In the Bible, “exalt” means to elevate or lift up in status, honor, or praise, often referring to God being lifted up above all others (Psalm 57:5). It also indicates the act of glorifying or honoring someone, as in God’s promise to exalt the humble (James 4:10).
Scripture
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Biblical Meaning of “Exalt”
In biblical context, the term “exalt” carries profound significance, encompassing themes of elevation, honor, and divine recognition. When referring to God, “exalt” suggests His supreme authority and majesty above all creation. For example, Psalm 57:5 proclaims, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth!” This highlights a call for God’s glory to be acknowledged and celebrated universally, affirming His position as the highest being deserving of worship and reverence. The act of exalting God is both a recognition of His holiness and a declaration of faith that acknowledges His providential influence over life and history.
In contrast, the Bible also emphasizes the elevating of the humble. In James 4:10, it states, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” This passage suggests a divine principle whereby humility, rather than pride, leads to true honor. It profoundly illustrates the countercultural nature of God’s kingdom: those who submit to God and acknowledge their lowliness will find themselves lifted up by Him. The broader biblical narrative conveys that exaltation, whether concerning God or humanity, is rooted in the acknowledgment of one’s place before God—celebrating His supremacy while also embracing the grace offered to the meek and humble. Ultimately, to exalt is to align oneself with God’s truth and to participate in the divine act of honoring what is right and good in His sight.
The concept of “exalt” appears in various passages throughout the Bible, often reinforcing the idea that true exaltation comes from a divine source rather than from human effort or pride. In the wisdom literature, for instance, Proverbs speaks to the notion that those who pursue righteousness and wisdom will be honored. This suggests that divine exaltation is bestowed as a reward for alignment with God’s values and His ways. This view aligns with the overarching biblical theme that God sees the heart and exalts those who genuinely seek after Him, thereby bridging the relationship between righteousness and the elevation of one’s status within the community of believers.
Moreover, the Gospels often reflect on the theme of exaltation in terms of Jesus’ mission and the culmination of His redemptive work. In Philippians 2:9-11, for instance, it is proclaimed that God exalted Jesus and bestowed upon Him the name that is above all names, highlighting the ultimate act of honor as a result of His obedience and humility in life and death. This act of exaltation is not just a recognition of Jesus’ divine status but also serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of humility and sacrifice. Hence, the biblical perspective of “exalt” encapsulates the duality of recognizing God’s sovereign position while also affirming the values of humility and the transformative effects that come from serving both God and others, paving the way for those deemed the least among us to find their place of honor in the presence of the Almighty.
Divine Elevation and Honor
In the biblical context, “exalt” often refers to the act of elevating someone or something to a position of honor and prominence. This elevation is typically associated with God’s sovereignty, where He exalts individuals or nations according to His divine purpose. This can be seen in the way God raises leaders, blesses the humble, and brings glory to His name through the faithful. The act of exalting is a reflection of God’s authority and His ability to lift up those who are lowly or oppressed.
Humility and Submission
Another significant meaning of “exalt” in the Bible relates to the concept of humility and the call for believers to submit to God’s will. The act of exalting oneself is often cautioned against, as it can lead to pride and a fall from grace. Instead, the biblical narrative encourages individuals to humble themselves before God, allowing Him to exalt them in due time. This theme emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s place in relation to God and the blessings that come from a humble heart.
Worship and Praise
Exaltation is also closely tied to the themes of worship and praise within the biblical text. To exalt God is to lift Him up in reverence and adoration, acknowledging His greatness and majesty. This act of exalting God is a central aspect of worship, where believers express their love and devotion, recognizing His power and holiness. In this sense, exaltation becomes a communal and individual act of glorifying God, reflecting the relationship between the Creator and His creation.
How to Cultivate a Grateful Heart in Faith
Cultivating a grateful heart in faith is a beautiful journey that transforms our perspective on life and deepens our relationship with God. Start by intentionally setting aside time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem—perhaps a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or the beauty of nature around you. Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you can jot down these moments, allowing you to see God’s hand at work in your daily life. Additionally, immerse yourself in Scripture; verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 remind us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” This practice not only shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, but it also fosters a spirit of joy and contentment. Finally, share your gratitude with others—expressing thanks to those around you can create a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement. Remember, gratitude is not just a feeling; it’s a choice we make to acknowledge God’s goodness, and in doing so, we draw closer to Him.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Exalt”:
Psalm 46:10-11: 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Psalm 57:5-11: 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down; they dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves.
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
Psalm 99:1-5: 1 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!
4 The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!
Isaiah 2:11-17: 11 The haughty looks of man shall be brought low,
and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled,
and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
12 For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;
13 against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up; and against all the oaks of Bashan;
14 against all the lofty mountains, and against all the uplifted hills;
15 Against every high tower, and against every fortified wall,
16 against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the beautiful craft.
17 And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
Isaiah 25:1-5: 1 O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
2 For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the foreigners’ palace is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt.
3 Therefore strong peoples will glorify you;
cities of ruthless nations will fear you.
4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,
5 And he will swallow up on this mountain
the covering that is cast over all peoples,
the veil that is spread over all nations.
Isaiah 52:13-15: 13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
14 As many were astonished at you—
his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,
and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—
15 so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.
Matthew 23:11-12: 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 14:7-11: 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,
8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,”
9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.
10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.
11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18:9-14: 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.”
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Philippians 2:5-11: 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
James 4:6-10: 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
1 Peter 5:5-7: 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.