Topical Encyclopedia
The term "loftily" is often associated with attitudes or actions that are elevated, exalted, or carried out with a sense of superiority. In the context of the Bible, it can refer to both the majesty of God and the prideful demeanor of humans. The Bible frequently addresses the concept of loftiness, contrasting divine exaltation with human arrogance.
Divine LoftinessGod's loftiness is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing His supreme authority and majesty. In
Isaiah 57:15 , it is written, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" This passage highlights God's exalted position and His willingness to be near those who are humble.
The loftiness of God is also evident in His creation and His sovereign rule over the universe.
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." Here, God's loftiness is portrayed as unparalleled, yet He condescends to engage with His creation.
Human LoftinessIn contrast to divine loftiness, human loftiness often carries a negative connotation in the Bible, associated with pride and arrogance.
Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse serves as a caution against the dangers of elevating oneself above others or above God.
The account of the Tower of Babel in
Genesis 11:1-9 illustrates the consequences of human loftiness. The people sought to build a tower reaching the heavens to make a name for themselves, demonstrating their pride and self-sufficiency. In response, God confused their language and scattered them across the earth, thwarting their plans and humbling their lofty ambitions.
Isaiah 2:11-12 further underscores the fate of the proud: "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. For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled." This passage prophesies the ultimate humbling of human pride in the face of God's judgment.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe Bible encourages believers to adopt a posture of humility rather than loftiness. Jesus Christ exemplified this attitude, as described in
Philippians 2:5-8 : "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."
Believers are called to emulate Christ's humility, recognizing that true exaltation comes from God.
James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This principle is a reminder that loftiness in the eyes of God is achieved through humility and submission to His will.
In summary, the concept of loftiness in the Bible serves as a dual reminder of God's supreme majesty and the perils of human pride. While God is rightfully exalted, humans are cautioned to approach Him with humility, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a lofty manner or position; haughtily.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTYlof'-ti-li, lof'-ti-nes: The first form is only inPsalm 73:8, where it means "haughtily," as if from on high. The second is found only inJeremiah 48:29, where the loftiness of Moab also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit.
Lofty likewise means ' "haughty," "lifted up" (comparePsalm 131:1Isaiah 2:11Proverbs 30:13). InIsaiah 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.
Strong's Hebrew
4791. marom -- height... proudly (1). far above, dignity, haughty, height, most, on high one, place,
loftily,. From ruwm; altitude, ie Concretely (an elevated
...Library
Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men.
... in their case, we will say that, perhaps, with the view of slandering the creation
of God, in order that "unrighteousness may be spokenloftily, and that they...
A Death in the Desert
... send! Lofty designs must close in like effects;Loftily lying, Leave
him"still loftier than the world suspects, Living and dying.'....
Philippians ii. 11-May
... For until he had mentioned that He took the form of a servant, and while he was
speaking of His Divinity, behold howloftily he doth it, (loftily, I say...
By Divine Inspiration Philosophers Sometimes Hit on the Truth.
... images, by feigning the winds, or the air, or fire, or earth, or stones, or stocks,
or steel, or this universe, to be gods; and, pratingloftily of the...
After the Salutation, the Writer Declares that He Would...
... has "taste" (geuseos). [1454] Literally, "we ought more richly andloftily to approach
His fear.". [1455] Instead of, "to Him with fear," the reading of Cod....
Of Elevated Hands.
... But we more commend our prayers to God when we pray with modesty and humility, with
not even our hands tooloftily elevated, but elevated temperately and...
Christ's Friends
... Even if we do not think moreloftily of Jesus Christ than do those who regard Him
simply as the perfection of humanity, is it not beautiful and wonderful that...
Peace and victory
... Now you remember how emphatically andloftily, as one of the very key-notes of these
discourses, our Lord has spoken to us, in them, of 'dwelling in Him' as...
Before Egypt's Throne
... have arrived in Tanis.". "I have been on the way," she answeredloftily.
"The haste of the prince is unseemly. I would not fatigue...
Ernest Renan.
... (French ed. p.13, close of chap. i.). "Were the men who have mostloftily comprehended
God,"Cakya-Mouni, Plato, St. Paul, St. Francis d'Assisi, and St....
Thesaurus
Loftily (4 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTY.
...Loftily (4 Occurrences).
Job 36:22 Behold, God doeth
loftily in his power: Who is a teacher like unto him
...Loftiness (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The state or quality of being lofty. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia.LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTY. lof...
Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... noble; stately; characterized by pride; haughty. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.LOFTILY; LOFTINESS; LOFTY. lof'-ti-li, lof'-ti-nes...
Loftier (1 Occurrence)
Exalt (56 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) gives "and if my head exalt itself";
instead of "God exalteth by His, power" (Job 36:22), "God doethloftily in his...
Devising (18 Occurrences)
... Micah 2:3 Therefore, thus said Jehovah: Lo, I am devising against this family evil,
From which ye do not remove your necks, Nor walkloftily, for a time of...
Stately (11 Occurrences)
... 1. (superl.) Evincing state or dignity; lofty; majestic; grand; as, stately
manners; a stately gait. 2. (adv.) Majestically;loftily. Int....
Wickedly (34 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Psalms 73:8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly
concerning oppression: they speakloftily. (KJV DBY WBS NAS)....
Mock (43 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 73:8 They mock and speak wickedly of oppression, they speakloftily:
(DBY NAS). Psalms 74:10 How long, God, shall the adversary reproach?...
Corrupt (59 Occurrences)
... one. (DBY NAS NIV). Psalms 73:8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning
oppression: they speakloftily. (KJV WBS YLT). Proverbs...
Resources
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