or raising in rank, honor, or power. We find these terms in various verses that highlight the significance of elevation in a spiritual context.
Hebrew and Greek Terms
In Hebrew, the word most often translated as “exalt” is rum. This term means to “lift up” or “become high.” We see its usage with references to both God and man. Another important Hebrew term is nasa, which also means to lift up or carry.
In the New Testament, the Greek word used is hupsoo, which means to elevate or raise. For example, God’s exaltation is mentioned in several places to underscore His supreme authority and power. Understanding these terms helps us grasp the significance attached to the concept within biblical texts.
Key Scriptural Phrases
Several key phrases convey the idea of exaltation. In the Old Testament, Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” This phrase highlights God’s dominion over earthly matters.
The New Testament also uses exaltation to describe Jesus. Philippians 2:9 states, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name.” Phrases like these underscore the raised status and honor conferred upon divine figures. Our understanding of these passages showcases the depth and importance of exaltation in Biblical teachings.
The Nature of God’s Exaltation
God’s exaltation reveals His supreme authority and glory. It highlights His elevated position above all creation and His role in exalting the humble.
God Exalted Above All
God’s exaltation signifies that He is elevated above everyone and everything. In the Bible, we see phrases like “the Lord is high and lifted up” which reflect His supreme authority and power. Psalm 99:2 declares, “The Lord is great in Zion, and he is exalted above all the people,” which underscores this exalted status. God’s name and glory are above all, emphasizing His preeminence among rulers and earthly powers.
The Exaltation of Jesus Christ
The exaltation of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Christian theology. According to Philippians 2:9-11, “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” This passage explains that because Jesus humbled Himself even unto death, God raised Him to a position of highest honor and authority. His exaltation after His resurrection signifies His victory over sin and death and His authority over all creation.
God’s Exaltation of the Humble
God’s pattern of exalting the humble is seen throughout the scriptures. James 4:10 (ESV) says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” This demonstrates that God values humility, lifting those who humble themselves before Him to places of honor. His exaltation of the humble reflects His just nature and His desire to honor those who live righteously and with humility before Him. This principle is crucial for understanding how God operates and reveals His fairness and love for the humble.
Themes of Exaltation in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the theme of exaltation is closely tied to God’s relationship with Israel and His mighty acts to uplift His people. These themes reflect both historical events and prophetic visions, showing how God’s power is displayed.
Exaltation in Israel’s History
The history of Israel is filled with moments where God exalts His people. In 1 Samuel, we see the anointing of David, marking the beginning of a glorious reign. God’s favor is evident as David achieves victory over Goliath, symbols of divine exaltation. The kings of Israel, like David and Solomon, are portrayed as exalted figures who lead the nation to prosperity.
We also see God’s people lifted during battles and conflicts. For instance, when Israel faces Assyria or Nebuchadnezzar, God’s intervention often results in miraculous victories, underlining the concept of divine exaltation. These instances are not just stories of triumph but are seen as God’s way of showing His power and favor towards Israel.
Prophetic Insight into Exaltation
Prophets of the Old Testament frequently spoke about exaltation. In books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, the theme of exaltation is used to comfort Judah during times of distress. Isaiah 52:13, for example, speaks of a servant being elevated, a vision often identified with prophetic insights into Christ’s exaltation.
Prophets also foretold the downfall of nations like Assyria, showing how God exalts Himself by demonstrating His authority over all earthly powers. The exaltation of God is illustrated as His name being above all nations, a powerful message seen in verses such as Psalm 46:10 and 113:4.
Through these prophecies, we see a consistent theme where God’s exaltation is linked to His power, His justice, and His ability to elevate the humble and bring low the proud. These messages resonate deeply with the faithful, reinforcing the belief in God’s supreme authority.
The Exaltation of The Righteous in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the concept of exaltation focuses on the honor and elevation of those who live in accordance with God’s will. Jesus and the Apostles provide clear teachings on this subject.
Teachings of Jesus on Exaltation
Jesus frequently taught about humility and exaltation. He emphasized that those who humble themselves will be exalted by God. This idea is found in Matthew 23:12, where Jesus says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
In parables, Jesus illustrated that God values humility. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:14 ends with the message that the humble tax collector, not the proud Pharisee, is justified before God. This highlights that Jesus taught exaltation comes through humility and righteousness.
The Apostles’ Understanding of Exaltation
The Apostles also wrote about the theme of exaltation. In James 4:10, it is stated, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” This reflects their consistent message that living righteously and humbly leads to exaltation by God.
Peter preached about Jesus’ own exaltation as a model for believers. In 1 Peter 5:6, he advises, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” The Apostles highlighted that following Jesus’ example of humility results in exaltation by God.
Practical Applications of Exaltation
Exaltation in the Bible teaches us about living with humility and pursuing a righteous life. We can explore these themes through our actions and how we treat others.
Living a Life of Humility
We are called to live humbly, recognizing that all glory and honor belong to God. Humility means putting others before ourselves and not seeking personal glory. In Philippians 2:3, we learn to “in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
By living humbly, we acknowledge God’s superior power and position. We serve as Jesus did, washing the feet of his disciples to show that being a servant is an honor. This humble service leads to true exaltation by God, as explained in Matthew 23:12: “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” We seek to repent from pride and embrace a heart of worship and submission to God’s will.
Pursuing Righteousness
Righteousness is about living in accordance with God’s standards and commands. It involves making moral decisions and striving to be morally upright. In 1 John 3:7, it is stated that “whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.”
We pursue righteousness by dedicating ourselves to prayer, study of Scriptures, and living out God’s commands. This pursuit is not without suffering, as it often means standing against popular culture. Yet, it is a path toward true exaltation and salvation. By living righteously, we honor God and give Him the glory, following the example of Jesus, who remained righteous through every trial.
Our life’s goal is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as stated in Matthew 6:33. Only then can we truly reflect His glory and prepare for His return.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the Bible, exaltation often refers to heights of honor and spiritual elevation. It’s deeply connected to aspects of humility, divine honor, and spiritual growth.
What does it mean to be exalted in the Bible?
Being exalted in the Bible means being lifted to a higher position of honor, power, or glory. The Hebrew word רוּם (rum) and the Greek word ὑψόω (hupsoo) both convey the idea of being elevated or praised highly.
What is the significance of exaltation in a scriptural context?
Exaltation signifies being raised by God to a place of honor and dignity. This is often connected to acts of humility and faithfulness. Scripture emphasizes that true exaltation comes from God alone.
What does ‘exalted’ signify in reference to Jesus in the Bible?
In reference to Jesus, ‘exalted’ means being placed at the right hand of God. It symbolizes his ultimate authority and divinity. Exaltation of Jesus is a key element in Christian theology, emphasizing his victory over death and his divine nature.
In what ways does the Bible discuss the idea of spiritual exaltation?
The Bible discusses spiritual exaltation as an outcome of humility and servitude. Various passages, such as in Proverbs and the Gospels, highlight that those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God. This is more about inner spiritual growth than worldly success.
What is the connection between humility and being exalted according to the Bible?
Humility and exaltation are deeply linked in biblical teachings. The Bible repeatedly states that those who humble themselves will be exalted. Verses like Luke 1:52 stress that God lifts those who are humble in spirit to places of honor.
