Topical Bible: Lofty

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "lofty" in the Bible often conveys a sense of height, elevation, or grandeur, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. It is used to describe physical structures, attitudes, and spiritual states. The concept of loftiness can be associated with both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it appears.

Physical Structures and Natural Features

In a literal sense, "lofty" is used to describe tall and imposing physical structures or natural features. For example, in Isaiah 2:13, the prophet speaks of "the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up," highlighting the grandeur and majesty of these trees. Similarly, mountains are often described as lofty, symbolizing strength and permanence. Psalm 104:18 mentions, "The high mountains are for the wild goats; the cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers," illustrating the natural loftiness of the mountains as a place of refuge and strength.

Metaphorical and Spiritual Significance

Loftiness also carries a metaphorical meaning, often related to pride or arrogance. In Isaiah 2:11, it is written, "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." Here, loftiness is associated with human pride and self-exaltation, which God promises to humble. This theme is recurrent throughout Scripture, where human loftiness is contrasted with the humility that God desires.

In a spiritual context, loftiness can also refer to the exalted nature of God. Psalm 113:5-6 declares, "Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth." God's loftiness is not one of pride but of supreme authority and majesty, deserving of worship and reverence.

Warnings Against Loftiness

The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of loftiness in terms of pride and self-reliance. Proverbs 16:18 cautions, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This warning serves as a reminder of the perils of elevating oneself above others and above God. The loftiness of human pride is depicted as a precursor to downfall and judgment.

Loftiness in Worship and Devotion

Conversely, loftiness in worship is encouraged, as believers are called to lift their eyes and hearts to God. Psalm 121:1-2 states, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." This passage reflects the idea of looking to the lofty hills as a metaphor for seeking divine assistance and acknowledging God's supreme power.

Conclusion

The concept of loftiness in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the grandeur of God's creation and the dangers of human pride. It calls believers to recognize the majesty of God while maintaining humility in their own lives.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (superl.) Lifted high up; having great height; towering; high.

2. (superl.) Fig.: Elevated in character, rank, dignity, spirit, bearing, language, etc.; exalted; noble; stately; characterized by pride; haughty.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTY

lof'-ti-li, lof'-ti-nes: The first form is only in Psalm 73:8, where it means "haughtily," as if from on high. The second is found only in Jeremiah 48:29, where the loftiness of Moab also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit.

Lofty likewise means ' "haughty," "lifted up" (compare Psalm 131:1 Isaiah 2:11 Proverbs 30:13). In Isaiah 26:5 it refers to a self-secure and boastful city. In 57:15 it is used in a good sense of God who really is high and supreme. Isaiah uses the word more than all the other sacred writers put together.

Greek

5308. hupselos -- high, lofty
... high, lofty. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hupselos Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-say-los') Short Definition: high, lofty Definition: high, lofty. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5308.htm - 6k

5313. hupsoma -- height, that which is lifted up
... Word Origin from hupsoo Definition height, that which is lifted up NASB
Word Usage height (1), lofty thing (1). height, high thing. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5313.htm - 6k

5309. hupselophroneo -- to be high-minded
... be proud, high-minded. From a compound of hupselos and phren; to be lofty in mind,
ie Arrogant -- be highminded. see GREEK hupselos. see GREEK phren. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5309.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

8519a. talul -- exalted, lofty
... exalted, lofty. Transliteration: talul Short Definition: lofty. Word Origin from
the same as tel Definition exalted, lofty NASB Word Usage lofty (1). ...
/hebrew/8519a.htm - 5k

2073. zebul -- elevation, height, lofty abode
... 2072, 2073. zebul or zebul. 2074 . elevation, height, lofty abode. Transliteration:
zebul or zebul Phonetic Spelling: (ze-bool') Short Definition: habitation ...
/hebrew/2073.htm - 6k

7320a. Romamti Ezer -- "I have made lofty help," a son of Heman
... Romamti Ezer or Romamti Ezer. 7320b . "I have made lofty help," a son of Heman.
Transliteration: Romamti Ezer or Romamti Ezer Short Definition: Romamti-ezer. ...
/hebrew/7320a.htm - 5k

359. Eloth -- "grove of lofty trees"
... 358, 359. Eloth. 360 . "grove of lofty trees". Transliteration: Eloth
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-loth') Short Definition: Eloth. Word ...
/hebrew/359.htm - 6k

7419. ramuth -- height, lofty stature
... 7418, 7419. ramuth. 7420 . height, lofty stature. Transliteration: ramuth
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-mooth') Short Definition: refuse. ...
/hebrew/7419.htm - 6k

365a. Elath -- "lofty tree," a city and harbor on the Red Sea
... 365, 365a. Elath. 365b . "lofty tree," a city and harbor on the Red Sea.
Transliteration: Elath Short Definition: Elath. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/365a.htm - 5k

297. Achiram -- "brother of (the) lofty," a son of Benjamin
... 296, 297. Achiram. 298 . "brother of (the) lofty," a son of Benjamin.
Transliteration: Achiram Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-rawm') Short Definition: Ahiram. ...
/hebrew/297.htm - 6k

365. ayeleth -- "lofty tree," a city and harbor on the Red Sea
... ayeleth. 365a . "lofty tree," a city and harbor on the Red Sea. Transliteration:
ayeleth Phonetic Spelling: (ah-yeh'-leth) Short Definition: hind. hind, Aijeleth ...
/hebrew/365.htm - 5k

8519. tluwnah -- exalted, lofty
... 8518, 8519. tluwnah. 8519a . exalted, lofty. Transliteration: tluwnah Phonetic
Spelling: (tel-oo-naw') Short Definition: murmuring. murmuring ...
/hebrew/8519.htm - 5k

7320. Rowmamtiy 'Ezer -- "I have made lofty help," a son of Heman
... "I have made lofty help," a son of Heman. Transliteration: Rowmamtiy 'Ezer Phonetic
Spelling: (ro-mam'-tee eh'-zer) Short Definition: ezer. ...
/hebrew/7320.htm - 5k

Library

"Now These Lofty and Mysterious Words, Instead of Puzzling My Head ...
... [Way-2-9] "Now these lofty and mysterious words, instead of puzzling my
head? "Now these lofty and mysterious words, instead of ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-9 now these lofty and.htm

The Lofty Mind and Constancy of the Sacred virgins; the ...
... Discourse VIII."Thekla. Chapter II."The Lofty Mind and Constancy of the Sacred Virgins;
The Introduction of Virgins into the Blessed Abodes Before Others. ...
/.../chapter ii the lofty mind and.htm

Wherefore, if You are Assured that in the Lofty Palaces of Heaven ...
... Book III. 44 Wherefore, if you are assured that in the lofty palaces of
heaven there dwells? Wherefore, if you are assured that ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/44 wherefore if you are.htm

That we must Give Ourselves to Humble Works when we are Unequal to ...
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER LI That we must give ourselves
to humble works when we are unequal to those that are lofty. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter li that we must.htm

The Phoenix
... 2013] itself. But through twice six ells that place rises above the mountains,
whose tops are thought to be lofty among us. Here ...
/.../lactantius/of the manner in which the persecutors died/the phoenix.htm

Force of the Words "Before Them. "
... But you will ask if, when He was transfigured before those who were led up by Him
into the lofty mountain, He appeared to them in the form of God, in which He ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/37 force of the words.htm

The Servant's Triumph
... We have reached the final words of this prophecy, and we hear in them a tone of
lofty confidence and triumph. ... I. The Messiah's lofty challenge to His accusers. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants triumph.htm

Hebrews viii. 1, 2
... [1.] Paul mixes the lowly things with the lofty, ever imitating his Master, so that
the lowly become the path to the lofty, and through the former we are led ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xiv hebrews viii 1.htm

Two Forms of one Saying
... included in that great word. Think of the inward resistance and outward
hindrances to every lofty life. The scholar, the man of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/two forms of one saying.htm

The Cross the victory and Defeat of Darkness
... And so we are brought face to face with the most eminent instance of that great
puzzle that runs through all life"how God works out His lofty designs by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the cross the victory and.htm

Thesaurus

Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTY. ...Lofty likewise means '
"haughty," "lifted up" (compare Psalm 131:1 Isaiah 2:11 Proverbs 30:13). ...
/l/lofty.htm - 20k

Loftiness (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The state or quality of being lofty. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTY. ...
/l/loftiness.htm - 10k

Vaulted (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:24 that you have built for yourselves a vaulted place, and have
made yourselves a lofty place in every street. (WEB ASV RSV). ...
/v/vaulted.htm - 8k

Loftily (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a lofty manner or position; haughtily.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTY. ...
/l/loftily.htm - 8k

Shrines (40 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:25 You have built your lofty place at the head of every way, and have
made your beauty an abomination, and have opened your feet to everyone who ...
/s/shrines.htm - 19k

Sinai (38 Occurrences)
...Lofty mountains, in all parts of the world, have always been sacred and regarded
as the mysterious abode of God; and Josephus says that Sinai is "the highest ...
/s/sinai.htm - 31k

Zorah (10 Occurrences)
... 265, Petrie) as attacked by the Khabiri. It is the modern Sur`a, near the summit
of a lofty hill on the north side of the Wady es-Surar (Vale of Sorek). ...
/z/zorah.htm - 11k

Topmost (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 17:22 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also take of the lofty top of the
cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a ...
/t/topmost.htm - 7k

Twigs (8 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 17:22 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also take of the lofty top of the
cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a ...
/t/twigs.htm - 8k

Things (10975 Occurrences)
... The translation of hupselos, "high," "lofty," "elevated" (Romans 12:16, "Mind not
high things, but condescend to men of low estate," the King James Version ...
/t/things.htm - 10k

Resources

How can demonic strongholds be overcome? | GotQuestions.org

What is the god of self? | GotQuestions.org

Do we need to be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around us? | GotQuestions.org

Lofty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Lofty (44 Occurrences)

Matthew 4:8
Then the Devil took Him to the top of an exceedingly lofty mountain, from which he caused Him to see all the Kingdoms of the world and their splendour,
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 2:1
When I came to you, brothers, I didn't come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
(See RSV)

2 Corinthians 10:5
throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
(See NAS)

2 Timothy 3:4
traitors, heady, lofty, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God,
(YLT)

Revelation 21:10
So in the Spirit he carried me to the top of a vast, lofty mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God,
(WEY)

Numbers 23:22
God bringeth them forth out of Egypt; He hath as it were the strength of the wild-ox.
(See JPS)

Numbers 24:8
God bringeth him forth out of Egypt; He hath as it were the strength of the wild-ox: He shall eat up the nations his adversaries, And shall break their bones in pieces, And smite them through with his arrows.
(See JPS)

1 Kings 8:13
I have surely built you a house of habitation, a place for you to dwell in forever."
(See NAS)

2 Chronicles 6:2
But I have built you a house of habitation, and a place for you to dwell in forever.
(See NAS)

2 Chronicles 32:25
and Hezekiah hath not returned according to the deed 'done' unto him, for his heart hath been lofty, and there is wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem;
(YLT)

Job 22:12
"Isn't God in the heights of heaven? See the height of the stars, how high they are!
(See RSV NIV)

Psalms 62:4
They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
(WEB NIV)

Psalms 68:16
Why leap ye, ye lofty hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yes, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.
(WBS)

Psalms 104:13
He waters the mountains from his chambers. The earth is filled with the fruit of your works.
(See RSV)

Psalms 131:1
A Song of Ascents. By David. Yahweh, my heart isn't haughty, nor my eyes lofty; nor do I concern myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Psalms 139:6
This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it.
(WEB NIV)

Proverbs 21:4
Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
(DBY)

Proverbs 30:13
There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Isaiah 2:11
The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the haughtiness of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Isaiah 2:12
For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
(KJV JPS DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 2:13
And on all the high trees of Lebanon, and on all the strong trees of Bashan;
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 2:14
and upon all the lofty mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up;
(DBY NAS RSV)

Isaiah 2:15
For every lofty tower, for every fortified wall,
(WEB JPS ASV NIV)

Isaiah 5:15
And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Isaiah 6:1
In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord seated in his place, high and lifted up, and the Temple was full of the wide skirts of his robe.
(See NAS)

Isaiah 10:33
Behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, will lop the boughs with terror. The tall will be cut down, and the lofty will be brought low.
(WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 17:9
In that day shall their strong cities be as the forsaken places in the wood and on the mountain top, which were forsaken from before the children of Israel; and it shall be a desolation.
(See JPS)

Isaiah 24:4
The earth mourns and fades away. The world languishes and fades away. The lofty people of the earth languish.
(WEB JPS ASV)

Isaiah 26:5
For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city. He lays it low. He lays it low even to the ground. He brings it even to the dust.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 30:25
There shall be brooks and streams of water on every lofty mountain and on every high hill in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.
(WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 57:7
On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed; there also you went up to offer sacrifice.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 63:15
Let your eyes be looking down from heaven, from your holy and beautiful house: where is your deep feeling, the working of your power? do not keep back the moving of your pity and your mercies:
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 48:1
Of Moab. Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Woe to Nebo! for it is laid waste; Kiriathaim is disappointed, it is taken; Misgab is put to shame and broken down.
(See NAS)

Jeremiah 51:53
Though Babylon should mount up to the sky, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from me shall destroyers come to her, says Yahweh.
(See NAS NIV)

Ezekiel 1:18
As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full of eyes all around.
(See NAS)

Ezekiel 16:24
that you have built for yourselves a vaulted place, and have made yourselves a lofty place in every street.
(WEB JPS ASV RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 16:25
You have built your lofty place at the head of every way, and have made your beauty an abomination, and have opened your feet to everyone who passed by, and multiplied your prostitution.
(WEB JPS ASV RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 16:31
in that you build your vaulted place at the head of every way, and make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a prostitute, in that you scorn pay.
(WEB JPS ASV RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 16:39
I will also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your vaulted place, and break down your lofty places; and they shall strip you of your clothes, and take your beautiful jewels; and they shall leave you naked and bare.
(WEB JPS ASV RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 17:22
Thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also take of the lofty top of the cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain:
(WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 31:14
to the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves in their stature, neither set their top among the thick boughs, nor that their mighty ones stand up on their height, even all who drink water: for they are all delivered to death, to the lower parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with those who go down to the pit.
(See RSV)

Amos 9:6
It is he who builds his chambers in the heavens, and has founded his vault on the earth; he who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth; Yahweh is his name.
(See NIV)

Zephaniah 1:16
a day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the high battlements.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Lofty

Related Terms

Wave-offering (22 Occurrences)

Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences)

Waved (29 Occurrences)

Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences)

Deluge (17 Occurrences)

Wave (65 Occurrences)

Noah (55 Occurrences)

Lambs (107 Occurrences)