What Exaltation Means
To exalt means to lift up or raise high. In the Bible the word is used of God, of Jesus, and of human beings, and its meaning shifts slightly in each case. When people exalt God, they honor him as supreme. When God exalts Jesus, he raises him to the place of highest honor. When Scripture speaks of people being exalted, it often warns about pride or promises that God lifts up the humble.
In the Old Testament, a common Hebrew word for “exalt” is rum, which basically means to be high or to lift up. The common New Testament Greek word is hypsoō, also meaning to lift up or raise high. The same Greek word is used in John 3:14 for the Son of Man being “lifted up.” Readers should treat word studies carefully, since context shapes meaning.
Exalting God in the Psalms
Many Psalms call people to exalt God.
- Psalm 99:5. “Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy” (KJV). The call to exalt comes with a reason: his holiness.
- Psalm 34:3. “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together” (KJV).
- Psalm 97:9. The LORD is “exalted far above all gods.”
- Psalm 46:10. God declares he will be exalted among the nations.
- Isaiah 33:5. The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high.
- Exodus 15:2. Moses’ song says, “my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
God does not need to be made higher. Exalting him means recognizing and declaring who he already is. See our study of Bible verses about praising God for related passages.
The Exaltation of Jesus
The New Testament says God exalted Jesus after his suffering.
- Philippians 2:9. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him” (KJV), following his humbling to death on a cross.
- Acts 2:33. Exalted to the right hand of God.
- Acts 5:31. God exalted him as Prince and Savior.
- Ephesians 1:20-21. Raised and seated far above all rule and authority.
Some Christian traditions, including Lutheran and Reformed teaching, speak of Christ’s “state of humiliation” and “state of exaltation.” The first covers his birth, life, suffering, and death, and the second covers the resurrection, ascension, and sitting at God’s right hand. Not every church uses these terms, but the pattern of humility followed by honor is widely recognized. For more on this theme, see Jesus glorified: Bible verses.
Humbled and Exalted: People
The Bible says something different about people exalting themselves.
- Luke 14:11. “Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (KJV).
- James 4:10. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” See our James 4 Bible study questions for the surrounding passage.
- 1 Peter 5:6. Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand so that he may exalt you at the proper time.
- Proverbs 14:34. “Righteousness exalteth a nation” (KJV).
- Luke 1:52. Mary’s song speaks of God exalting those of low degree.
The common thread is that exaltation is something God gives, not something people should seize. How and when God exalts believers is understood differently by Christians. Some emphasize future glory, others recognize honor in this life.
How Do I Exalt God?
Ideas drawn from the verses above:
- Praise him aloud, alone or with others (Psalm 34:3).
- Remember his holiness and respond with reverence (Psalm 99:5).
- Put him first in decisions, time, and desires (Matthew 6:33).
- Humble yourself in prayer and in how you treat others (James 4:10).
- Speak of him to others (Psalm 145:4-6).
A Theology of Work reflection on exalting God notes that this can also happen in ordinary work, by doing it with integrity and gratitude. You do not need special words or a special place.
Pride and False Exaltation
The Bible also describes people and kings who exalt themselves. Isaiah 14:13-14 speaks of one who says “I will exalt my throne above the stars,” and Christians have long read this passage in connection with pride. Interpreters differ on whether it refers to a human king, to Satan, or both. Daniel 4 shows King Nebuchadnezzar humbled for pride, then praising the God who “is able to abase” the proud. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction.
How Traditions Use the Term
The word “exaltation” appears in several settings:
- In Christology, as described above.
- In some Christian feasts, such as the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross observed in Orthodox and Catholic churches. This is a liturgical observance, and other Christians do not keep it.
- In some traditions, “exaltation” has distinct, specialized meanings in church doctrine. If you encounter the term in a particular denomination’s teaching, check how that group defines it.
Using These Verses in Study
Questions for personal reflection or a group:
- What is the difference between praising God and exalting him?
- Why does Philippians 2 place humility before exaltation?
- Where do you find it hardest to humble yourself?
Related: Bible verses about passion for God.