The verb refers to an elevation of self that goes beyond proper bounds. It pictures someone “lifting himself over” others, stepping onto a pedestal that belongs to God alone. Scripture associates such over-exaltation with danger, deception, and divine opposition.

Occurrences in Scripture

2 Corinthians 12:7 (twice)

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Only three expressions are recorded, yet they span the spectrum from a shepherd-apostle resisting pride to the final antichrist indulging in it.

In Paul’s Thorn Narrative (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Paul had been ushered into “surpassingly great revelations.” The Spirit led him to pray for relief, but the Lord answered with grace sufficient for weakness. The verb appears twice within the verse, framing the entire episode: “so that I would not be exalted”. The thorn, therefore, is not merely a personal trial; it is a God-appointed guardrail keeping gospel ministry from being shipwrecked by conceit.

Key observations:
• Revelation can tempt a servant of Christ to pride.
• God may employ affliction to restrain self-exaltation.
• True power is showcased through dependence, not display (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

In the Man of Lawlessness Prophecy (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

The same verb describes humanity’s ultimate rebel: “He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship”. Here the elevation is absolute and adversarial—an attempted usurpation of the divine throne.

The passage shows a progression: opposition ➔ self-exaltation ➔ enthronement ➔ self-deification. The word’s final New Testament appearance therefore warns that unchecked pride matures into open blasphemy.

Theological Significance

1. Pride is not a neutral flaw; it is a movement upward against God.
2. God actively resists pride in His servants (James 4:6) and will finally crush it in His enemies (Isaiah 2:11).
3. Humility is not optional; it is the only soil in which grace takes root. Paul’s thorn and Christ’s cross both testify that power flows downward before it is lifted up (Philippians 2:5-11).

Historical Reflection

Early church teachers consistently linked these verses. Chrysostom highlighted Paul’s thorn as a preventative cure for the very disease that will consume the man of sin. Augustine noted that self-exaltation turned angels into demons, whereas self-abasement turns sinners into saints.

Pastoral and Ministry Application

• Guard giftedness: Revelatory insight or public success must be tethered to dependence upon Christ.
• Interpret trials: Some hardships are specifically calibrated to keep a minister usable.
• Discern spiritual climate: The spirit of antichrist is already at work wherever men exalt themselves over God (1 John 4:3).
• Preach Christ’s descent: The antidote to self-exaltation is continual contemplation of the One who “humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:8).

Eschatological Dimension

What Paul feared in his own heart will one day be showcased globally in the lawless one—a stark reminder that personal pride, if not crucified, aligns with the final rebellion. Conversely, all who humble themselves under God’s mighty hand will be exalted by Him at the proper time (1 Peter 5:6).

Key Cross-References

Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 14:13-15; Daniel 11:36; Luke 14:11; Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 2:3-11; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5-6.