Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and General Understanding:Loftiness, in a biblical context, often refers to an elevated state of mind or attitude, characterized by pride, arrogance, or self-exaltation. It can also denote physical height or grandeur, but more frequently, it is used metaphorically to describe a spiritual or moral condition that stands in opposition to humility and submission to God.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 2:11-12 : "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 highlights God's judgment against human pride and self-exaltation, emphasizing that only the LORD will be exalted.
2.
Isaiah 10:33 : "Behold, the Lord, the LORD of Hosts, will lop off the branches with terrifying power, and the tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled." Here, loftiness is associated with those who are high and mighty, who will be brought down by God's power.
3.
Isaiah 57:15 : "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 in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" This verse contrasts God's true loftiness with human pride, showing that God values humility and contrition.
Theological Implications:Loftiness, when associated with human pride, is consistently portrayed as a negative trait in Scripture. It is often linked with rebellion against God and a refusal to acknowledge His sovereignty. The Bible warns that such an attitude leads to downfall and destruction, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (
James 4:6).
Moral and Spiritual Lessons:1.
Humility Over Pride: The biblical teaching on loftiness serves as a reminder of the importance of humility. Believers are called to humble themselves before God, recognizing their dependence on Him and their need for His grace.
2.
God's Sovereignty: The passages concerning loftiness underscore the sovereignty of God. Human attempts at self-exaltation are futile in the face of God's ultimate authority and power.
3.
Judgment and Restoration: While God judges the lofty and proud, He also offers restoration to those who are humble and contrite. This dual theme of judgment and grace is central to the biblical narrative.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their own hearts for any traces of loftiness or pride. In relationships with others, they are to practice humility, considering others more significant than themselves (
Philippians 2:3). In their relationship with God, they are to submit to His will, acknowledging His greatness and their own limitations.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The state or quality of being lofty.
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
7863. si --loftiness...loftiness. Transliteration: si Phonetic Spelling: (see) Short Definition:
loftiness.
Word Origin from nasa Definition
loftiness NASB Word Usage
loftiness (1).
...1363. gobah -- height
... Word Origin from gabah Definition height NASB Word Usage dignity (1), haughtiness
(1), haughty (1), height (6), high (2),loftiness (1), lofty (1), pride (1...
1365. gabhuth -- haughtiness
... Word Origin from gabah Definition haughtiness NASB Word Usage pride (1), proud
(1).loftiness, lofty. From gabahh; pride --loftiness, lofty. see HEBREW gabahh....
4791. marom -- height
... above* (1), exalted (1), exalted places (1), haughtily (2), heaven (1), heavens
(1), height (4), heights (9), high (28), high places (2),loftiness (1), lofty...
7312. rum -- height, haughtiness
... Word Origin from rum Definition height, haughtiness NASB Word Usage haughtiness
(2), haughty (1), height (1),loftiness (2), self-exaltation* (1)....
Library
TheLoftiness of Humility
... SERMON XX. THELOFTINESS OF HUMILITY. 1 Peter v.5. Be clothed with humility: for
God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. This is St....
TheLoftiness of God
... SERMON XXXIX. THELOFTINESS OF GOD. Isaiah 57:15. For thus saith the high
and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy...
After Praising Judas' and Jonathan'sLoftiness of Mind, the...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XLI. After praising Judas' and
Jonathan'sloftiness of mind, the constancy of the martyrs in their?...
The Second Rill Enlightens the Understanding
... [52]. The incomprehensible richness andloftiness of the Divine Nature, its outpouring
generosity toward all in common, fills a man with wonder....
The Way of Death.
... hypocrisies, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness,
filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence,loftiness, boastfulness; 2...
John Chapter xiii. 10-15.
... Here no elation is possible toloftiness so great, no lie to the truth: the profit
is ours to be the subjects of suchloftiness, the servants of the truth....
That Our Irrational Passions have their Rise from Kindred with...
... elevation when he bids us constantly to "think those things that are above [1667] ;"
and so we find that every such motion, when elevated byloftiness of mind...
On the Faith and Piety of Theodosius Augustus.
... promised to pardon, and, being laid hold of by the discipline of the church, did
penance in such a way that the sight of his imperialloftiness prostrated made...
John Chapter vi. 15-44
... with them? Something, therefore, was meant by His escaping. What means,
He escaped? Hisloftiness could not be understood. For of...
On the Immeasurable Dignity of Temporal Suffering.
... she may not escape from Me; her ways I strew with tribulation, so that she may not
set the foot of her heart's desire anywhere except in theloftiness of My...
Thesaurus
Loftiness (10 Occurrences)... LOFTILY;
LOFTINESS; LOFTY.
... The second is found only in Jeremiah 48:29, where the
loftiness of Moab also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit.
...Loftily (4 Occurrences)
... LOFTILY;LOFTINESS; LOFTY.... The second is found only in Jeremiah 48:29, where the
loftiness of Moab also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit....
Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... LOFTILY;LOFTINESS; LOFTY.... The second is found only in Jeremiah 48:29, where the
loftiness of Moab also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit....
Haughtiness (11 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 2:17 Theloftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men
shall be brought low; and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day....
Overweening (3 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:29 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; hisloftiness,
and his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart....
Eminence (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An elevated position, either in rank, office,
or celebrity; social or moralloftiness; high rank; distinction; preferment....
Dignity (14 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Quality suited to inspire respect or reverence;loftiness and grace;
impressiveness; stateliness; -- said of //en, manner, style, etc....
Majesty (67 Occurrences)
... which inspires awe or reverence; grandeur; exalted dignity, whether proceeding from
rank, character, or bearing; imposingloftiness; stateliness; -- usually...
Pride (277 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Show; ostentation; glory. 7. (n.) Highest pitch; elevation reached;
loftiness; prime; glory; as, to be in the pride of one's life....
Conceit (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:29 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; hisloftiness,
and his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart....
Resources
How big is heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Hermon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about arrogance? | GotQuestions.orgLoftiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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